Indigenous Student Self-Identification Questionnaire
Western University invites Indigenous students to self-identify. This process helps the Office of Indigenous Initiatives better understand and respond to the needs of Indigenous students and supports the development of programs, services, and communications across campus.
Self-identification is voluntary and confidential. Information shared through this process is accessed only by authorized staff within the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and is used for planning, communication, and reporting purposes.
By choosing to self-identify, students may receive information about Indigenous-specific initiatives, events, programs, and supports available at Western.
Important to Know
- Self-identifying does not require submission of Indigenous citizenship or membership documentation.
- Participation in this process is optional and can be updated at any time.
- Indigenous-specific opportunities of monetary value (such as scholarships, bursaries, or grants) require completion of Western’s Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership process, in accordance with the Indigenous Affirmation Policy (MAPP 1.58).
The term “Indigenous” is defined in the Canadian Constitution Act (1982) as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. This definition also includes Native American peoples from the United States and global Indigenous peoples, as recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
How to Self-Identify
The self-identification questionnaire takes less than two minutes to complete and is available online through the Western Student Center.
Steps:- Log in to the Western Student Center (student.uwo.ca)
- Select the Profile tile
- Choose Indigenous Self-Identification from the menu on the left
Students may indicate whether they choose to self-identify, select the Indigenous group(s) they identify with, and choose whether to receive email communications from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.
Why Self-Identify?
Self-identification helps Western:- Better understand the Indigenous student population on campus
- Strengthen Indigenous-focused programming and supports
- Share relevant opportunities, events, and resources with students who opt in
- Advance commitments outlined in Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan
Participation is entirely up to the student, and choosing not to self-identify will not affect academic standing or access to general university services.
