A recent UWinnipeg graduate has been named one of Canada’s top 150 researchers by Mitacs — a national, not-for-profit organization that designs and delivers research and training programs.
Aliraza Alidina graduated from the UWinnipeg’s Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) in Indigenous Development program in the fall of 2017. He is one of four Manitoba researchers on the list and is recognized for his work on Dr. Jan Stewart’s national project to examine the best practices for supporting refugee and newcomer youth.
According to Mitacs, the list is a showcase of researchers “whose dedication and vision have impacted our past and will inspire our future. They exemplify the creativity, diversity, and tenacity that make Canada a wonderful place to live.”
While at UWinnipeg, Alidina’s master’s research focused on fostering safe spaces for dialogue between Indigenous peoples and newcomers and developing an orientation toolkit for newcomers. He received the Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship from the Winnipeg Foundation to further develop this project with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg.
You can watch his Three Minute Thesis presentation on this topic below. Alidina — who is also a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship recipient — took home the top prize for this presentation and went on to represent UWinnipeg at the Western Regional Three Minute Thesis Competition.
Alidina completed his undergrad at Toronto’s York University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Specialized BA (Hons) in International Development Studies. His focus on international development stems from his passion for social justice and his experience growing up in Burundi and traveling to more than 10 countries, where he was exposed to war, poverty and developmental challenges.
He is currently working for Newcomer Employment and Education Development Services in Winnipeg.
