Decolonization and Indigenization in Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Research

Land Acknowledgement

Western University is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lūnaapéewak Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society. We acknowledge the truth of harms from our colonial past and strive to do better as we move forward together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.

Welcome!

The information here is for Indigenous and allied graduate students at Western, and their supervisors, who are undertaking Indigenous research.

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) recognizes students doing Indigenous research may encounter additional structural, cultural, and institutional barriers within graduate education. SGPS has been reviewing its own policies and procedures to better support Indigenous research and Indigenous graduate students – ranging from admissions to thesis committees, thesis format, and the examination.

The information below brings together policies, procedures, supports, and resources designed to:

Support graduate students throughout their programs.
Support Indigenous graduate student needs.
Promote respectful, ethical, and community-informed Indigenous research.

Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Membership and Citizenship policy (MAPP 1.58): A Requirement

Indigenous graduate students enrich Western’s learning and research communities through unique ways of knowing and being. To safeguard supports that are intended for Indigenous students, Western has created an policy for affirming declarations of Indigenous membership and citizenship. If you declare Indigenous citizenship or membership, and benefit from tangible (i.e., programs, scholarships) or intangible benefits (i.e., non-material advantage or recognition that arises from being identified or affirmed as Indigenous within an institutional context) you must comply with the MAPP 1.58 – Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Membership and Citizenship. The policy came into effect in June 2025.

Graduate students who access opportunities designated for Indigenous people, such as:

reserved seats (admission that is intentionally set-aside)
scholarships
teaching assistantships (GTAs) designated as Indigenous

are required to comply with Western’s Indigenous Affirmation process, which is facilitated through the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) and exists to ensure that Indigenous-specific opportunities remain accountable to Indigenous communities and organizations.

When employed as GTAs (even if not designated as Indigenous-specific GTAs) and therefore in a position of authority and influence over their students, graduate students should not declare Indigenous membership or citizenship until such has been affirmed through the Indigenous Affirmation process.

In contrast, in their role as students in a classroom where they are not the GTA, graduate students may speak from an Indigenous student perspective without complying with the Affirmation process, similar to undergraduate students interacting with peers in a classroom setting, as they are students in this case and not taking up a position of influence or authority.

Note that,

Affirmation need only be completed once, regardless of the number of opportunities pursued.
OII staff are available to support Indigenous students through the process. Inquiries may be sent to indigenous.affirmation@uwo.ca.

Full policy details, including a FAQ, are available on the Indigenous Affirmation Policy page.

Indigenous Research at Western

Western has explicit guidelines and responsibilities for conducting research involving Indigenous Peoples, their data, Lands (water, air, plants, animals), and/or knowledges. These guidelines follow Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2) - Chapter 9. Practical direction for engaging in respectful and ethical Indigenous research is outlined in Centering Indigenous Voices: A Guide Towards Allyship in Indigenous Research, which applies to graduate researchers and faculty members.

Key considerations:

Definition of Indigenous research: Western goes beyond the definition of Indigenous research by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Foundationally, it is important to recognize the distinction between Indigenous research methodologies and Indigenous research as defined by SSHRC. At Western, however, we add to SSHRC's definition to include research that includes or has implications for Indigenous Peoples, data, Lands, and/or knowledges.
Start early and plan ahead: Doing Indigenous research requires meaningful engagement, which takes time. For all projects consider the timeframe required to develop strong relationships. Consider working with a supervisor who has an existing Indigenous community research program. The progression requirements of a typical master’s degree program can allow for Indigenous research but having research relationships in place through your supervisor can mitigate delays.
Supervisor expertise: The supervisor must have expertise in Indigenous research, scholarship, and/or creative activity to support proper protocols and cultural understandings.
Meaningful community engagement is essential: All Indigenous research must be Indigenous community-engaged – please visit Western Research’s Indigenous Research page.

All research must follow Western’s Guidelines for Working with Indigenous Community Members.

Indigenous Allyship and Online Learning

To prioritize allyship, non-Indigenous faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to commit to building meaningful, respectful, and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples at Western and beyond.

The OII has created Braiding Truth Into Action: A Guide Towards Indigenous Allyship at Western University (the inspiration for ‘Centering Indigenous Voices: A Guide Towards Allyship in Indigenous Research’).

Also available through the OII are two online learning modules (4 Seasons of Reconciliation, and The Path) that provide an overview about the truth of colonial harms and ways to work together with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation. Completion of each module will soon be accompanied by an Own Your Future badge signifying completion for digital channels like LinkedIn.

Thesis and Examination Supports for Indigenous Scholarship and Creative Activities

“Diverse Formats” Thesis

For research-based graduate programs, Western has a Thesis Format and Content policy that allows for “Diverse Formats”, meaning any format approved by the thesis supervisory committee will be adhered to in evaluation. This flexibility supports Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and knowledge sharing. Students interested in non-traditional formats are encouraged to begin conversations with their supervisor and committees as early as possible. SGPS and Western Research can assist with guidance and planning.

Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Thesis Examiner

To support Indigenous research and better incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being, Western has established a designated examiner role set aside for an Indigenous community member. The Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Thesis Examiner is a member of a recognized Indigenous community or organization with knowledge, experience, and expertise related to the research, scholarship, and/or creative activity.

These examiners bring important perspectives that strengthen the integrity and depth of an Indigenous thesis, while also supporting knowledge sharing and mobilization with Indigenous communities. These examiners are required to comply with Western’s MAPP 1.58, as outlined above.

Inviting an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper

Supervisors and students should plan well in advance when inviting an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Thesis Examiner. The supervisor should take a lead role and plan for honoraria. This person can be somebody involved in the student’s research project (e.g., from the study community). Please consult with SGPS if you have questions about who is eligible.

SGPS provides an Indigenous knowledge keeper thesis examiner guidance document for sharing with potential Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Thesis Examiners, while OII provides a community-informed guide for working with Indigenous community members.

For example, in accordance with Indigenous cultural protocols, an honorarium is to be provided to the Indigenous Knowledge Keeper as a gesture of respect and appreciation for their time, expertise, and contributions to the examination process. The amount should reflect the scope of work involved, including time required to review the thesis and become familiar with institutional procedures (which may exceed that of academic examiners). A minimum rate of $100 per hour is recommended. Additional resources to support respectful and informed Indigenous engagement within Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Research are provided in the guides listed below.

Indigenous Resources | For Faculty and Students