Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Launches Indigenous Graduate Fellowship
In a significant move towards fostering diversity and inclusivity in graduate education, the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba has announced the establishment of an Indigenous Graduate Fellowship.
Launched in November 2023, the fellowship is designed to support Canadian Indigenous graduate students pursuing part-time thesis-based Master’s or PhD programs within the faculty.
“The presence and contributions of Indigenous students in graduate programs at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is not just a commitment to diversity; it’s an investment in the future of health care,” said Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
“By promoting an inclusive learning environment that embraces Indigenous perspectives, we are cultivating a generation of researchers who bring unique insights, cultural competence and greater understanding of the health needs of Indigenous communities. This diversity enriches our academic community and strengthens our research endeavours.”
The fellowship provides annual funding of $9,500 for master’s programs and $12,000 for PhD studies. Recipients must be self-declared as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit person from Canada, have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and be in good standing with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Hope Anderson, vice-dean of graduate and post-doctoral studies in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about the fellowship’s potential impact on Indigenous graduate education. “This initiative reflects our commitment to providing meaningful support to Indigenous students in their academic journey within the health sciences,” said Anderson.
“Our hope is that this fellowship not only alleviates financial barriers but also serves as a catalyst for increased representation. By fostering an environment that values and supports Indigenous voices, we aspire to see a transformative ripple effect on the future landscape of health research, promoting diversity, equity and excellence in the years to come.”
For more details and application instructions, interested individuals are encouraged to contact rfhsgraduateawards [at] umanitoba [dot] ca. The application deadline for the Indigenous Graduate Fellowship is February 1, 2024.