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The Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program (WIHP) aims to increase the number of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in medicine and dentistry to address their underrepresentation in health professions in Alberta and Canada. The program supports qualified Indigenous applicants, helping them enter and graduate from the University of Alberta's Health Sciences programs. The program is a leader in recruiting and retaining Indigenous students from diverse communities, including Abenaki, Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Delaware, Inuit, Iroquois, Métis, Mi'kmaq, Mohawk, and Ojibwe, in Canada's Health Sciences.
Recruitment and Admissions
Recruitment and Admissions
The U of A offers an Indigenous applicant stream with a holistic admissions approach. The stream considers academics, life experiences, community connections, and personal desire to be a physician. Applicants to this stream must provide proof of Indigenous ancestry and meet the minimum admission requirements outlined by the University of Alberta to be granted an interview by the school's Indigenous panel. The Indigenous interview panel uses a conversational format to get to know the applicant and how WIHP can support them throughout their academic journey. Applicants to this stream follow the same online application process as the general stream. However, there is no seat cap for Indigenous applicants as the MD program aims to support as many qualified applicants as possible.
To learn more about the Indigenous application stream, please view this webpage.
Student Services
Student Services
The Wâpanachakos office offers program and cultural support to Indigenous students through Elders, mentors, and a Community Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator.
To contact them, please email ihi@ualberta.ca.
Some examples of the Wâpanachakos support services include:
Admissions Assistance: The Community Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator helps with admissions and connects applicants to various supports, such as MCAT prep.
Circle of Elders: WIHP offers all students access to various Elders for cultural, spiritual and emotional support.
Events and Activities: The WIHP and Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry host events to celebrate academic achievements and participate in recruitment and school fairs, promoting interest in health careers. To view upcoming events, click here: Events.
The WIHP extends an ongoing invitation to our Community Lunch Hour, which is held every Wednesday during the school year from 12 to 1 in the WIHP Office (HMRC 2-07).
Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing (OAW): This office provides physical and mental health resources to ensure students perform at their best. Resources include finding a physician in Edmonton, FoMD support offices, housing, health coverage, and other mental health and crisis support. OAW also offers career advice, counselling, minor funding, and accommodations for special circumstances. For more information, please click here: OAW.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Various financial awards are available to Indigenous medical students at the University of Alberta. For up-to-date information on current awards, please click the following link:
Indigenous Medical and Dental Students' Association (IMDSA)
Indigenous Medical and Dental Students' Association (IMDSA)
The Indigenous Medical and Dental Students' Association (IMDSA), founded in 2018, is the first of its kind in Canada. The association is a group of Indigenous medical and dental students at the University of Alberta passionate about Indigenous culture and health. All Indigenous students enrolled in medicine and dentistry at the U of A are automatically members. Their mission is to represent, encourage, and advocate for future Indigenous healthcare providers while honouring Indigenous traditions. The association promotes an Indigenous presence in health professions through mentorship and support during career transitions.
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