Get paid
Receive $600 for 6 weeks of real-world work experience. Don't just learn – earn!
Expand your network
Link up with Indigenous industry experts, expanding your circle for exciting career opportunities!
Meet friends and community
Find other students on campus to learn and grow with!
Experience the Trail Runners Sprint
Over six weeks, participants will:
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Work in teams of three to explore a real-world challenge identified by an Indigenous-owned company, community organization, or impact-driven business.
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Co-create solutions that reflect both community priorities and cultural values.
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Engage in circles of learning and reflection, guided by Indigenous mentors, Elders, and experienced facilitators.
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Learn by doing, using approaches like storytelling, systems thinking, and design tools that complement Indigenous ways of knowing.
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Share outcomes through storytelling, conversation, and community presentations rather than competitive judging.
Program details
Session info
Duration: 5 weeks
Format: Team-based, blending in-person and online gatherings
Time commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week, including team meetings, mentoring circles, and reflection time
Location: Iniskim Centre (on campus) with options for remote or community-based participation
Funding: Approx. $600 honorarium for completion and participation
Learning focus:
Participants will explore the principles of Indigenous innovation, collective leadership, and relational design. They will integrate Indigenous and Western innovation tools using Etuaptmumk (“two-eyed seeing” approach)
Eligibility
Open to:
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First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and non-status Indigenous students, as well as allied students from any discipline or program of study.
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Indigenous-owned companies or community organizations seeking to host a project or challenge.
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Non-Indigenous students and partners ready to work respectfully and collaboratively in support of Indigenous-led innovation.
All participants are expected to approach the Sprint with openness, humility, and respect for Indigenous knowledge and leadership.
Applications
Please complete the form below to apply for Winter 2026 admission. Applications close on February 26th, 2026.
If you would like guidance on your application, or to explore how your company or community might partner in the Sprint, please contact our team — we are happy to co-design your involvement.
Get in contact
Marcedes Moosewaypayo
Program Manager
Passionate about supporting Indigenous communities, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change, Marcedes is a proud member of the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, Saskatchewan. She recently graduated from the Bachelor of Business Administration (General Management) program at Mount Royal University, with double minors in Indigenous Studies and Social Innovation. Her work is grounded in community, collaboration, and creating sustainable impact.
For additional information on our other programs, contact us at innovate@mtroyal.ca
FAQs
Applying
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form to apply. If you require any support with filling out your application, email (program manager contact) for assistance.
Complete the application form with the necessary details and confirm your availability for all mandatory sessions. Attendance in all sessions is required to receive the $600 funding. If you have any questions about the application, reach out to Marcedes Moosewaypayo at mmoos304@mtroyal.ca.
Why should I apply?
Students that apply and participate in our programs see a significant increase in their personal and professional growth. By participating in our program, you'll be exposed to new ways of thinking and business concepts that aren’t taught in a classroom, which can be instrumental in shaping your future endeavors. You'll have the chance to work inside a business and learn essential skills that are highly relevant to your career path, enabling you to stay ahead in an ever-changing job market, and build your network.
What types of students are applying?
We seek imaginative individuals eager to explore innovation, acquire career-enhancing skills, and make a positive impact on the world. If this resonates with you, apply now!
To qualify, you must be a full-time or part-time MRU student enrolled in a degree or transfer program with good academic standing. Unfortunately, open studies students are ineligible for our programming. However, we warmly welcome you to join our community events and benefit from our mentoring and coaching services, extended to students campus-wide.
General FAQs
How big are the teams?
You'll be grouped into teams of four students, each from various educational backgrounds. Our aim is to curate diverse teams, allowing you to leverage your collective knowledge and expertise to tackle challenges presented by your designated problem mentor.
Who will we work with as a mentor?
We make every effort to match you with your preferred problem mentor. Upon acceptance into the program, you'll have the opportunity to rank your top mentors. We strive to accommodate most students with their first or second choice, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding mentorship experience. Please be aware that while we strive to pair you with your first or second mentor of choice, we can not guarantee this will always be the case.
Will the Innovation Sprint be in-person or virtual?
All sessions take place in the Iniskim Centre (T110) and are conducted in-person. Occasionally, there may be off-campus sessions, but rest assured, we will provide ample advance notice for your convenience.
What is the final project?
Rather than submitting a final project, you and your team will have the exciting opportunity to showcase your solution, along with the journey that led you there. This presentation will take place during the program's last week, where you'll share your remarkable insights with your fellow peers and problem mentor.
Is this an internship?
This is not an internship; rather, it's a transformative work-integrated learning experience where you'll collaborate closely with your problem mentor and their business, collectively tackling a business challenge. This opportunity allows you to enrich your resume with invaluable hands-on experience, positioning you strongly for future internships or post-graduation positions.
Do I need to be a business student to take part?
Whether you are pursuing any degree program across campus, the Innovation Sprint program welcomes you. Our inclusive approach values diverse perspectives and knowledge, making it the perfect fit for students with varying degrees of business experience. Rest assured, your background and expertise will be highly appreciated and contribute significantly to your team's success.
If I have participated in a past Sprint, can I apply again?
We are excited that you enjoyed it so much you’d like to reapply. We want to ensure students get ample opportunity to take part so we encourage you to apply to our other programs we offer. You can check out our program page to learn more or reach out to our team to chat about the opportunities we can offer you.