SGS Indigenous Graduate Travel Award

Award Overview

Purpose

The SGS Indigenous Graduate Travel Award provides financial assistance to University of Toronto Indigenous graduate students to travel and participate in educational and experiential learning in Canada or abroad in activities specifically focused on Indigenous student or educational issues. Possible activities include Indigenous-focused events, workshops, meetings, field trips, competitions, and other educational-related activities, online or in-person, approved by the Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement group (SAGE) and First Nations House at the University of Toronto.

Ten (10) awards of up to $1,000 each, will be available annually, and applications will be considered on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Amounts are based on the recommendation of the S.A.G.E. Award committee, in conjunction with the Centre for Indigenous Studies.  ​

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • Indigenous to North America (e.g. First nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit);
  • Planning to travel or attend (online or in-person) activities specifically focused on Indigenous student or educational issues within 12 months of application submission; and
  • Registered full-time in a graduate degree program (master’s or doctoral) when:
    1. Submitting the application;
    2. Participating in the Activity/Conference; and
    3. Requesting payment of award

Note: If travelling outside of Canada, compliant with all departmental and U of T Safety Abroad procedures prior to travel (see below).

Application Process

The Application Form​​ contains the following sections, which must be completed:

  • Student Information;
  • Activity Information;
  • Statement of Justification/Eligibility;
  • Budget & Summary of Expenses;
  • Travel Award holders’ Responsibilities;
  • Release Form/Collection of Use of Image; and
  • Letter of Support from a member of the university community (including Academic Elder, Staff and Faculty Members)

The completed application and letter of support must be submitted via email to SAGE for consideration. Applications are reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis by the Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement group (SAGE) and First Nations House at the University of Toronto.

Results

All applicants will receive an email with their results via their U of T email address.

Additional Info

Safety Abroad Requirements

Please follow the instructions and steps as indicated on the U of T Safety Abroad Student’s page and review the COVID-19 Planning page well in advance of your travel. For additional updates from the university related to COVID-19, please visit  the VP Students COVID-19 FAQ page.

Important: Safety Abroad procedures are mandatory for all U of T students travelling outside of Canada, including to the U.S.A., and must be completed before the travel occurs (regardless of receiving any financial support received). Travelling for research that is conducted without prior completion of all Safety Abroad requirements will render students ineligible. SGS Travel Grants cannot be honoured to support travel outside of Canada, conducted during university restricted travel periods, without prior authorization by Safety Abroad.

The following steps must be completed prior to departure for international travel and to remain eligible for university-funded travel support:

Before travelling on university activity abroad, there are certain steps that you must complete.

  1. Review the Safety Abroad website for University pre-travel requirements
  2. Review your destination’s Global Affairs Canada Travel Advisory*
  3. Complete a Safety Abroad pre-departure workshop
  4. Secure appropriate and sufficient travel health insurance
  5. Add your trip to the Safety Abroad Registry

Prior to making travel plans, a preliminary determination should be made of the overall risk level and suitability of the University sponsored out-of-country activity. When considering the appropriateness of a destination, students should balance risk with academic necessity. The assessment should consider special needs of the student including disabilities and medical issues.

All students should consult the Global Affairs Canada website to ensure that their intended travel is in correspondence to the Safety Abroad Guidelines, and contact the Safety Abroad Office directly at safety.abroad@utoronto.ca prior to any planned travel.

Contacts & Resources

Application Inquiries:

Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement group (SAGE)
SAGE Coordinator at sage@utoronto.ca

Payment Inquiries:

SGS Financial Aid and Advising Office
School of Graduate Studies
416-978-2839​​
travelgrant@utoronto.ca