Starting in fall 2024, Concordia will offer a tuition waiver to First Nations and Inuit students whose communities are situated in Quebec.
The waiver will include most undergraduate and graduate programs and apply to full- or part-time studies.
Concrete steps toward reconciliation
"Reducing financial barriers follows the recommendations of our Indigenous Directions Action Plan and is a critical aspect of our commitment toward reconciliation," says Anne Whitelaw, provost and vice-president, academic. "We've been reviewing a tuition waiver model for several years. It is key to ensuring Indigenous students continue to see Concordia as a viable and sustainable partner in their higher education plans."
Concordia joins other Canadian universities in launching programs that reduce financial barriers to education for Indigenous students, including the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, and most recently, McGill University.
Concordia's innovative tuition-free initiative sets a new standard for educational accessibility by reaching beyond the university's immediate geographical boundaries to include all 11 Nations (10 First Nations as well as the Inuit) across Quebec.
While Indigenous students from communities across Canada are enrolled at Concordia, the majority are from communities in Quebec.
'A much-needed addition'
Allan Vicaire, senior advisor of Indigenous Directions, explains that while some support may be available for Indigenous students who wish to pursue a university degree, it can be difficult to access.
"There is a misconception that First Nations and Inuit students automatically have their tuition costs covered, either from their band councils or education authorities. It's really not the case."
Band councils cannot necessarily provide financial support to everyone in their community who wants to pursue post-secondary education. Some may have requirements like a minimum GPA, or the funding may only apply to full-time studies.
Manon Tremblay, senior director of Indigenous Directions, sees the tuition waiver as an additional strategy Concordia is implementing to help Indigenous students succeed.
"Indigenous students at Concordia now benefit from services such as the Otsenhákta Student Centre and the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program, which reflect the deep and ongoing work that stems from the Indigenous Directions Action Plan," Tremblay says.
"These services contribute to an enhanced cultural climate for Indigenous students and can help support them throughout their learning journey at Concordia.
"The tuition waiver is a much-needed addition, as it will open the door for more First Nations and Inuit students to choose to pursue higher education at Concordia while reducing some of the financial burden."
Flexible options grounded in students' lived realities
With Concordia's approach, tuition fees are waived for the duration of the credits of the program, rather than being limited to a fixed number of years. This flexible approach, coupled with the inclusion of part-time studies, certificate programs and independent studies, broadens the opportunity for a greater number of First Nations and Inuit people in Quebec to access higher education.
It will likely be of significant benefit to students who may need more time to complete a degree, such as disabled students or students who have work or family obligations.
Eliminating tuition fees will also reduce the financial pressure on students from non-urban communities who wish to travel to their home communities during breaks.
"What I appreciate about Concordia's model is how broad and inclusive it is. It's a great step in making higher education a realistic option for more Indigenous people," Vicaire says.
Learn more about Concordia's tuition waiver for First Nations and Inuit students in Quebec.
