From 2017-2019, we have worked in partnership with two First Nation communities in Manitoba to gain community insight into what it means to be a part of the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program (IYMP) and how the mentors experienced mino-bimaadiziwin through mentorship. While there are many variations of this concept, mino-bimaadiziwin is an Anishinaabe term that means “living in a good way” which incorporates the mind, body, and spirit of an individual. _x000D_
_x000D_
IYMP is an after-school program, which focuses on living a healthy life through physical activity, healthy eating, relationship building, and culture. Indigenous mentees (age 10) are mentored by Indigenous mentors ranging from grades 7-12. This program is designed to improve wholistic health in youth social, physical, mental, and spiritual health through physical activities and games. _x000D_
_x000D_
Throughout the research processes, methodologies such as the use of talking circles, photovoice, participatory action research and Foley’s (2003) Indigenous standpoint theory were used which highlight the importance of Indigenous peoples engaging in Indigenous-based research. Traditional languages were used where possible, and knowledge sharing and relationship building between the researcher and the participants occurred. This situated the Indigenous mentors as experts, knowledge keepers and researchers, and us as learners. We present to you our stories._x000D_
_x000D_
We believe that our presentation would fit well in the Decolonizing Methodologists: Critical reflections on anti-colonial research session as we can critically reflect on our experiences and our ways of conducting research in partnership with both First Nation communities.