Aboriginal Status and McMaster

Rivet · 01-10-2010 at 09:33 PM

So, I finally have found all of my lineage, and am able to prove my status as a native Canadian. I'm currently in the process of attaining my status-card, and began to wonder: Does McMaster offer any benefits to those with aboriginal status? I know there's an alternate HealthSci application or something, but is that? Like, does McMaster have some special scholarship or bursary?

Unrelated, but I can actually also prove I'm a direct descendant of Henry Hudson, the explorer/cartographer dude.

macsci · 01-10-2010 at 09:50 PM

If you're smart, caring and interested in medicine, you could get into med school easily provided that you actually care about the First Nations and do a lot of charity work for them. You need to be the right fit, but nonetheless, worth looking into.

Don't abuse your powers.

Rivet · 01-10-2010 at 10:17 PM

I'm completely unsure, I wasn't a declared aboriginal when I got accepted.

Should I go to the registrar and inquire, or somewhere else?

macsci · 01-10-2010 at 10:19 PM

Go to Financial Aid Office...

**lorend** · 01-10-2010 at 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rivet

I'm completely unsure, I wasn't a declared aboriginal when I got accepted.

Should I go to the registrar and inquire, or somewhere else?

Hey Rivet,

Your best point of contact is the McMaster First Nations Student Association (MFNSA).

Unfortunately the majority of students on this board do not know enough about the Indigenous population at Mac (or Indigenous issues in general), nor what can and cannot be offered to them in terms of funding.

Their email is mac.first.nations@gmail.com

MFNSA has a bunch of events for the upcoming term, and would be happy to meet you if you could come out.

I myself am a member of MFNSA, but the specific funding issues are not something I am too aware about.

You can also inquire in the Indigenous Studies department, which is Hamilton Hall 103 (which is in the basement), and talk to Garnette, the Admin Assistant.
Cheers!

Kathy2 · 01-11-2010 at 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew22

isn't tuition entirely free?

College programs longer than one year are free to Aboriginals. I don't think there are any special policies for Aboriginals in university.

**lorend** · 01-11-2010 at 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathy2

College programs longer than one year are free to Aboriginals. I don't think there are any special policies for Aboriginals in university.

Maybe. If they can get band funding. It's not nearly as simple as you're making it out to be.

Kathy2 · 01-11-2010 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorend

Maybe. If they can get band funding. It's not nearly as simple and you're making it out to be.

Obviously I don't have all the details, but it looked pretty easy for a friend of mine when she finished highschool. Her and her dad filled out a bunch of forms and she didn't have to pay tuition for Mohawk.

manu · 01-11-2010 at 12:01 PM

pardon my lack of understanding, but why do natives get special rights/free education?

**lorend** · 01-11-2010 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manu

pardon my lack of understanding, but why do natives get special rights/free education?

It's a stipulation as part of most, if not all treaties. However, not all Nations are part of a treaty or treaties.

Hence, again why it is not so simple.

This may give you a bit of insight: http://www.abo-peoples.org/CAPfaqAnswers.html

Tleilaxu · 01-11-2010 at 12:14 PM

The government is trying to right the wrongs it has done to Native Canadians in the past. If you want to know more, you can consult a history textbook or just look on Wikipedia, im sure youve learnt about the history in grade 10.