Athabasca University respectfully acknowledges that we are on and work on the traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) of Canada. We honour the ancestry, heritage, and gifts of the Indigenous Peoples and give thanks to them.
The word “inukshuk” means “in the likeness of a human.” For generations, Inuit have been creating these impressive stone markers on the vast Arctic landscape. Inukshuks serve several functions, including guiding travellers, warning of danger, assisting hunters and marking places of reverence.
AU’s Indigenous unit, Nukskahtowin, which means meeting place in Cree, is a welcoming space for all peoples regardless of race or identity. It is a centre for ideas and people to come together with Indigenous knowledge, research projects, and academic programming.
The primary goal of Nukskahtowin is to acknowledge and develop traditional Indigenous knowledge and to support, protect, and preserve Indigenous knowledge, education, and oral traditions.
Awards, bursaries, and scholarships for Indigenous students
Many financial opportunities are available to recognize and support the academic excellence of Indigenous students while honouring unique cultural contributions.
The Circle carries the spirit of Indigenous people’s strength, resilience, and customs into colonial spaces as they collaborate with the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU).
They represent the needs of Indigenous students at AU and guide the AUSU as they address the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
As part of Athabasca University’s commitment to enhancing access and equity for Indigenous learners, AU has implemented a 10% reduction in undergraduate tuition fees for Indigenous students. This 10% discount will be applied to the tuition portion of AU undergraduate course costs for courses starting on Sept. 1, 2024, and beyond.
Athabasca University will require proof of ancestry to be provided prior to this discount being applied.
FAQs
Persons identified as Indigenous Peoples. This includes those who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit).
Email a copy or picture of both sides of your ID or documentation to acrec@athabascau.ca. Our Academic Records department will record this on your student record. You will receive an email informing you that your record has been updated and your future registrations will have the 10% automatically deducted upon registration.
Athabasca University follows the Government of Canada's guidelines for acceptable proof of ancestry.
First Nations (Status)
A copy/photo of the Secure Certification of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status is accepted.
Sample Secure Certificate of Indian Status:
Sample of Certificate of Indian Status:
First Nations (non-status)
Proof can include documentation that demonstrates Indigenous kinship as defined by their nation or community. A letter from a recognized Indigenous community organization or nation is acceptable. This letter needs to confirm a kinship relationship exists with a First Nation or Indigenous group.
Metis
Each province has their own ID card, below are some samples:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Ontario
Inuit
Inuit beneficiary card with NTI number: :
Please allow 1-2 weeks from receipt of the documents for your records to reflect this update. It is important to note that the reduction cannot be applied to courses until this verification is completed and you have received confirmation.
This tuition discount can only be applied at the time of registration. If you wish to receive the discount, do not register until you have received confirmation that your documents have been recorded on your student file. AU is not able to provide refunds for courses that you have registered for prior to this verification being complete.
If you have questions or need guidance with this process, please contact indigenous@athabascau.ca.
The 10% discount is applied to the tuition portion of your course fees. AU course fees include other non-tuition fees (such as course administration and technology, course materials, and student union and alumni fees) that will not be discounted. The Indigenous Student Fee page can provide more detail and a breakdown of tuition and non-tuition fees.
The current discount is only approved for Canadian Citizens living and studying within Canada. If you are an Indigenous person temporarily living or working outside of Canada, please contact indigenous@athabascau.ca for support and consideration.
The 10% deduction is applied to the tuition portion of all undergraduate courses. It cannot be applied to Challenge for Credit courses.
At this time, the 10% tuition discount has only been approved by the Athabasca University Board of Governors for undergraduate courses.
Yes. To receive the 10% discount, Athabasca University requires submission of ID, which was not previously requested when you self-declared your Indigenous ancestry.
Athabasca University has several awards and bursaries for Indigenous learners. You can explore these opportunities here. For further support and resources, visit the Nukskahtowin website.
No, once we have confirmed receipt of the ID on the student file, we delete the copy of the ID. As a result, you may be required to provide a copy of this ID again if you apply for student awards and bursaries or other Indigenous services with AU.
If you have met the requirements, provided ID, and your record has been updated, then yes, the discount will apply, and your sponsor will be invoiced for the discounted amount.
If you have met the requirements, provided ID, and your record has been updated, then yes, the discount will apply, and our SFA team will report the reduced amount to the government for loans.
You can find more information about various support for Indigenous learners here.
Spaces for reflection
The Linda Bull Memorial Garden and Bertha Clark-Jones O.C. Art Gallery are two important spaces at Athabasca University to reflect and remember the lives lost and Survivors of Canada’s residential school system.
The garden honours the legacy of the late Linda Bull, O.C., who was Cree and one of AU’s first Indigenous academics, while the art gallery is named after Bertha Clark-Jones, O.C., a Cree-Métis who devoted her life to advocacy, in particular for Indigenous women and children.
Watch the video below to learn more about the spaces and the legacies they honour.
Contact us
Please reach out if you’d like more information about support for Indigenous students at AU.