Overview
Indigenous students may want to apply for one of two Ontario Graduate Scholarships for Indigenous students (OGS-I), as well as the Longboat. For more details, visit the OGS-I.
Eligibility
The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship is open to
- incoming or returning graduate students (Master’s or PhD) of First Nation, Inuit, or Métis descent.
- applicants who will be attending McMaster University in the September 2023 to August 2024 academic year. Students must intend to be enrolled for a minimum of two terms.
Note: The Harvey Longboat Award is not exclusive to students from the Six Nations of the Grand River Communities; the application is open to any current graduate student (or applicant to a graduate program at McMaster University) who identifies as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis.
Selection criteria
Award winners demonstrate
- exceptional promise in community leadership
- mentorship to other Indigenous students
- mentorship within First Nation, Inuit, or Métis communities
- leadership to advance Indigenous education, either inside or outside of a university setting
- high academic achievement
Intent
This award is intended as a means to recognize and acknowledge the academic achievement and exceptional promise of an Indigenous graduate student or students at McMaster University. Consideration is also given to Indigenous scholars who have demonstrated mentorship within community settings.
Value
Several students may receive this award simultaneously. A total value of $30,000 in scholarship is available for the Harvey E. Longboat Award, to be dispersed according to the following division:
- $15,000 awarded to one individual recipient; and
- $15,000 awarded to either one individual OR divided and awarded to several recipients (typically 2-5 awards, at the discretion of the selection committee).
Questions
If you have any questions, please email the School of Graduate Studies at graduatescholarships@mcmaster.ca and/or Senior Advisor, Indigenous Student Services at indigsc@mcmaster.ca.
Information Box Group
How to apply
Step One: Student Application and Transcripts
- Student candidate completes the application portion. This includes: Applicant information section and (a maximum one page each) for the statements
- Letter of Introduction,
- Community Involvement Statement
- Plan of Study, plus transcripts (scanned from all postsecondary institutions attended).
- Completed candidate application portion to be combined as one .PDF saved with the file name ‘Student Last Name_Longboat_2023’.
- Candidates upload completed application portion to MacDrive.
Step Two: Referees
- Applicants to contact one academic and one community member for a reference.
- When contacting referees, students should ask their referees to provide their letters on organizational letterhead (where applicable) then upload their reference letters to MacDrive.
- Referees can refer to Selection Criteria to help inform the content of their letters.
- Naming conventions for their reference letters are:
- Student Last Name_Community Reference_2023 or
- Student Last Name_Academic Reference_2023.
- You will be required to provide an upload link to your referees.
Harvey E. Longboat Scholarship Application Checklist
A complete Harvey E. Longboat Scholarship application includes these components:
- Candidate Application (with Letter of Introduction, Community Involvement Statement, Plan of Study)
- Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions (scanned copies are OK)
- Community Reference Letter
- Academic Reference Letter
Check Quick Forms for reference letter templates. You will find Quick Forms on the upper right hand side of this webpage or below (if viewing on a mobile device).
Longboat Graduate Scholarship recipients
Q&A with Marrissa Mathews, 2022-23 Longboat Scholar
Longboat Scholar Marrissa Mathews tells us about her research and how the Longboat Scholarship impacted her academic journey at McMaster University.
Marrissa is Omushkegowuk Cree of the Weenusk First Nation in Treaty 9 territory. She is completing her PhD in political science under the supervision of Chelsea Gabel and Alina Sajed. Marrissa completed her Master’s in political science at York University.
What is the focus of your doctoral research?
I am looking at urban Indigenous youth success in the Friendship Centre Movement and conducting a comparative policy analysis of two federally funded youth programs from the early 2000’s:
- Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) program
- Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth (CCAY) program
What inspired you to continue on your academic journey once you had completed your undergraduate degree?
It was actually through a series of events where everything aligned for this path.
Initially, I wanted to study law when I started my undergraduate degree but did not see at the time how that would be financially feasible. Also, I worked as a research assistant (RA) during the summer of 2013 with Dr. Suzanne Mills from McMaster, then held other RA jobs at Lakehead University — where I did my undergrad — and I really liked the work. Then during the summer of 2015, I participated in the Indigenous Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars program (now known as Indiginerds) at McMaster and that really solidified my decision for graduate school — and very much demystified grad school for me.
I also had the great pleasure and benefit to have many, many mentors and solid people who I was able to consult with as I made my decisions.
Once you complete your PhD, where do you see yourself?
Still reading, researching, thinking and writing, but not sure where. I’ve had discussions at length with like-minded folks about creating a research collective where we do our thing as community and independent researchers. I value my education immensely and I would honour the time and guidance given to me as I move forward.
As a three-time recipient of the Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students, can you share with us how this award has impacted your graduate journey at McMaster?
It alleviated some of the financial worry so that I could focus on my studies. I am very grateful for the support!
What advice do you have for other indigenous students who would like to apply for the Longboat?
Apply! It is really helpful and also serves to help you figure out where you’re going with the plan of study, candidate statement and community involvement sections.
Visit the Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students web page for more information about this award.
Application deadline: February 15, 2023, 12 noon ET