McMaster program introduces Indigenous students to grad school
A program at McMaster University in its second year is giving Indigenous university students a glimpse of life as a graduate student. The Indigenous Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars (IUSRS) program pairs students with academics, providing students the opportunity to work on research projects. All of the research projects incorporate Indigenous studies, and participating students also experience cultural teachings and activities. The program received a few updates this year, including running for an extra two weeks and partnering with Six Nations of the Grand River on the delivery of all Indigenous cultural activities. The goal of the program, said Bernice Downey, program coordinator of IUSRS, is to encourage Indigenous students to consider pursuing graduate degrees, with the long-term goal of increasing the number of Indigenous faculty members at universities in Canada.
