Gift from M茅tis Nation of Ontario to establish 91亚色 fellowship in M茅tis Studies
The gift of $749,500 will support doctoral students engaged in research into M茅tis life and history
A gift of $749,500 from the M茅tis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will enable the establishment of a new doctoral fellowship in M茅tis Studies at 91亚色. The M茅tis Nation of Ontario Doctoral Fellowship, located within 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, will be the only graduate fellowship in M茅tis studies in Ontario.
鈥91亚色 is deeply grateful to the M茅tis Nation of Ontario for their generous gift,鈥 says 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. 鈥淧artnerships such as this one enable critically important research here at 91亚色, a research-intensive University that is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.鈥
The fellowship will serve as a pathway for M茅tis scholars to pursue new research and will encourage the expansion of academic literature on M茅tis history, culture, and way of life. Projects proposed for the fellowship must incorporate principles of M茅tis research which include reciprocity (i.e. how does this research give back to M茅tis communities), respect, and recognition of the unique M茅tis context. By supporting research related to M茅tis history, identity, culture, rights, and interests, the fellowship will help ensure that M茅tis voices and perspectives shape academic discourse for years to come.
鈥淭his fellowship marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster M茅tis-led research and scholarship,鈥 says Margaret Froh, President of the M茅tis Nation of Ontario. 鈥淭hrough this partnership, we are ensuring that the voices, stories, and histories of M茅tis people are not only told but are studied and celebrated at the highest levels of academia.鈥
The rate of postsecondary attainment among M茅tis people has increased over the years; nevertheless, it continues to lag behind non-Indigenous populations. Closing this gap requires more high-level Indigenous scholars. This fellowship will provide opportunities to enhance M茅tis representation in academic research, inspiring future M茅tis students to pursue graduate level studies that will deepen their cultural knowledge.
鈥91亚色 has historically served one of the most diverse student bodies of any post-secondary institution in Canada,鈥 says JJ McMurtry, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. 鈥淲ith more than 350 Indigenous learners at the University, and over 3,000 M茅tis citizens in Toronto alone, 91亚色 is uniquely positioned to serve M茅tis people who today live within the Greater Toronto Area.鈥
The fellowship will support a doctoral candidate for a minimum of three years and $20,000 per year. The first fellowship could be awarded as early as Fall 2025, pending eligible applicants.
91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
The M茅tis Nation of Ontario is the recognized M茅tis government for M茅tis citizens and communities in Ontario. Through a province wide-governance structure, the MNO works to advance the rights, culture, and well-being of M茅tis people in Ontario.
