frequently asked questions

1. Can I have access to the Centre for Native Education’s computer lab after hours or over the weekend? 2. Who is considered First Nations, Métis and Inuit? 3. I think I might be Native.  How do I find out what my rights are? 4. I’m researching a paper on a First Nations topic.  Can the Centre for Native Education help me? 5. I’d like to study at Concordia.  What kind of funding is available to me? 6. Where can I find an Elder in Montreal?

Can I have access to the Centre for Native Education’s computer lab after hours or over the weekend?

The Centre for Native Education’s hours vary throughout the academic year in order to accomodate students who rely on the Centre’s computer lab to do their research and write their papers.  The Centre is open Monday to Friday, starting at 9:00 a.m.  Our current hours of operation are always posted on our main page and at the door of the computer lab.

It is not possible for students to remain after posted hours or to use the Centre’s facilities over the weekend or when the University is closed.

Who is considered First Nations, Métis and Inuit?

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit are Canada’s Indigenous peoples.  They are descendants of the first peoples to inhabit the land, thousands of years prior to the arrival of the first Europeans.

I think I might be Native.  How do I find out what my rights are?

We encourage you to contact the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to start the process of determining whether you can be recognized as a member of Canada’s First Nations or Inuit peoples.  Individuals wishing to establish their Métis ancestry must contact the Métis association of their province of origin.  Please take note that the Centre for Native Education can not advocate on your behalf, should your application be refused.

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I’m researching a paper on a First Nations topic.  Can the Centre for Native Education help me?

The Centre for Native Education has a small documentation centre with over 1300 books on a variety of topics related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.  The Centre has a no lending policy.  All books are for reference only and must be consulted in house.  To find out which books the Centre has, please go to the documentation centre tab on our website.

Please take note that the Centre for Native Education reserves the right to refuse to participate in any project that relies on the supplying of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students as study subjects.

I’d like to study at Concordia.  What kind of funding is available to me?

If you have First Nation's status, the first thing you need to do is to contact your band council’s education department.  If you qualify for funding, they will help you obtain it.  Cree students who are registered with one of the nine Cree communities of Northern Quebec need to contact the Cree School Board.  Inuit students from Northern Quebec need to contact Kativik School Board.

If you do not qualify for funding, the staff at the Centre for Native Education can help you explore other sources of financial aid. Please go to the Scholarships and Bursaries tab on our website.

Where can I find an Elder in Montreal?

The Centre for Native Education has an Elder-in-Residence.  All Concordia students, faculty and staff are more than welcome to drop by and meet with her.  Morning Star’s contact information can be found on the Contact Us page.

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