Indigenous Access Programs
Application Package
Use this application for:
Indigenous Transition Year Program
Native Nursing Entry Program
Indigenous Access Programs Application Information
What are Indigenous Access Programs?
Indigenous Access Programs are pathways to post-secondary education for North American Indigenous
peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) and mature students who do not meet the academic requirements
to enter directly into university. Lakehead University currently offers two access programs with different
transition goals and prerequisites. Details of each program are listed below.
The
INDIGENOUS TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAM (ITYP)
What is the (ITYP)?
The ITYP is an eight-month preparatory program designed to provide you with the academic skills
necessary for the successful completion of an undergraduate degree. You will study in a culturally
supportive and
friendly environment while you take courses in subject areas such as English, Math,
Science, Indigenous
Learning, and University Transition. Upon successful completion of the ITYP
you may choose to pursue
an undergraduate degree at Lakehead University.
Who should apply to the ITYP?
If you wish to pursue post-secondary studies in Business, Humanities, or Social Sciences, then the ITYP
is the program for you. There is no cost to apply!
W
hat are the ITYP Admission Requirements?
You must self-identify as North American Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit
or Métis) and be a high school
graduate (or soon to be graduate) with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or equivalent.
A
lternatively, you are a mature
student who does not meet the general admission requirements for a
degree program at Lakehead University. A mature student is a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident
who has not been engaged in full-time high school studies for at least two years. In addition, they have
completed less than one year at a community college and have never completed any previous university
studies. Mature students do not need to have completed their high school diploma.
The NAT
IVE NURSES ENTRY PROGRAM (NNEP)
Wh
at is NNEP?
The NNEP is an eight-month access program designed to provide you with the necessary skills and
academic preparation required for the successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
(BScN) degree program at Lakehead University. You, too, can realize your dreams to become a qualified
nurse by beginning your studies with NNEP here at Lakehead University.
Who Should Apply?
If you wish to pursue a degree in Nursing but do not meet the general requirements for the BScN degree
program, then this is the program for you. There is no cost to apply!
W
hat are the NNEP Admission Requirements?
G
eneral Requirements:
You must self-identify as North American Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit
or Métis). In addition, you must be
one of the following applicant types:
1. A hi
gh school graduate (or soon to be graduate) with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or
equivalent.
2. A mature
student who does not meet the general admission requirements for a degree program at
Lakehead University.
a. A mature student is a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident who has not been engaged
Indigenous Access Programs Application Information
in full-time high school studies for at least two (2) years.
b. In addition, they have completed less than one year at a community college and hav
e
nev
er completed any previous university studies.
c. Mature students do not need to have completed their high school diploma.
3. A college/university transfer student who does not meet the traditional admission requirements for
our BScN degree program.
Prerequisite Requirements:
In addition to the above, you mus
t have completed the following two (2) prerequisite requirements within
the last five (5) years:
1) O
ntario High School Grade 10 Academic (SNC2D) or Applied Science (SNC2P), or equivalent,
and;
2) Ontario High School Grade 11 University-level or Grade 12 College-level Chemistry (SCH3U
o
r SCH4C).
How Do I Apply?
To apply for any Indigenous Access Program, you must submit the following application package to the
Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator. If y
ou wish to be considered for more than one program,
please ensure that you meet the admissions requirements for each program and then simply check off the
programs you are interested in on the first page of the application.
P
lease read the following instructions prior to starting your application:
Step 1: Complete each section on the IAP Application on the next page.
St
ep 2: Order your official copies of all previous academic transcript(s).
This includes all transcripts from high school, college, and/or university, if applicable.
Step 3: Complete and submit the two (2) Reference Forms that follow the application.
References may
include, but are not limited to: a teacher, a clergyman, an Elder or a community
member. Your choice of reference should include individuals who can attest to your potential as a
university student. Your references cannot be family members.
Step 4: Submit Your Personal Resume.
On a separate document, please list your: work experiences (including raising children), volunteer
activities, and educational background. Include such details as the name of the employer or
volunteer organization, position title, responsibilities, and the time involved.
Step 5: Complete and submit your Personal Statement that follows the application and reference forms.
Step 6: Once you have completed all of the above steps, please email all documentation, including
transcripts, to the IAP Coordinator at coordinator.iap@lakeheadu.ca
.
Please return completed application to the IAP Coordinator.
IAP Application Form:
Complete the Fields Below
I am a Canadian Citizen or
Permanent Resident.
Yes
No
Program Choices:
I am applying to the ITYP.
I am applying to the NNEP.
I am applying to both programs.
Current Email Address:
You need a current email address in
order to receive access to our student
portal.
First and Middle Name:
Last Name:
Former Last Name:
Date of Birth (YYYY/MM/DD):
Gender (optional):
Another Gender Identity
Female
Male
Street:
Please return completed application to the IAP Coordinator.
IAP Application Form:
Ci
ty:
Province/State:
Postal Code/ Zip Code:
Country (if not Canada):
Phone Number:
Country of Citizenship:
First Language Spoken:
Do you self-identify as an
Indigenous Person?
(voluntary
declaration)
You must be an Indigenous person to
apply to these programs.
Yes
No
Tell Us About Your Past Education
Name of Institution(s) Attended:
Years Attended:
Status:
(e.g. graduated)
Type:
(e.g. high school)
To:
Complete the Application Checklist
I have completed each section of the above application form.
