McGill.CA / Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Advancing Indigenous Knowledge and Education Initiative

Two elders from the back standing in front of McGill's Art building with the Hiawatha Flag raised

Tsi Non:we Onkwatonhnhets (Y-Intersection)

Photo: Owen Egan

 

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. 

 

Streams 

Stream A: Visitor and Event

For McGill faculty and staff

Stream A supports the costs of inviting Indigenous visitors (inclusive of Elders, academics, cultural knowledge holders, and artists) or hosting events that promote Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Visitor (up to $2,000)

For those interested in:

Event (up to $3,500)

For those interested in:

  • Inviting an Indigenous academic/artist to present their research/art

  • Inviting an Indigenous person to provide specific training to faculty, staff, or students in the department

  • Inviting an Indigenous community leader to share their perspective with faculty, staff, or students

  • Coordinating small or medium-sized events within their department, school, or institute that engage members of the McGill community, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

  • Must meaningfully centre Indigenous voices, knowledge, and/or perspectives, with clear involvement of Indigenous individuals (e.g., Elders, knowledge keepers, scholars, artists, community leaders).

  • 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.

Application Deadline

Term

August 1

September-December (Fall)

*Applicant to be notified no later than August 31st
November 1

January-April (Winter)

*Applicant to be notified no later than December 18th

Eligible Expenses

  • Speaker or visitor honoraria

  • Travel and accommodations

  • Space booking fees

  • Parking for Indigenous invited guests

Ineligible Expenses

  • Catering

  • Purchase of equipment

  • Research‑related costs

 

 

Stream A: 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)

Steps

  1. Fill out the official funding proposal doucment provided by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.  
    Stream A Funding Proposal
  2. Complete the MS Forms with the required information and attach the completed funding proposal before one of the deadlines. Stream A MS Form

 

Stream A: Terms of Conditions

  • Individuals/groups may only receive funding once per academic year.

  • Applicants must use all application forms and templates developed by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives to apply and report. (all attached)

  • Event organizers must ensure that accessibility needs for people with disabilities are met.

  • A reporting template (supplied) of all revenues and expenses must be submitted to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at aikei.oii [at] mcgill.ca within 45 days after the visitor/event along with a list of activities. Save all receipts and attach to the reporting template when submitted. Please be aware that any unused portions from the grant will be returned to the Indigenous Education Fund.

  • Successful applicants will be responsible for all organization and event planning.

  • Applications will not be considered for expenses already incurred.

 

Stream B: Indigenous Student Support

For Indigenous students enrolled full‑time at McGill

Stream B provides supporting the costs (up to $3000) of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students wishing to participate in conferences, events, and workshops that enhance their learning and research, particularly in relation to Indigenous communities, perspectives, and issues.

Examples include:

  • Indigenous speaker series/panels

  • Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW) events

  • Indigenous Youth Conferences

  • Indigenous Education Conferences

  • Indigenous youth/student-focused Workshops & Summits

Application Deadline

Term

August 1

September-December (Fall)

*Applicant to be notified no later than August 31st
November 1

January–April (Winter)

*Applicant to be notified no later than December 18th
April 1

May–August ( Spring/Summer)

*Applicant to be notified no later than April 30th

Eligible Expenses

  • Travel to and from event and accommodations

  • Conference or workshop registration fees

  • Required association or membership fees related to registration

 

Ineligible Expenses

  • Purchase of equipment

  • Food or incidental travel costs

 

 

 

Stream B: 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)

Steps

  1. Fill out the official funding proposal doucment provided by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 
    Stream B Funding Proposal
  2. Complete the MS Forms with the required information and attach the completed funding proposal before one of the deadlines.Stream B MS Form
 

Stream B: Terms and Conditions

  • Individuals may only receive funding once per academic year.

  • Applicants must use the following application form to apply developed by the office

  • Applicants who are presenting/participating in a conference/workshop must provide proof of their acceptance/registration.

  • Examples of possible events: Indigenous speaker series/panels, Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW) events, Indigenous Youth Conferences, Indigenous Education Conferences, Indigenous youth/student-focused Workshops &Summits.

  • A reporting template (supplied) of all revenues and expenses must be submitted to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at aikei.oii [at] mcgill.ca within 45 days after the visitor/event along with a list of activities. Save all receipts and attach to the reporting template when submitted. Please be aware that any unused portions from the grant will be returned to the Advancing Indigenous Knowledges and Education Initiative.

  • Successful applicants will be responsible for their own travel planning

  • Applications will not be considered for expenses already incurred (with exception of any fees associated with applying to a conference that you have submitted a paper/proposal to).

 

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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