Search Website
Head & Heart Research Fellowship
The Head and Heart Indigenous Research Fellowship program (H&H) is a two-year summer research program (May to July in each of two years) geared toward Indigenous upper year undergraduate students at Western. This Fellowship will prepare students to undertake research at the graduate level and/or in an applied community-based research context. During the first year, Fellows undertake in-person coursework in research fundamentals, participate in experiential and land-based learning, network, and learn about research opportunities at Western. In the second year, Fellows are paired with Western faculty supervisors from across different disciplines to work on new or existing research projects.
To support Indigenous student learning while increasing their participation in graduate studies, Fellows come together to learn in a structured, culturally-safe setting guided by experts towards specific learning activities and objectives. Fellows will connect with faculty members and other campus and community leaders on research topics such as Indigenous research ethics (e.g., TCPS2), Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights, Indigenous research methodologies, community-based research practices, and a wide range of skills (e.g., how to build a CV) linked to academic research and Indigenous scholarship.
H&H operates in close partnership and collaboration with Indigenous and allied faculty members from Social Sciences, Education, Arts & Humanities, Information & Media Studies, Music, Law, Science, Health Sciences, Engineering, Ivey Business School, and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Established in 2018, the Fellowship responds directly to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action 62 to 65, which concern “Education for Reconciliation” by employing Indigenous knowledge and epistemologies to drive learning and research. Further, the program has helped significantly to advance the 8 strategic directions of Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (2016) and its institutional strategic plan, Towards Western at 150 (2021).
Applications for 2027 are opening November 3, 2026!
The H&H Fellowship is designed to support Indigenous student learning in academic and/or applied community-based research; and to prepare undergraduate Indigenous students to further their education as graduate students.
The Fellowship spans two summer sessions of 10 weeks each from May to July. Summer 2027 will host 2 cohorts of Fellows from May 10 to July 16.
Year 1 summer session:
- In-person coursework in research fundamentals
- Experiential and land-based learning
- Network and professional development
- Weekly connection circle
- Learn about research opportunities at Western
Year 2 summer session:
- Fellows are paired with Western faculty supervisors to gain practical research experience through work on new or existing research projects.
- Work location will be determined by project needs and in consultation with supervisor.
- Culminating in the Head and Heart Research Symposium, Fellows share and demonstrate their learning.
The Program for Year 1 Fellows will run in Western’s Wampum Learning Lodge. Year 2 Fellows will work in a location that aligns with the research project needs (for example, a research lab, office, or off-campus). All Fellows will have access to the Wampum Learning Lodge.
- Fellows collaborate within a structured, culturally-safe setting, guided by Indigenous and allied experts towards specific learning activities and objectives.
- Fellows will connect directly with faculty members, staff, and Indigenous graduate students as mentors on research topics such as:
- Indigenous research ethics (e.g., TCPS2 )
- Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights
- Indigenous research methodologies
- community-based research practices
- In addition, Fellows will develop a wide range of skills (e.g., how to build a CV) linked to academic research and Indigenous scholarship.
- Head and Heart operates in close partnership and collaboration with Indigenous and allied faculty members from Social Sciences, Education, Arts & Humanities, Information & Media Studies, Music, Law, Science, Health Sciences, Engineering, Ivey Business School, and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Information Sessions
The Coordinator is hosting a series of informal information sessions where Indigenous students can drop by, ask questions, and learn more about this paid research opportunity.
Wednesday, November 11
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Weldon Study Room M3 (Mezzanine)
Friday, November 13
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 am
Register for virtual session
Tuesday, November 17
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
ISC Big table
Thursday, November 19
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Register for virtual session
Tuesday, November 24
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Indigenous Student Centre (big table)
Wednesday, November 25
1:30 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.
Register for virtual session
Want to connect?
Kara Archibald
Head & Heart Program Coordinator
Waciye! I am part of Moose Cree First Nation, although raised in Southern Ontario. I am the Coordinator for the Head and Heart Indigenous Research Fellowship Program. I support Indigenous students in research-based learning, creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives and implement Indigenous research methodologies. I enjoying reading in my spare time.
How to Apply
To apply for a Fellowship, visit the H&H website. Applications from Western’s Indigenous Students are encouraged and no research experience is required. Western is an inclusive environment. Please advise if you require any specific accommodation (e.g., medical, disability) to participate in any aspect of the selection process.
Please note, applications for 2027 are opening November 3, 2026!
Please note, applications for 2027 are opening November 3, 2026!
Application Requirements
- A one page written statement (500 words) or Video (5 minutes) answering the following:
- An introduction to yourself that includes a sharing of your positionality as an Indigenous person.
- Your research interest(s), your career goals, and how this opportunity will support your learning journey.
- Your greatest strengths as a thinker, learner, and/or future researcher - A letter of community support (e.g., from an Elder, a leader from your community, Indigenous professor and/or mentor).
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2027
I have more questions!
The Fellowship is open to undergraduates currently enrolled at Western main campus who demonstrate an interest in research and identify as Indigenous from Turtle Island (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) and can affirm claims of Indigenous identity through relational accountability that demonstrates lived experience, and proof of Indigenous ancestry and identity that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, in accordance with MAPP Policy 1.58. You may apply if you are in your second or third year of a four year undergraduate program at the time of application. Students from all faculties are invited to apply; you do not need to be part of a research-intensive program nor do you need to have any previous research experience.
Fellows will receive an award valued at $9,000 paid via bi-weekly installments.
Year 1 Fellows: Fellows are expected to participate in 35 hours/week (over a 10-week period) of in-person coursework in research fundamentals, experiential and land-based learning, networking, and building transferable skills. Programming will vary weekly, however, the hours of programming will be Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Year 2 Fellows: Fellows are expected to work at total of 35 hours/week (over a 10-week period). The majority of time will be spent on their research projects with 1-2 hours dedicated to a Weekly Connection Circle.
Year 1 Fellows: Fellows are expected to participate in 35 hours/week (over a 10-week period) of in-person coursework in research fundamentals, experiential and land-based learning, networking, and building transferable skills. Programming will vary weekly, however, the hours of programming will be Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Year 2 Fellows: Fellows are expected to work at total of 35 hours/week (over a 10-week period). The majority of time will be spent on their research projects with 1-2 hours dedicated to a Weekly Connection Circle.
Funding covers a 10-week period. For Summer 2027, students must be ready to begin the Head and Heart Indigenous Research Fellowship on May 10, 2027. The Fellowship will end with the Head & Heart Indigenous Research Symposium on July 16, 2027.
Yes, the programming for Year 1 Fellows will be held in person. However, Fellows in year 2 may have the opportunity to work hybrid or remotely depending on project and expectations of supervisor.