Voluntary Indigenous Self-Identification
Sheridan is committed to providing services to support First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis and Inuit students' success and we encourage those to self-identify by:
- Logging in to myStudent Centre > Selecting the ‘Indigenous self-identification’ link under the ‘Personal Information’ tab.
- Improve and enhance Indigenous programming and services at Sheridan.
- Connect learners with funding opportunities through bursaries and scholarships.
- Improve connections with Indigenous communities.
Self-identification is voluntary and confidential. All collected information is confidential and will not be shared, as outlined in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will only be used to help us provide relevant support, services and resources.
Applying as an Indigenous student
Indigenous means an individual who is recognized as “one of the aboriginal peoples of Canada” within the meaning of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which further states that for the purposes of the Constitution, the “aboriginal peoples of Canada includes the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada”.
What is self-identification?
In accordance with Sheridan’s admissions procedures, by declaring Indigenous identity, you will be linked with Sheridan staff who will provide support during the application, admission and transition process. (Admissions, Financial Aid and Awards, Indigenous Office)
Why is it important to self-identify as an Indigenous student?
It gives our Indigenous Centre a heads-up that you have applied to Sheridan so we can contact you about the services available and it makes you eligible for the Indigenous admission policy.
What is the Indigenous Applicant Admission Policy and process?
Sheridan College has identified number of seats in programs reserved for Indigenous applicants. Designated seats will be filled by Indigenous applicants on a competitive basis. In order to be considered for such designated seats in programs, Indigenous applicants must apply by the February 1 equal consideration deadline, or before the program is closed or waitlisted.
Sheridan will identify designated seats for Indigenous applicants. To qualify for consideration under this process, the Indigenous applicant must:
- Self-identify as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission at ontariocolleges.ca and/or with the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support
- Meet the definition of an Indigenous applicant with documentation that will be submitted to the Admissions Office
- Meet the minimum admission requirements as indicated in the general admission requirements for Sheridan as well as any program level admission requirements or supplemental assignments
If the number of Indigenous applicants exceeds the number of designated seats, the applicants will be ranked on a competitive basis within the Indigenous applicant pool.
Student recruitment welcome centres
Our student recruitment office can assist you with admission questions, program information, OCAS, and your transition to postsecondary education. If you are interested in having someone come to your community to speak to students, contact cils@sheridancollege.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
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I don’t have an Indigenous “Indian Status”, Métis citizenship or membership or Inuit Trust, am I still eligible for the Indigenous Admission?
If you have any concerns about the proof of ancestry requirement or circumstances that have prevented you from obtaining the above identification, please contact the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support (cils@sheridancollege.ca), with the subject heading “Assistance required with Proof of Ancestry Requirement”.
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I do not wish to be considered under the Indigenous Admission policy. Is this holding up my application with Sheridan College?
No, students who do not want to be considered under the Indigenous Admission policy will still be considered with the general pool of applicants.
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If I choose not to use the Indigenous Admission Policy, can I still access Indigenous Services as a student?
Absolutely! The Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support is open for all students attending Sheridan to access support and guidance. Feel free to drop by or contact us at cils@sheridancollege.ca to connect!
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Who has access to my responses?
Access to self-identification is limited. Only specifically designated staff in the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support and the Office of the Registrar will have access to self-identification information. If consent is given, your name and email address will be provided to these Sheridan departments if you authorize the disclosure of your contact information during the self-identification process.
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Will proof of ancestry be required?
Proof of ancestry will not be required to complete the self-identification process. However, documentation may be required to maintain eligibility for certain academic initiatives, scholarships, or bursaries. You may be asked to provide proof of identification for the Indigenous Admission Policy under applicant selection.
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Can I identify with more than one ancestry?
Yes. Definitions are provided to help you accurately identify which group(s) you belong to in the question inquiring about Indigenous identity. Should you feel that none of these categories accurately reflect your identity as an Indigenous person, the “Alternative identity term’ category can be selected for you to generate your own identifying term (e.g. Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Treaty 3, etc.).