Indigenous Undergraduate Research Assistantship

The Indigenous Undergraduate Research Assistantships (IURA) are meant to stimulate First Nations, Métis and Inuit students' interest in research and to encourage students to consider pursuing graduate studies. The students will gain research experience, further their insight into their field of study, work with faculty and learn the value of a graduate degree, while earning $15.50 per hour for full-time work over a 16-week period (Total of $9,027 based on 35 hrs/week for 16 weeks, plus 4% vacation pay).

The IURA program is competitive and applicants must have a cumulative average of at least 70% and be returning to study at the University of Guelph in a bachelor program in the fall semester immediately after the term of employment.

All disciplines are encouraged to apply.  There are two assistantships available for summer 2023. Students are eligible to hold the IURA multiple times.

Once notified, the successful recipients are expected to find a faculty supervisor to work with. If required, the recipient can request assistance from the Associate Vice-President (Academic) or the Assistant Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives) by contacting Cara Wehkamp at cwehkamp@uoguelph.ca.

How to Apply

1. Complete the Indigenous Undergraduate Research Assistantship (IURA) Application Form including the upload of your resume and unofficial transcript (accessed through WebAdvisor).

2. IURA applicants are required to confirm their First Nations, Inuit or Métis identity by uploading the evidence outlined below to the Indigenous Identity Confirmation Secure Link as a PDF.

DEADLINE: January 29, 2023.

 

Indigenous Identity Confirmation

In response to a recommendation from the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View, and following an engagement process with First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, staff, faculty and community members, U of G is implementing an Indigenous identity confirmation process for some student awards, scholarships, bursaries and opportunities including the IURA. 

Please submit one of the following for review:

Option 1: Documentary Evidence

1. A copy of the front and back of one of the following:
  • Indian status card issued by the Government of Canada;
  • Métis citizenship card from the
    • Métis Nation-Saskatchewan,
    • Métis Nation of Alberta,
    • Métis Nation British Columbia
    • Métis Nation of Ontario,
    • Manitoba Métis Federation,
    • Northwest Territory Métis Nation; or
    • Métis Settlements General Council showing connection to a Métis Settlement of Alberta;
  • Inuit enrolment card issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies including Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik or Inuvialuit;
  • Land claim beneficiary card; or
  • American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized

2. A copy of the front and back of a parent’s or grandparent’s Indian status card, Métis citizenship card, Inuit enrolment card, land claim beneficiary card or US tribal citizenship documentation, as outlined above, along with the individuals’ long-form birth certificate or baptismal certificate that shows family connection

3. A letter from one of the organizations, governments or nations outlined above, on letterhead with contact information that includes the individuals’ name and information confirming their ancestry, kinship and citizenship

Option 2: Statement and Other Evidence

If the individual does not possess the documentary evidence outlined in option 1., they may submit a statement and other documentary evidence about their ancestry and kinship connections to an inherent and recognized First Nation, Inuit or Métis nation, treaty, land claim, territory or region for review. Depending on the individual circumstances, one or more forms of documentary evidence (e.g., oral or written format) may be required.

Evidence from option 1. or 2. and your name and student ID should be submitted to Indigenous Initiatives through the Indigenous Identity Confirmation Secure Link as a PDF.

Evidence may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

If it is determined that additional information is required, the individual will be contacted to discuss their agreement to the next steps which may include:

  • Contacting the organizations, governments or nations providing the documentary evidence for further information and confirmation; and/or
  • Consulting with external experts, as necessary.

Please note that identity confirmation does not guarantee IURA selection, as the pool of candidates is competitive. 

For more information about Indigenous Identity confirmation at U of G visit indigenous.uoguelph.ca/identity or contact Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@uoguelph.ca.

For Indigenous student support contact the Indigenous Student Centre at indigenous.student@uoguelph.ca.