We are here to support all students who have self-identified as Indigenous, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and others, regardless of official status.
Our services are designed to support you in every aspect of university life, including academic guidance, mentorship, cultural enrichment, community building, and financial assistance. We recognize that each student’s journey is unique, and we are committed to addressing your individual academic, cultural, personal, and financial needs.
Whether you’re navigating your studies, connecting with your heritage, or seeking financial assistance, we’re here to ensure you have the resources and support to thrive. At City University, you are part of a vibrant community, and we are dedicated to helping you succeed every step of the way.
CityU in Canada’s Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
At City University in Canada, we recognize that we live, learn, and work on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples. We are grateful to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.
We honor the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and are committed to advancing reconciliation through education, equity, and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.
CityU in Canada is actively working to:
Integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives across our curriculum, teaching, and learning practices.
Support Indigenous student success through culturally relevant advising, scholarships, and community-based supports.
Foster inclusive and accountable spaces where Indigenous voices are heard, valued, and centered in institutional decisions.
Build respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations to co-create opportunities for education and healing.
Acknowledge colonial histories and our responsibility as educators and learners to engage in truth-telling and decolonization.
Our journey toward reconciliation is ongoing. We understand that meaningful change requires continuous listening, unlearning, and action. We are committed to walking alongside Indigenous Peoples with humility, respect, and a shared vision for a more just and equitable future.
CityU offers an Indigenous Student Scholarship! This scholarship is 25% of the quarterly tuition for each quarter for the duration of your studies at CityU.
City University in Canada (CityU) acknowledges and respects that we are on the traditional territories of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples. Each of our campuses resides on a different territory, each with their own distinct languages, culture, and traditions. In the spirit of reconciliation and in respect of the diversity among nations, we would like to acknowledge the territories for each of our campuses.
We acknowledge that our Vancouver, British Columbia campus is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the Coast Salish Nations of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Peoples.
We acknowledge that our Southern Vancouver Island campus is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples of the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.
We acknowledge that our Calgary campus is located on Treaty 7 Territory in Southern Alberta. The traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederation: the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood Tribe), Piikani (Peigan) Peoples and the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina (Sarcee), Îyâxe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda), and Métis Nations.
We acknowledge that our Edmonton campus is located on Treaty 6 Territory. These lands are the traditional territories of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Tsuut’ina (Sarcee), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), and Métis Nations.
The lands that we at CityU are on hold the history and cultural traditions of many Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and languages have been deeply damaged by the ongoing colonization of and biases against Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge these territories with respect to their heritage and communities. With this acknowledgment, we are committed to begin building and maintaining respectful relationships with local Indigenous communities.
Why Acknowledge Territories?
At the heart of reconciliation is a belief that Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples can exist together in a harmonious and respectful partnership. Reconciliation requires understanding the historical and ongoing colonization of Indigenous Peoples. Acknowledging the territories we are on is one of the first steps towards the understanding needed for reconciliation. Not only does acknowledging the land remind us that Indigenous Peoples lived on this territory long before us, but it gives us a moment to reflect on how we use and share our land with Indigenous Peoples. How does our use of the land support Indigenous communities? How could we be more supportive of Indigenous communities? It is a reminder that the well-being of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples relies on mutual respect and understanding, starting with learning about the land that we live, work, and learn upon.
I identify as First Nations with roots from the T’it’q’et Nation near Lillooet, British Columbia. I hold a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Work with an Indigenous specialization.
In my role as Indigenous Student Advisor, I support Indigenous students throughout their academic journey by providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance with academic, financial, cultural, and personal needs. I strive to create a welcoming space where students can access resources, explore cultural connections, and maintain strong ties to their heritage and community while pursuing their goals.
As the Indigenous Student Advisor, I am here to offer guidance and support to Indigenous students throughout their academic journey. Whether you need assistance with academics, finances, or navigating campus life, I’m here to help.
Supports:
Academic Support
I provide personalized help with:
Guidance with academic challenges
Inclusive learning resources
Liaising with professors and advisors
Together, we’ll make sure you have the resources and support to succeed academically.
Financial Support
Navigating funding options can be overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through:
Help with scholarships, grants, and loans
Assistance with applications
Connecting you with funding resources
I’m here to make sure you have access to the financial resources you need.
