Education and research

Education and research are powerful pathways for reconciliation, rights recognition, and systemic change.��

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Relations (OVPIR) works with Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and partners to ensure that Indigenous knowledges, languages, and worldviews are��honored��across ��ɫֱ��’s campuses and classrooms.

Through student supports, learning opportunities, and Indigenous-led research partnerships, we are helping to transform how education is experienced and how research is done — in ways that respect Indigenous sovereignty, integrity, and self-determination.

Information for Indigenous students Learning and awareness Research and partnerships

An Indigenous drummer leads a procession through an auditorium filled with standing students.

For Indigenous students

Admissions and pathways

Programs��are available with the aim to help Indigenous students prepare for and thrive at ��ɫֱ�� in culturally grounded ways.��

Schulich School of Law Indigenous Blacks & Mi'kmaq Initiative

��ɫֱ�� Medical School recognizes that Mi’kmaw, Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati, and other Indigenous people face unique and unjust barriers in their journey to medical school. The Indigenous Admissions Pathway seeks to identify and mitigate these barriers.

A group of Indigenous and Black students participate in a lecture.

Indigenous Student Access Pathway

The Indigenous Student Access Pathway offers First Nations, Métis and Inuit students a supportive one-year program to begin their university journey.

Three students walk past an informational Mi'kma'ki mural on ��ɫֱ��'s Agriculture campus.

Transition Year Program (TYP)

��ɫֱ�� offers the transition year program that supports African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students in achieving academic and professional success.

Studying and socializing at the Indigenous Student Centre.

Learn more about pathways programs

For information on pathways and admissions for each Faculty, read ��ɫֱ�� pathway programs: Supports for Indigenous undergraduate students.

Download the Indigenous Students Pathways Guide [PDF - 5 MB]

Indigenous student supports

Fostering belonging, academic success, and leadership through scholarships and bursaries, dedicated student centres, and peer networks.

On-campus student support

The��Indigenous Student Centre��located��on��Studley��Campus,��and the��new��Indigenous Student Centre��located��on Sexton Campus��(Emera IDEA building, D building, Room 502),��, and related gathering spaces provide community, connection, and access to cultural programming, events, and supports.

The Elders in Residence program provides students with access to Indigenous elders for guidance, counsel, and support��

Explore more campus spaces Discover the Elders in Residence program

Funding and financials

Indigenous-specific bursaries, scholarships, and awards��are available at ��ɫֱ�� to��help reduce financial barriers and recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.��

Learn more about Indigenous scholarships and bursaries

Student groups

��(Facebook group)

A student society providing recognition and representation of Indigenous peoples throughout ��ɫֱ��'s campuses.

(Facebook group)

DILSA is a source of support and raises awareness of Indigenous perspectives to both the community within the ��ɫֱ�� Law School and to the public.

Indigenous research and partnerships

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Relations (OVPIR) supports researchers in conducting Indigenous-related research that is ethical, respectful, and grounded in Indigenous worldviews.��

Researchers working with Indigenous communities are expected to engage early, meaningfully, and continuously, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems, protocols, and priorities guide all stages of the research process.

Indigenous research is understood as a relationship- and kinship-based process. Researchers are encouraged to approach partnerships in the spirit of the Peace and Friendship Treaties and��Etuaptmumk��(Two-Eyed Seeing), recognizing the value of Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. Research conducted in��Mi’kma’ki��must be informed by L’nu knowledge systems and community expectations.��

Researchers must adhere to relevant ethical and governance frameworks, including��® (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession), Mi’kmaw-specific protocols such as��, align with the��and institutional requirements through the��ɫֱ�� Research Ethics Board. These frameworks ensure that Indigenous communities��maintain��authority over their knowledge, data, and how research outcomes are used and shared.

OVPIR works alongside researchers to support respectful partnerships, navigate Indigenous research protocols, and strengthen community-led and co-developed research. Through these approaches, Indigenous research at ��ɫֱ�� contributes to meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities, advances higher learning, and supports community priorities.��

Indigenous research collaboration

Indigenous research is collaborative and driven by community needs and ambitions.

We offer supports to Indigenous communities, entities and organizations by facilitating meaningful research collaborations and opportunities with ��ɫֱ�� researchers.

Connect with Dal's Indigenous research faciliator

Learning and awareness

The OVPIR supports opportunities for all members of the ��ɫֱ�� community to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, and contemporary realities. Learning is an ongoing responsibility — and a core part of reconciliation.

The opportunities below represent just some of the activities taking place at ��ɫֱ��. If you have an opportunity to add to the list, please contact us.

Workshops and training

Cultural safety and humility workshops, Treaty education, and sessions on Indigenous rights, UNDRIP, and the Calls to Action/Calls for Justice.

Check back for details of upcoming workshops and training.

Public events and dialogues

Guest lectures, panel discussions, and community conversations featuring Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, and researchers.

Check back for details of upcoming public events.

Courses and academic pathways

Programs such as the Indigenous Studies Minor and Indigenous-focused law, health, and social science offerings led by Indigenous scholars and community partners.

Self-guided resources

Guides on terminology, protocols, land acknowledgements, and recommended readings to support ongoing personal and professional learning.

Centre for Learning and Teaching: Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing

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