Indigenous student opportunities
At the Alberta School of Business, Indigenous students are supported through community-building, academic resources, leadership opportunities and culturally grounded programming designed to help students thrive throughout their university journey.
The Alberta School of Business Office of Education wholeheartedly embraces the Indigenous Strategic Plan, "Braiding Past, Present, and Future." We are committed to removing barriers and providing dedicated resources to empower Indigenous students on their educational journey. Indigenous students will receive access to tutoring, social events and professional development opportunities.
To learn more about what is available as an Indigenous student at the Alberta School of Business, please contact our Indigenous Program Coordinator, Gil Anderson at ganders1@ualberta.ca.
Gil, a recent Wellness Champion Award recipient, is recognized for his dedication to student success and wellbeing.
Programs and opportunities
These experiences didn’t just shape my student life; they also shaped my leadership. They taught me that community isn’t built in boardrooms; it’s built in circles, in laughter, in shared meals and in those quiet moments. They gave me the courage to lead with both grit and grace, and to build spaces where others feel they belong, too.
Monthly engagement activities help Indigenous students connect with peers, staff and faculty in a welcoming and supportive environment. Sessions are designed to be casual and flexible. Food is always shared and programming is adapted throughout the year based on student interests and schedules.
Activities may include:
- Sharing circles
- Social gatherings
- Academic success workshops
- Wellness programming
- Guest speakers
- Information sessions about campus supports
Academic and numeracy supports
Indigenous students have access to tutoring and numeracy support designed to strengthen confidence in business and quantitative coursework.
Graduate student tutors provide one-on-one support tailored to students’ schedules and learning needs.
Support areas may include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Statistics
- Economics
- Financial literacy
- Study strategies
Are you interested in becoming a tutor? Submit your expression of interest.
Would you like to work with a tutor? Connect with us.
Indigenous case competition opportunities
“The [case competition] was the first time I saw Indigenous teachings, business strategy, and team dynamics come together in a way that felt so powerful and personal. We weren’t just solving a case, we were showing what Indigenous excellence looks like when it’s rooted in community and culture and how to actually implement it.
Case competitions give students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world business challenges while building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
These experiences also create space for Indigenous perspectives, teachings and community-centered approaches to business problem-solving.
INdigenous student welcome program
The Welcome Program opened my eyes to everything the school has to offer. It can be overwhelming to find support and opportunities on your own, but this program made it all accessible. I walked away confident, knowing exactly where to find resources, join clubs, and jump into case competitions from day one.
The Indigenous student welcome program is a two-day experience held each August to help incoming students transition into university in a personalized and accessible way. Students build early connections with peers, staff and faculty while becoming familiar with campus spaces, services and supports.
Program sessions may include:
- Welcome Ceremony and Sharing Circle
- Campus tour
- Campus services and support presentations
- Case workshop delivered by KPMG
- Networking workshop with the Careers and Work Integrated Learning Office
- Closing dinner with the Indigenous Business Students Association
papaschase ceremonial space
The papaschase ceremonial space provides Indigenous students with a private space for ceremony, reflection and gathering.
Located in the Alberta School of Business, the space is intended to support community-building, cultural connection and Indigenous student wellbeing within the school.
For more information and to access the space, reach out to busindig@ualberta.ca.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Are you considering business at the University of Alberta? We’re here to help you explore programs, admissions pathways and student supports available to Indigenous students.
KPMG Bridges to Business for Indigenous Students Sponsorship
Many of our Indigenous student programs are made possible through a generous, five-year partnership with KPMG and the KPMG Bridges to Business for Indigenous Students sponsorship. This incredible support funds vital initiatives like our Welcome Program, Case Competition and tutoring services, alongside a wide variety of engagement activities.
Beyond financial support, KPMG professionals actively participate in our events, giving our students a unique opportunity to learn directly from business leaders, gain valuable industry insights, and build meaningful connections within the business community.
