McGill.CA / Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Advancing Indigenous Knowledge and Education Initiative

Overview 

The Advancing Indigenous Knowledge and Education Initiative (AIKEI) aims to celebrate and facilitate the respectful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge across McGill University. The initiative engages members of the McGill community in meaningful and sustained connections with Indigenous perspectives, values, and worldviews. 

Through two dedicated funding streams, the initiative supports: 

  • Indigenous visitors and events that center Indigenous voices and knowledges, and 

  • Indigenous students in accessing conferences, workshops, and learning opportunities that strengthen their academic and professional pathways. 

This initiative reflects McGill’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and to supporting Indigenous students, communities, and knowledge systems. 

Funding Streams 

Stream A: Visitors / Events 

For McGill faculty and staff 

Stream A supports the costs of inviting Indigenous visitors or hosting events that promote Indigenous perspectives and engagement across the McGill community. 

Examples include: 

  • Inviting Indigenous academics, artists, Elders, or cultural knowledge holders 

  • Hosting workshops, talks, or events featuring Indigenous voices 

  • Coordinating small or medium‑sized events on campus or in the community 

  • Should contribute to learning, dialogue, or capacity-building related to Indigenous histories, cultures, or contemporary issues. 

  • These events can be organized at McGill or in the community.   

Funding Available 

  • Visitor: up to $2,000 

  • Event: up to $3,500 

Application Deadlines 

  • August 1 DEADLINE→ for September–December (fall) 

  • Applicant to be notified no later than August 31st  

  • November 1 DEADLINE→ for January–April (winter) 

  • Applicant to be notified no later than December 18th 

Stream B: Indigenous Student Support 

For Indigenous students enrolled full‑time at McGill 

Stream B provides supporting the costs of Indigenous undergraduate/graduate students wishing to attend conferences and workshops that enhance learning, research, and professional development. 

Examples include:  

  • Indigenous speaker series/panels 

  • Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW) events 

  • Indigenous Youth Conferences 

  • Indigenous Education Conferences 

  • Indigenous youth/student-focused Workshops &Summits 

Funding Available 

  • Travel support up to $3,000 

Application Deadlines 

  • August 1 DEADLINE→ for September–December (fall) 

  • Applicant to be notified no later than August 31st  

  • November 1 DEADLINE→ for January–April (winter) 

  • Applicant to be notified no later than December 18th  

  • April 1 DEADLINE → for May–August (spring/summer) 

  • Applicant to be notified no later than April 30th 

Eligible Expenses 

Stream A: Visitors / Events 

Eligible expenses include: 

  • Speaker or visitor honoraria 

  • Travel and accommodations 

  • Space booking fees 

  • Parking for Indigenous invited guests 

Expenses NOT eligible for funding include: 

  • Catering 

  • Purchase of equipment 

  • Research‑related costs 

Stream B: Indigenous Student Support 

Eligible expenses include: 

  • Travel to and from event and accommodations 

  • Conference or workshop registration fees 

  • Required association or membership fees related to registration 

Expenses NOT eligible for funding include: 

  • Purchase of equipment 

  • Food or incidental travel costs 

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the official application forms and templates developed by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 

Please note: 

  • Applicants may receive funding once per academic year 

  • Applications will not be considered for expenses incurred prior to approval 
    (with limited exceptions for Stream B conference application fees) 

Reporting & Accountability 

All successful applicants are required to submit a post‑activity report within 45 days of the event or travel completion. 

Reports must include: 

  • A summary of activities 

  • A financial report of all revenues and expenses 

  • All receipts pertaining to revenues and expenses 

Any unused funds must be returned to the Advancing Indigenous Knowledge and Education Initiative (AIKEI). 

Accessibility & Respect 

Event organizers are responsible for ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives early if accommodations or guidance are needed. 

All activities supported through this initiative are expected to engage Indigenous peoples, knowledge, and communities with respect, care, and accountability. 

Contact 

For questions or support, please contact: aikei.oii [at] mcgill.ca 

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