Concordia tuition waiver for First Nations and Inuit students removes obstacles to success

When Concordia first announced its tuition waiver program for the 10 First Nations in Quebec and Inuit in Quebec, Allan Vicaire, senior advisor of Indigenous Directions, says he was struck by the response from community members, educators and partners.

“I received many positive messages from people working in education who were impressed by Concordia’s commitment to reconciliation,” he says. “The initiative showed communities that Concordia is serious about building long-term relationships and taking concrete action.”

The initiative was launched in 2024 following recommendations made by Concordia’s Indigenous Directions Action Plan and in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Since that time, 248 students across a wide range of programs, including microprograms, certificates and independent studies, have benefited from the waiver.

Dispelling myths

Hannah McGregor-Pelletier (Kanien’kehà:ka, Kahnawake), BA 26, is one of those students. A recent graduate from the Specialization in English Literature program with a Minor in History, she says the waiver is helping to break down barriers.

“This is one of the many steps for decolonization on campus. I think it is such an amazing opportunity for students who don’t have the opportunity to pursue a higher education to be able to push themselves to complete goals they have always dreamed of,” she says.

“Among my peers at Concordia, I have heard that the waiver has helped them so much, not only financially but also to be able to focus on their education.”

Despite common misconceptions, Indigenous students do not automatically receive funding to attend post-secondary institutions, says Manon Tremblay, senior director of Indigenous Directions at Concordia.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. In the last two years, a significant number of new Indigenous students who took advantage of the tuition waiver were unable to obtain other financial help. The tuition waiver removes an important obstacle to success,” she adds.

One of the main pillars of the Indigenous Directions Action Plan is the commitment to recruit, admit and retain Indigenous students, Manon explains. The tuition waiver helps achieve this goal by covering tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students. For independent students, the university covers up to 30 credits.

“We know that when Concordia students worry about money, when they don’t know if they’ll be able to meet rent or eat, it affects their chances of graduation,” Tremblay says. “The tuition waiver is not just a program to recruit Indigenous students; it helps alleviate a bit of the financial burden that many of our students face.”

Bethany Kawenníshon Douglas, post-secondary distance counsellor and team leader at the Kahnawà:ke Education Centre, explains that this means funds previously used by her community to cover tuition can be redirected to cover auxiliary expenses like books and mandatory supplies, allowances, travel and technology for students.

Building trust, relationships

Vicaire says the waiver also provides an opportunity to build trust and relationships with Indigenous communities.

“Initiatives like these help students see Concordia as a welcoming and supportive place to pursue higher education. It also helps build trust with the communities, which contributes to attracting more Indigenous students to the university.”

In some cases, the waiver is even attracting students back to Concordia for further studies — such as McGregor-Pelletier, who will begin a master’s in English literature starting this fall.

She encourages other Indigenous students considering Concordia to apply. “I say do it! I promise there is a welcoming community, especially at the Otsenhákta Student Centre, who are always there to support you, no matter what,” she says.

“I won’t lie — the first year will probably be difficult, but if you push yourself to be the best you can, you will find so many opportunities and experiences as you go through your undergrad. I believe in you no matter what path you choose.”

Learn more about the tuition waiver for First Nations and Inuit students at Concordia.