Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program

We are proud to offer the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program as a pathway for eligible First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples who don’t meet Concordia’s traditional admission requirements.

• For its inaugural fall 2023 intake, the program will be offered for students interested in bridging into the Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree. 
• The bridges to the Bachelor of Commerce (BComm), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology degrees will be coming soon – Start date is pending Senate approval.

New bridges will be created to other academic programs in subsequent years.

As a student in these preparatory programs, you will build a strong academic foundation with social and cultural supports to transition into post-secondary education and living in Montreal. Following all classes in a cohort model, you will complete the prerequisite courses to enter your program of choice and build your capacity for academic success through targeted courses in academic writing, study skills and time management.

Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke, a Kanien’kéha term, translates to “the four winds” or “the four directions”. These vital winds coming from different directions work in harmony with other elements to promote the growth of plant life, signaling change in the natural world. The Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program was named in the Kanien’kéha language to honour and respect the local Indigenous peoples whose territories Concordia was built upon.

Spread out over three terms, as a student in the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program (BEng), you will:

• Acquire the math and science courses needed to enter your BEng program of choice
• Build community and learn alongside your peers in an all-ages cohort
• Take part in a weekly Indigenous-led seminar to enhance your personal, academic and holistic well-being
• Receive resources and support to transition into university, with experiential learning opportunities from the Otsenhákta Student Centre and courses designed by the Student Success Centre

Upon successful completion of the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program, you will transition into the undergraduate program of your choice. You will not need to reapply for admission.

As you continue your education journey, you will remain connected to a supportive community at Concordia University. You will also maintain access to personal, academic and professional resources through the Otsenhákta Student Centre.

The Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program is open to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples whose communities are located in Canada and who do not possess the standard admissions requirements to enter post-secondary education.

Concordia would like to thank Katsistohkwí:io Jacco, who is Kanien’kehá:ka and part of the Bear Clan, for naming the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program and providing the pronunciation sound clip.