I will arrange to have official copies of all of my previous academic transcript(s) sent to the
IAP Coordinator at coordinator.iap@lakeheadu.ca.
I have completed the two (2) Reference Forms and have attached them to this application.
Please return completed application to the IAP Coordinator.
IAP Application Form:
I have attached a copy of my Personal Resume to this application.
I have completed my Personal Statement and have attached it to this application.
Sign Your Application Form
Personal information on this form is collected pursuant to section 14 of the Lakehead University Act and
will be used to aid both deliberations on admission eligibility and essential administrative functions after
admission. Any questions
on this collection should be directed to: Manager of Undergraduate
Admissions, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, telephone: (807) 343-
8500. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with the academic and financial regulations and
penalty dates as published by Lakehead. I hereby certify that the information provided on this application
is accurate and complete. I understand that incomplete, inaccurate, or false statements may cause my
admission or registration to be rescinded. In addition, misrepresentation of my legal status in Canada
could result in legal penalties. I am prepared to provide proof of my citizenship if required
.
Signature:
Date:
click to sign
signature
click to edit
Please return completed reference to the IAP Coordinator.
IAP Reference Form 1 (Two Pages)
What is the applicant’s name:
How
long have you known the applicant?
Please select the appropriate score for each of the following competencies.
Competencies
1
(Poor)
2
(Fair)
3
(Average)
4
(Good)
5
(Excellent)
Maturity and emotional stability
Ability to work independently
Ability to work with others
Capacity for change and openness to
learning
Ability to carry out responsibility
Ability to be sensitive to others
Ability to accept help and
constructive
criticism
Ability to show care and concern for
human
life
Ability to be resourceful, creative,
and
original
Intellectual capacity to succeed in
post
- secondary education
Facility in verbal communication
Facility in written communication
Capacity to use supervision
effectively
Ability to perform under pressure,
and
problem solve
Please return completed reference to the IAP Coordinator.
Ability to complete a university
program
(dedication, commitment)
Potential for leadership
Sensitivity to current social problems
and
issues
Honesty
Possesses excellent work ethics
(punctual, professional)
Additional Comments:
Your Name:
Your Position:
Your Organization:
Your Email:
Your Phone Number:
Your Signature:
Date Completed:
click to sign
signature
click to edit
Please return completed reference to the IAP Coordinator.
IAP Reference Form 2 (Two Pages)
What is the applicant’s name:
How
long have you known the applicant?
Please select the appropriate score for each of the following competencies.
Competencies
1
(Poor)
2
(Fair)
3
(Average)
4
(Good)
5
(Excellent)
Maturity and emotional stability
Ability to work independently
Ability to work with others
Capacity for change and openness to
learning
Ability to carry out responsibility
Ability to be sensitive to others
Ability to accept help and
constructive
criticism
Ability to show care and concern for
human
life
Ability to be resourceful, creative,
and
original
Intellectual capacity to succeed in
post
- secondary education
Facility in verbal communication
Facility in written communication
Capacity to use supervision
effectively
Ability to perform under pressure,
and
problem solve
Please return completed reference to the IAP Coordinator.
Ability to complete a university
program
(dedication, commitment)
Potential for leadership
Sensitivity to current social problems
and
issues
Honesty
Possesses excellent work ethics
(punctual, professional)
Additional Comments:
Your Name:
Your Position:
Your Organization:
Your Email:
Your Phone Number:
Your Signature:
Date Completed:
IAP Personal Statement:
Please return completed personal statement to IAP Coordinator.
Your Name:
Using the space below (feel free to add additional pages if you require more space), please tell us why you are
interested
in the Indigenous Access Program you have applied for. Your statement should include personal life
experiences
(both past and present) that
have significantly influenced your decision to apply for this program; your
strengths
and weaknesses, and how you
believe these may help or hinder you in university; and a discussion of what
Indigenous culture means to you
. The Indigenous Access Programs are full-time program commitments, with full days
and
homework on evenings and weekends. What is your support network and how will you and your family support this?
Lastly, if applying for the NNEP, please include a discussion on a health issue that you believe is important among the
Indigenous population.
IAP Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I order my transcripts?
To order your high school and/or post-secondary school transcript, contact your institution, or the appropriate
school board to
have one printed.
I heard there is an interview as part of the admissions process. What can I expect?
After you have submitted all of your required documentation, the IAP Coordinator may invite you to an interview.
The interview is normally 30
minutes in length and consists of a panel called the “Selection Committee”. The
Selection Committee
members may include the Indigenous Counsellor/Liaison, an Indigenous Educator, and the
Registrar or
designate. A support person (e.g. spouse, relative, or friend) may attend the interview with you.
During the interview, the Selection Committee will present statements to help stimulate the discussion. The
interview will give you an opportunity to express your desires and future goals, as well as clarify questions the
Selection Committee members may have. In an interview, your best resource is yourself. It is important to be
on time and to be relaxed. We understand that you may be nervous but we hope to provide a comfortable, non-
threatening environment for you. Your spouse or partner can accompany you.
Here are examples of the interview questions:
Fo
r Both Programs:
How did you become interested in this program? Can you tell us
anything about the program?
What is your academic background? What might you find challenging at Lakehead University? How do
you think you might overcome
these challenges?
When a problem arises, how do you handle it? What steps do you take to solve it?
What supports do you have to rely on in both your personal life and in school?
Fo
r NNEP applicants:
How did you become interested in Nursing as a career?
Have you worked or volunteered for any health-related organizations or community agencies?