Cultural Support
A safe, inclusive environment is essential to thriving during your academic journey. I provide:
A safe space to share and connect
Workshops and activities that celebrate Indigenous culture
Opportunities to honor your heritage while you study
Let’s celebrate and honor your heritage while you succeed in your education.
Social Support
I’ll help you tap into:
Campus and community resources
Opportunities for personal growth and community involvement
Guidance on admission pathways and third-party scholarships
You’re not alone, let me connect you with the tools and resources to help navigate your journey
Supporting Non-Indigenous Students: Fostering Cultural Awareness and Inclusion
As the Indigenous Student Advisor, I offer support to Non-Indigenous students by fostering cultural awareness and understanding of Indigenous histories, traditions, and current issues. I provide resources and opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous perspectives, promoting respect, inclusion, and meaningful dialogue. My goal is to enhance students’ academic and personal growth by connecting them with relevant cultural experiences and ensuring a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
Personal Support
Navigating campus life
Accessing community resources
Guidance for your overall well-being
Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections provide students with an opportunity to engage with their heritage and connect with others, whether you’re looking to bond with peers who share similar cultural backgrounds or are just beginning your own journey of cultural discovery. We offer workshops on a quarterly basis, and participants are welcome to sign up as often or as infrequently as they wish.
Drop-in Hours
I offer flexible drop-in hours, both on-campus and virtually, so you can connect at a time that works best for you.
Feel free to reach out, and let’s work together to make your academic experience as supportive and successful as possible!
Resources
OUR COMMITMENT
CityU in Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation and supporting Indigenous learners, educators, and communities.
From coast to coast to coast, we honor the enduring presence, contributions, and rights of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples across these lands.
As an institution without physical borders, we encourage all members of the CityU community to learn about and acknowledge the Indigenous territories they are located on, and to engage meaningfully with local Indigenous communities and histories.
RESOURCES
Indigenous Student Resources
School Resources
We are committed to supporting Indigenous learners on their educational journey. Explore the financial assistance options available to help make your studies more accessible:
Indigenous Student Tuition Reduction Grant
All Indigenous students are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction on all courses. Tuition reduction will continue if GPA is maintained.
Full Tuition Scholarship for First-Year Students
Incoming Indigenous students can apply for a 100% tuition scholarship, covering the full duration of their academic program. Limited awards available—apply early.
Needs-Based Scholarship for Indigenous Students
This scholarship provides financial support to Indigenous students facing unexpected financial hardship. – Awarded twice per year – Amount varies based on financial need
Flexible Payment Plan
Manage tuition costs with our quarterly payment plan:
$25 setup fee per quarter
First payment is due by the 15th of the month before the start of each quarter
Connect with Me
As the Indigenous Student Advisor, I’m here to help you navigate funding options, apply for scholarships, or talk through any financial challenges you may be facing. Whether you’re just starting your application or need support during your studies, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
At CityU, students are invited to voluntarily self-identify as Indigenous. Doing so allows access to a range of support services, cultural programming, and community connections. Participation in self-identification is entirely optional and kept strictly confidential. Your information will not be shared, as outlined under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It will be used solely to enhance the services and resources offered to Indigenous students at CityU.
Benefits of Self-Identification:
Be informed about upcoming events and initiatives
Access academic and cultural supports
Build community connections
CityU Indigenous financial resources
Who Can Self-Identify? Any student who identifies as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit may choose to self-identify at any time during their academic journey. No documentation or proof of ancestry, Status, or citizenship is required.
At CityU in Canada, we recognize the importance of understanding and supporting Indigenous learners. The following definition, provided by Statistics Canada, helps guide our self-identification practices:
“Indigenous identity refers to whether the person identified with the Indigenous peoples of Canada. This includes those who identify as First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), and/or those who report being Registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada), and/or those who have membership in a First Nation or Indian band. Aboriginal peoples of Canada (referred to here as Indigenous peoples) are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2) as including the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.”
How to Self-Identify: To self-identify, simply complete the designated form. Your information will be securely stored and used solely to enhance Indigenous student services, supports, and educational experiences at CityU.
Questions? If you have any questions about Indigenous self-identification, please contact Indigenous Advisor Keeley Powers for support and guidance. She can be reached at powerskeeley@cityu.edu.
Your participation is entirely voluntary, and by self-identifying, you help strengthen CityU’s commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and student-centered support.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
