Student Resources
Incoming Student Support:
Staff from our office are available to assist First Nations, Metis and Inuit applicants through the application process and the transition to post-secondary studies. We can provide support, information and advocacy for Indigenous applicants. We can also assist students in accessing Indigenous-specific services on campus and in the greater Hamilton community. We can also help navigate other McMaster services and opportunities like academic advising, bursaries, scholarships, or student wellness.
Every year, ISP has the privilege of hosting an Elder in Residence.
This person comes to ISP weekly and does crafts with students, provides advice, or lends a supportive ear if you need it. Whether you are enrolled the Indigenous Studies Program Degree or another program on campus you are always welcome to participate in the Elder in Residence Program.
Visiting Elder:
Every academic term, ISP also has the opportunity to bring in an Elder to share cultural knowledge with the community. Refreshments are provided during these monthly workshops and all are welcome.
Scholarship Opportunities for Indigenous Students
All prospective and current First Nations, Metis and Inuit applicants are encouraged to using the Government of Canada Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool and continue to the Bursaries & Scholarship Opportunities page to review the partial list of scholarship opportunities.
ISP has been building community relationships since its inception in 1992
The advantage of having Indigenous instructors, many from the local area, has allowed students to access a more multi-faceted education. Students have the opportunity to experience:
- Workshops on corn harvesting and its many usages.
- Rafting and portaging through the many water systems located near the campus.
- Medicine walks that explore indigenous plants to the area and their usages.
- And many more unique learning experiences.