Indigenous Admissions Access Category - Undergraduate Admissions

Background

Western values Indigenous perspectives and is committed to creating access and opportunities for Indigenous  people. This commitment involves offering equitable undergraduate admission pathways for Indigenous applicants that recognize their unique experiences. The purpose of the Indigenous Admission Access Category is to encourage undergraduate applications from Indigenous people while providing additional support throughout the application and admissions process. You can apply through this category alongside your Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application to start your journey with us.   

In alignment with Western’s DRAFT Policy for Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership , those who request access as Indigenous applicants must comply with the policy.   

Application Process –  2 Step Process

  1. Applicants must provide consent to be considered under this Indigenous Admission Category and agree to the collection of personal information by completing the online consent form.
  2. Applicants must upload a statement of relational positionality, which includes a demonstration of lived experience and details outlining the applicant’s lineal descent, as per guidance provided in the List of Approved Modes of Affirmation; and
  3. Applicants must upload any two documents demonstrating proof of citizenship or membership to the Indigenous Nation claiming them, as per the List of Approved Modes of Affirmation.

Applicants must upload these three key documents directly to the online online consent form.

List of Approved Modes of Affirmation

List of Approved Modes of Affirmation

(As per Western’s DRAFT Policy for Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership)

Indigenous identity documentation includes but is not limited to the list below:

  • A copy of a federal/ national/ state recognized citizenship card or official documentation belonging to the applicant’s biological parent or grandparent – together with proof of connections to the community.
  • Letters of reference provided by Indigenous relatives or members of a national/federal/state recognized community who are familiar with the applicant’s lived experiences and relational positionality.
  • Letter of reference or documentation provided by a state-recognized Indigenous membership authority (e.g., letter from Band Membership Officer).
  • Letters of reference from community-recognized Traditional Community leaders (e.g., Clan mothers, Lodge Keepers).
  • Certificate of Indian Status from First Nations who are federally recognized and those listed on the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada website.
  • A copy of Certificate of Indian Status (i.e., status card) of the applicant’s biological parent or grandparent who also has federally recognized Indian status – together with proof of lineal family connection.
  • An affirmation letter from a national/federal/state recognized governance entity indicating that the applicant is a ‘Non-Status’ First Nation person.
  • Membership proof from a list of federally or state recognized Métis organizations in Canada, specifically:
    • Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
    • Métis Nation of Alberta
    • Métis Nation British Columbia
    • Métis Nation of Ontario
    • Manitoba Métis Federation
  • American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized.
  • A Nunavut Trust Certificate card, Inuit roll number, Inuit Beneficiary Card, or any other proof accepted by state-recognized Inuit communities/organizations.
  • Written confirmation letter of Indigenous ancestry from the Department of Indigenous Services Canada.
  • International or Global Indigenous peoples (as defined by UNDRIP) with accepted membership cards and documentation supporting the individual’s claimed relational positionality.
  • Other membership cards or letters by state recognized Indigenous communities/organizations.
  • Copy of Birth certificate – together with a copy of your parents’ or grandparents’ documentation that affirms claims to Indigeneity.
  • Genealogy trees that contain certified information to confirm lineage.

If you have any concerns about the affirmation requirement or face circumstances that have prevented you from obtaining the identification mentioned above, please contact indigenous.admissions@uwo.ca with the subject line "Assistance Required with Identity Affirmation."

Confidentiality

All personal documentation is kept in the strictest confidence and securely housed within the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. This information is collected under the authority of the University of Western Ontario Act, 1982, to offer equitable admission pathways for Indigenous applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

I do not wish to be considered under the Indigenous Admissions Access Category and I have a "To Do" list item on my Student Centre. Is this holding up my application with Western?

No, students who have not yet submitted proof of ancestry and their consent form will still be considered with the general pool of applicants. Please contact our office or Undergraduate admissions to have your Indigenous Admissions "To Do" list item resolved.

I have submitted my consent form and proof of ancestry and I still have a "To Do" list item on my Student Centre. When will this be removed?

The Indigenous Documentation To-Do list item will never be removed from your account. Once you have successfully submitted the online consent form, your To-Do list item status will update from "missing" to "recieved". It can take 10-15 buisness days to be updated.When your submission has been processed you will no longer recieve a pop up reminder when you log into your student centre account and the missing icon will be removed from your "My Applications" section. 

If I choose not to use the Indigenous Admissions Access Category can I still access the Indigenous Student Centre as a student?

Absolutely! The Indigenous Student Centre is for all self-identifying Indigenous students at Western. We welcome all students to use our services and attend our programming!

I have previously applied to Western, do I need to resubmit my consent form and proof of ancestry?

You will need to submit an online consent form for the current year you are applying. Email or phone our Indigenous Student Centre to confirm if you will need to resubmit your proof of ancestry.

For more information contact:

Arielle Bressette
Manager of Indigenous Admissions and Enrolment
Email: indigenous.admissions@uwo.ca