Indigenous Student Resources
On this page, you'll find resources to enhance your undergraduate experience as an Indigenous BCom student in our community. The UBC Sauder School of Business aims to support Indigenous BCom students through exclusive programs, awards, and learning spaces.
Rebuilding of Indigenous Economies
A message from Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, our Executive Director of Indigenous Business Initiatives & Engagements:
UBC Sauder of School of Business is committed to the rebuilding of Indigenous economies in alignment with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). We recognize that achieving reconciliation will not be possible without vibrant Indigenous economies.
To take meaningful reconciliatory action, UBC Sauder faculty and staff commit to ongoing cultural awareness training and learning of Indigenous pedagogy models. The two-eyed seeing approach will be a key factor in building bridges and fostering better relationships that support Indigenous students and communities. Guided by and rooted in the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan, upholding safe student spaces and experiences is a top priority.
Indigenous-led economic strategy is critical to the growth of Indigenous communities in Canada. Developing transformational business pathways ensure creative opportunities that will build a future generation of leaders. Interweaving traditional Indigenous pedagogy models with western theories will provide new platforms that allow positive growth in Indigenous communities. The unique advantage of Indigenous visionaries and entrepreneurs is the connection to cultural identity and their values system. Through these teachings they will rise to rebuild their Indigenous economies and be part of the economic fabric of Canada.
Academic support for Indigenous BCom students
UBC Sauder actively works towards being an inclusive and supportive space for students of all backgrounds. Dedicated to providing you with academic and cultural support, we offer academic advising services to help you meet your educational and personal goals at UBC.
Academic Advisors, Jessica Pilfold and Galina Garkova, work specifically with Indigenous BCom students and are the first point of contact for:
- Course planning
- Degree requirements
- Academic concession
- Graduation checks
- On-campus community
- ...and more
First Nations House of Learning
Want to learn more about UBC's Indigenous community? Visit the First Nations House of Learning website to learn about UBC Vancouver's commitment to Indigenous engagement across campus and beyond. Here, you'll find information about UBC's Indigenous services, communities, and more.
Resources for Indigenous UBC Students
Ensure you have the right tools to navigate your student experience at UBC and find out what resources are available specifically for you.
Find community
Looking to find other students just like you? The First Nations Longhouse serves as a “home away from home,” as well as an academic, social, spiritual, and cultural hub for Indigenous students attending UBC. As an Indigenous student, you have exclusive access to facilities located inside this resource, including study spaces, computer labs, and more, whilst interacting with other Indigenous members from across campus.
Events and Programs are shared via the First Nations House of Learning - Talking Stick Newsletter
Discover academic supports
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Mental Health Services
Medical Services
Student Advocacy
Spitz Fellows Program for Indigenous Women
Students in the BCom program who identify as an Indigenous woman are eligible to apply for the Spitz Fellows Program. The Program is open to direct entry (from high school), transfer, and current students who demonstrate academic achievement, community engagement, tenacity, leadership skills, and service to others. As a Spitz Fellow, you'll receive an award of at least $10,000 per academic year and be a part of a unique community within UBC Sauder.
Awards available for current Indigenous students
In addition to the scholarships and awards available for general UBC students, these are some awards that are exclusively available to Indigenous BCom students. For a full list of awards and information regarding the application process and eligibility, visit: mybcom.sauder.ubc.ca/courses-money-and-enrolment/scholarships-funding. Please note that award application timelines may vary per award.
Ch’nook Scholars Program
Scholarships for Indigenous BCom students in Alberta and British Columbia. Ch'nook Scholars receive two $1,000 scholarships ($2,000 total), expenses-paid attendance at two Ch'nook Scholars Regional Gatherings, opportunities to network with and learn from business leaders, workshops and seminars on Indigenous business topics, professional headshots, and other benefits.
Indigenous Strategic Plan
UBC has begun to implement its Indigenous Strategic Plan (2020), taking a leading role in the advancement of Indigenous peoples’ human rights. We are the first university in North America to commit to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to take a human rights-based approach to our Indigenous strategic framework.