Requirements

With an understanding that Indigenous learners can face specific barriers or challenges when pursuing higher education, schools and programs within McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences have facilitated admissions streams for applicants with Indigenous North American (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) ancestry. This process is intended to provide equitable access to Indigenous applicants and aligns with the intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Applicants wishing to apply through McMaster’s FIAP need to complete the self-identification application in addition to  McMaster university and program-specific application processes. The FIAP self-identification application is submitted to McMaster’s Indigenous Health Task Force (IHTF) through the online application housed on the IHLL website. Incomplete applications past the program(s) admission deadline will not be considered.

Note: The IHLL Learner Services Coordinator does not review FIAP applications nor do they accept documentation for the FIAP.

The completed application must include all parts of sections A through C.

PART A:  LETTER OF CONSIDERATION: The letter is used by the reviewers on the IHTF to better understand the social/cultural context of the applicant. The letter of consideration should not exceed 800 words and must include:

1. A request for consideration under the Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Process;
2. A brief overview of the applicant’s academic and personal background that highlights the reasons and motivation for chosen health profession(s);
3. A declaration of self-identification as an Indigenous person with a response to the following questions:
   • Why are you requesting consideration under FIAP?
   • What does your Indigenous identity mean to you and how do you expect that it will influence you in your program of study?

PART B: DECLARATION OF ANCESTRY DOCUMENTATION: The applicant must provide valid documentation regarding their First Nation (status and non-status), Métis, Inuit, Elected Band Council, Tribal Council, Treaty, community, nation or organizational affiliation. Documents must be clear photocopies, scans or photographs. FIAP will not accept genealogies or membership applications in process.

Accepted documentation may include:

• A copy of a valid Certificate of Indian Status or Treaty card;
• A copy of a valid Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities;
• A copy of a membership card from a Métis registry recognized by the Métis National Council (Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation British Columbia);
• A copy of a membership card from a Métis Settlement General Council community.
• Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or on the band list of an individual band, or on the Inuit roll;
• Written confirmation of nationhood in a federally recognized band council which has its own citizenship code; or
• A self-declaration of Indigenous (status or non-status) identity by the candidate with supporting documentation from either an official in a recognized Indigenous organization or a relative in an Indigenous community.

The IHTF reserves the right to verify the documentation submitted.

PART C:  LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation from an Indigenous community that outlines why they support the applicant seeking consideration through FIAP. Acceptable recommendations can be provided by diverse Indigenous communities/organizations; for example: Elders, Friendship Centres, teachers/professors, guidance/academic counselors, mentors, or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s attributes and can clearly speak to the applicant as an Indigenous person.  The letter of recommendation should be typed in 12-point font and not exceed 1000 words. Letters should be on letterhead and signed by the writer.

*Oral Recommendation: Applicants may request an oral recommendation for those referees with accessibility issues or Elders.  Applicants must provide the name, phone number and best times to reach their referee. The IHTF will make two attempts to reach the referee. This time must be between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST, Monday-Friday and no later than two weeks after the program application deadline. Organizations with letterhead may not request an oral interview.

PART D: ENGAGEMENT WITH THE (ABORIGINAL) INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY: Applying to McMaster through the FIAP is an agreement by the applicant to meet with the Faculty Advisor or Executive Director of the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge twice a year. The objectives of these meetings are to ensure the applicant is meeting their academic goals; are aware of the multiple supports available to them (scholarships, bursaries, tutoring, mentorship, Elders, advocacy, professional development, etc.) In addition, students are provided with a connection to the Indigenous communities (Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, Indigenous Student Services, undergraduate and graduate student groups) at McMaster.

HOW THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED: Members of the IHTF will review the applications. Applications will then be endorsed by the IHTF for consideration under the facilitated admissions process for the program(s) applied for, or recommended for consideration in the general pool. An endorsement by the IHTF of an applicant does not ensure acceptance to a program. It allows the applicant to apply under the Indigenous-specific criteria of the program. Applicants must still complete all program and supplementary applications. The IHTF membership includes the Faculty Advisor and Executive Director of IHLL (Learner Services Coordinator does not review files), Indigenous Faculty, an Indigenous community representative and an Indigenous health professional or health organization member, an Indigenous graduate or undergraduate student or IHLL Mentor, and Elder. Applicants will receive an email when the decision is made and all decisions of the IHTF are final.

NOTE: Only one FIAP application is necessary if applying to more than one program within the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. Applicants must be mindful of the various deadline dates if applying to more than one program using the FIAP.

If you are applying to a Faculty of Health Sciences Program and have previously received FIAP Self-Id approval by the IHTF you do not need to reapply through the FIAP. Please email IHLL (ihll@mcmaster.ca) before the program application deadline identifying your program application, your FIAP approval and the original year provided.

Approved September 19, 2016 Indigenous Health Task Force
Approved April 24, 2017 Indigenous Education Council
Approved July 5, 2017 Health Sciences Education Council
Approved September 27, 2017 FHS Faculty Executive Committee
Approved October 17, 2017 Graduate Council
Approved November 8, 2017 Senate