About the Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Transition Program for Indigenous learners
“They are strengthening their knowledge.”
Discover a culturally safe space to build your community and access support among fellow Indigenous learners before the academic year begins. The Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Transition Program is designed for Indigenous students starting at McMaster in September. Over two enriching weeks in the summer and through a full course option in the fall, you’ll explore culture, university life, and academic skills, all while celebrating Indigenous values and ways of learning.
When I entered this space on the first day, I was so surprised and happy to see how many Indigenous people are here for me, to help me be prepared for university and want me to do well here.
– 2022 program participant
- Receive a $500 bursary for participating in the summer portion of the program.
- Receive 3.0 units of university elective credit towards your degree for participating in the Fall course (participation in the Summer program not required).
- Learn key skills like reading academic articles, taking notes, writing essays and studying for exams, with emphasis on cultural teachings.
- Attend well-being workshops on health and stress management.
- Participate in cultural activities like lacrosse, storytelling, drumming, dancing, beading and quill work.
- Get to know the campus and Indigenous community organizations through guided tours.
- Make connections with the Elders-in-Residence.
The Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Transition Program is intended for incoming Fall 2025 McMaster University Indigenous students.
This includes the following:
- High school graduates
- Mature students
- Transfer students
Register now
Complete the short application form to get started. Feel free to contact Rebecca Seles, Indigenous Transition Program Coordinator (indigstp@mcmaster.ca) if you have questions!
Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Overview
Creating a home at McMaster for Indigenous students
Financial support
With help from the $500 bursary, participants can alleviate some of the barriers that come with transitioning to university.
Learning the campus
Participants get to explore the campus through living in residence.
A sense of belonging
As part of a tight-knit group of students, participants can start making a circle of friends and support systems.
Building tools for success
Building key academic skills helps participants gain confidence before starting their studies in the fall.
Connecting with culture
Participants can make connections with Elders and Knowledge Keepers and spend time in the community to learn more about Indigenous cultures.
Accessing opportunities
Getting to know all the opportunities and resources on campus (and beyond!) helps participants enhance their university experience.
Summer Transition Program: Aug 18th to 29th, 2025
Relationship-building workshops
- Meet-and-greet with staff, faculty and mentors
- Campus tour
- Tour of Hamilton and Indigenous organizations
- Library services tour
- Meeting Indigenous offices on campus
- Sharing student experiences
Cultural workshops
- Beading and tufting
- Medicine pouch workshop
- Drum making and teachings
- Smudging and traditional medicine protocols
- Creating regalia workshop
- Language learning workshop
- Lacrosse workshop
Health and well-being workshops
- Cooking on a budget
- Scholarships and bursaries through AwardSpring
- Stress and time management workshop
Academic workshops
- Mosaic and Avenue to Learn
- Course selection
- Meeting with academic advisors
Fall 2025 Elective Course - INDIGST 1G03
September
- Reading with intentions
- Developing outlines and ideas for papers
- Writing papers
- Citation styles
- Note taking
- Testing and study tips and support
- Time management and maintaining balance
October to December
- Studying for tests and exams
- One-on-one check-ins with the transition coordinator, wellness counsellor, and the financial aid specialist for full wrap around supports
About the program name
Our team is very grateful and would like to thank Renae Hill Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, who consulted with naming our program. Renae is a program manager and instructor at Dwadewayęhstaˀ Gayogoho:nǫˀ. Renae is a second language learner, who had the privilege of learning from the late Marjorie Henry, Frances Froman, and many others.
Renae has a passion of learning and sharing Cayuga with others. She believes that learning the language is greater than learning vocabulary; that Haudenosaunee languages are intrinsically connected with all Haudenosaunee languages and history.
Through consultation, our team described the intention of supporting incoming Indigenous students with academic skill development, exposure to cultural activities, knowledge, and relations through mentorship while maintaining balance and being mindful of health and wellbeing. Renae Hill has generously provided our team with Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Transition Program, a Cayuga explanation of the concept, they are strengthening their knowledge.
About the program logo
In the centre [of the logo], you’ll see three diverse Indigenous individuals, arms linked and walking together. Gaodadeihwahni:ya:s offers incoming Indigenous students from communities across Canada, wrap-around supports that help guide each unique individual on their path to personal and academic success within a holistic framework. ISS has made me feel I am not alone on my journey to a better future; whether it’s academic advice or a much-needed smudge, the whole ISS community is dedicated to making each Indigenous student feel fully supported on their path. — Justice Ryan
The Gaodadeihwahni:ya:s Transition Program team
Personalized support for Indigenous students at McMaster
Welcome to McMaster!
University is fun, but it can also be challenging. We offer many supports and services for Indigenous students. Our team is part of a larger Indigenous community at McMaster and we welcome Indigenous learners from across campus to connect with us. If you ever have questions or find yourself in need of some extra support, please stop by to see us.
Visit the Contact Us page to learn more about our team and find someone who can help.