Indigenous Summer Scholars Program (ISSP)
The Indigenous Summer Scholars Program (ISSP) is a 12-week applied research program that engages Indigenous undergraduate students and recent graduates from undergraduate programs in a variety of scholarly, collaborative, and community-based research projects while they explore the possibilities of graduate studies.
Each year, Indigenous undergraduates and recent graduates from undergraduate programs (the "scholars") participate in this paid summer program in which they are matched with them with University of Winnipeg Faculty members (the "researchers") and contribute to their ongoing research projects. The scholars are immersed in the research team and mentored directly by an assigned faculty member.
During the program, the also scholars participate in a series of workshops to build their academic and research skills, and social and cultural activities such as a welcoming feast, sharing circles, and beading workshops.
Scholars may be nominated by researchers to take part in their summer project, or may apply directly to the program to be paired with a researcher.
Meet the 2025 Indigenous Summer Scholars
Check out a documentary video from the 2017 ISSP program:
For more information contact issp@uwinnipeg.ca.
The goals of the program are:
- To strengthen the pathways for Indigenous students to move into advanced study and, ultimately, into leadership in the academy and all sectors of society.
- To re-affirm the significance and centrality of Indigenous peoples, ways of knowing, and experiences at The University of Winnipeg.
- To create a network of Indigenous scholars and allies on campus.
Student Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Faculty/Project Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Opening Ceremony and Orientation: April 28, 2025
Closing Ceremony and Colloquium: July 28, 2025
The Faculty of Graduate Studies will fund student stipends of $5,000 each for up to twelve 12-week projects.
The contribution from the Faculty of Graduate Studies will vary for students and researchers who are also funded via a USRA. Students combining the ISSP with an Undergraduate Summer Research Awards (USRA) may receive combined funding of up to $9,380 for projects up to 16-weeks. Please read and review the 2025 ISSP/NSERC USRA Guidelines.
Applications are open to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis senior undergraduate students (60+ credits completed) or graduates from undergraduate programs.
To be considered for the program, regardless of whether or not they have been nominated, students must complete the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program Application Form by the application deadline.
The form requires all applicants to upload an unofficial transcript or marks statement.
Applicants who have not been nominated to the program will be asked to upload a letter of recommendation from a University of Winnipeg faculty member. The letter of recommendation should comment on the applicant's aptitude for research and/or the importance of the ISSP to the applicant.
To be considered for the program faculty and staff must complete the Faculty ISSP Application form by the deadline.
The form allows faculty to nominate a student to participate in the project, if they wish. Students who are nominated will receive an email directing them to complete the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program Student Application Form.
Learn about our Summer Scholars from previous years:
2024 Summer Scholars
2023 Summer Scholars
2022 Summer Scholars
2021 Summer Scholars
2020 Summer Scholars
2019 Summer Scholars