Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program

The Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program is awarded annually to three PhD graduate students and two MA graduate students who are beginning their studies in the Faculty of Education’s MA and PhD programs.

This program strives to foster academic excellence and innovation in Indigenous scholarship and Indigenous research, increase Indigenous student representation in the Faculty of Education’s MA and PhD programs, and reduce social and economic barriers that disproportionately hinder Indigenous student access and completion of graduate-level studies.

This scholarship also builds on recent investments in new faculty member appointments in Indigenous Education and growth in support services offered through the Office of Indigenous Education.

Scholarship Values

MA - $10,000 per year for two years + any Faculty-sourced MA funding

PhD - $16,000 per year for five years + Western’s guaranteed PhD funding

Eligibility

Awarded annually to three Indigenous students who are beginning their PhD studies and to two Indigenous students who are beginning their MA studies at Western’s Faculty of Education. Selection will be based on complete submission of all application materials received by the deadline.

Important note: Applicants may apply to the Faculty of Education’s scholarship for students living with disabilities and the Faculty of Education’s scholarship for Indigenous students. However, successful applicants are awarded only one of these scholarships.

Ancestral Identification

To be eligible for the Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program, applicants must self identify as Indigenous and submit verification of Indigenous Identity (Indian Status, Metis Citizenship, Inuit Trust card, a letter from band or community representative or an affidavit).

Applications

To apply, please send all required application materials to Chett Monague (Indigenous Program Coordinator) at the following: indigenoused@uwo.ca. In the email message subject line write “Indigenous Graduate Student Scholarship, last name, first Initial”. Application details are outlined below.

Application Deadline

August 30, 2021 (11:59 PM EST)

Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program Checklist

The following is the checklist for a complete Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program Application (further information is provided below under Application Details):

  • Verification of Indigenous Identity (Indian Status, Metis Citizenship, Inuit Trust card, a letter from band or community representative or an affidavit)
  • Two Reference Letters: one academic reference letter (e.g., thesis supervisor or course instructor) and one reference letter from an Indigenous community leader, elder, or mentor (who can confirm the applicant’s connection and contributions to Indigenous community)
  • Essay (approximately 500-words).
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

APPLICATION DETAILS

Verification of Indigenous Identity

The Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program is available to Indigenous students who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. Proof of ancestry can be provided in one of several formats and must be included with the application submission: Indian status card, Métis Nation citizenship card, Inuit Trust Card or a letter from band or community representative, affidavit stating the reason why such documents cannot be attained.

Reference Letters  

Applications must include two reference letters that consist of one academic letter (e.g., letter from a thesis supervisor or course instructor) and one letter from an Indigenous community leader, elder, or mentor (who can confirm the applicant’s connection and contributions to Indigenous community).

Essay   

All applicants must submit an essay (approximately 500 words) where they self-identify as Indigenous and describe their academic achievements and their connection and contributions to their Indigenous community. The essay will also outline how the award will advance their future studies and the potential contribution for meaningful impacts on Indigenous communities. The essay may include description of an applicant’s circumstances relating to any systemic or financial barriers faced in education or in life.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In academia, a CV is a comprehensive record of education, scholarly and professional activities, publications, and other academic achievements. All applicants must submit a copy of their CV. The CV must include a personal summary that contains the applicant’s full name, email address and other contact information.

Adjudication of Scholarships

Complete applications will be reviewed and selected by a Committee assembled and chaired by the Director of Indigenous Education and include Indigenous faculty members with expertise in the field of Indigenous Education.

Contact

For more information about the Indigenous Graduate Student Scholarship Program, please contact Chett Monague (Indigenous Program Coordinator) at the following: indigenoused@uwo.ca.