For the second year, the Faculty of Arts and Science is inviting applications for Pre-Doctoral Fellowships for Indigenous Students.

Three one-year positions are available to Indigenous students who are enrolled in a PhD program working on research in the creative arts, humanities, social sciences, or natural and physical sciences at an institution other than Queen’s. The 2018-19 program hosted five students.

To complete the degree from their home institution, candidates will finish their final doctoral project during their time as a fellow. During their tenure, fellows will teach one course.

Successful applicants will receive a $34,000 annual stipend in addition to wages for teaching. Up to $3,000 of funds will be available for research and conference travel. Funding for the program is sourced from the Faculty of Arts and Science.

In a statement to The Journal, Kanonhsyonne (Janice Hill), associate vice-principal (Indigenous initiatives), wrote she believes the fellowships both expand the intellectual community at Queen’s and provide additional role models for Indigenous students on campus.

“We know from research that Indigenous students will go where they see themselves represented, regardless of what discipline or faculty the indigenous scholar is in, they are here, present and visible.”

She also believes the fellowships provide an opportunity for dialogue across campus, adding it has expanded the representation of Indigenous research. Pre-doctoral scholars this year have hosted talks about their research in both conferences and informal settings.

Many Indigenous scholars distinguish between reconciliation and resurgence in their work, according to her. Reconciliation is the work of non-Indigneous people while resurgence is that of Indigenous peoples. Kanonhsyonne believes that an institution is where these two movements meet.

To her, the pre-doctoral fellows contribute to both resurgence and indigenization efforts through their individual areas of research, teaching, and their presence on campus.

“I’m not sure if there is room for expansion given the current financial climate in the province with regard to funding for publicly funded institutions,” she said. “If we were able to secure donor funding and endow the program that is one area of potential, or if additional faculties were to contribute the program may be expanded.”