This is a draft schedule and subject to change.
 

Orientation - March 18 to March 20, 2026

Location: UBC's Vancouver campus, 6200 University Blvd, Vancouver
Time: Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20 | All Day

Held at UBC’s Vancouver campus, the 3-day orientation is your chance to:

  • Connect with other Indigenous students, mentors, and Elders
  • Experience life on campus and explore research labs
  • Meet and network with professionals working in health research and data science
  • Learn about career pathways in health research and data science
  • Start your Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project using real-world data
  • Take part in cultural activities and meaningful conversations about Indigenous health and data sovereignty

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (Starts at 10:00 am)

  • Arrival at UBC Vancouver Campus: Check-in and settle into your accommodation.
  • Meet the Cohort: Get to know your fellow mentees and mentors in an icebreaker session.
  • Welcome Lunch with Elder: A special lunch to welcome you to the program, including an opening blessing from an Elder.
  • Campus Tour: Explore UBC Vancouver campus.
  • Dinner and Social Time: Enjoy dinner with your peers and mentors.
  • Other Activities: Participate in a fun icebreaker activity or movie night with fellow mentees.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

  • Lab Visits: Explore UBC’s campus and BC Children’s Hospital research facilities, including ongoing research projects.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch with your cohort and mentors.
  • Guest Speaker: Listen to a presentation by an Indigenous scholar or researcher on the importance of data science in Indigenous health.
  • Cultural Activity: Participate in a cultural activity with peers such as medicine bag making
  • Interactive Group Activity: Engage in a collaborative activity focusing on data analysis concepts.
  • Dinner and Social Time: Enjoy dinner with your peers and mentors.

Friday, March 20, 2026 (End at 4:00 pm)

  • The power of data: Learn about data science as a storytelling tool
  • Mentor-Mentee Pairing: Get an assigned mentor and discuss your Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch with your cohort and mentors.
  • Explore Datasets: Begin exploring real-world datasets and choose your focus for the MDA project.
  • Workshop on Data Science Tools: Participate in a hands-on workshop on basic data analysis and statistical techniques using R.
  • Career Exploration Panel: Join our panel for a casual conversation with current UBC students. 
  • Ask anything: this is your chance to hear what it’s really like to pursue a career in health research and data science.
Mini Data Analysis (MDA) Project - March to May 2026

Location & Time: You will collaborate with your mentor during in-person mentorship sessions and work independently between sessions. If you have questions or need guidance, you can request online check-ins with your mentor!

The time you invest in your project outside of sessions is up to you, but you should plan to spend at least 2 hours per week working on your project.

Your project will need to be completed by the Research Symposium on Saturday, May 30, 2026. 

Mentorship Sessions - April 11, April 25, May 9 & May 23, 2026

Location: BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Ave, Vancouver
Time: Saturdays, April 11, April 25, May 9 & May 23, 2026 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Held at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, the 4 Mentorship Sessions are designed to build your data science skills and support your personal research journey.

Each session includes:

  • - A workshop introducing a key data science skill
  • One-on-one mentorship time with your UBC mentor to support your Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project using R
  • Select sessions will feature guest speakers and cultural programming, sharing Indigenous perspectives on research and leadership

Saturdays, April 11, April 25, May 9 & May 23, 2026

  • Workshops: Attend biweekly workshops where you’ll focus on specific data science skills such as statistical analysis, data visualization, and R programming. 
  • Mentorship: Work with your mentor in personalized sessions to develop your MDA project, focusing on topics such as data storytelling and ethical data use. 
  • Cultural Sessions & Guest Speakers: Learn about Indigenous knowledge systems and hear from guest speakers on topics like data sovereignty, research ethics, and community health. 
  • Lunch and Refreshments Provided
Research Symposium - Saturday, May 30, 2026

Location: UBC's Vancouver campus, 6200 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Time: Saturdays, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

The program wraps up with a full-day symposium where you’ll celebrate everything you’ve learned and accomplished.

At the symposium, you will:

  • Present your Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project to an audience of mentors, peers, and guests
  • Share your insights and experiences from the program
  • Attend a career panel featuring professionals in health research, data science, and related fields
  • Network with mentors, researchers, and industry experts

This event is designed to highlight your work, build your professional skills, and support your future career journey. It’s a time to celebrate your achievements and the growth you’ve made over the past few months.

Saturday, May 30

  • 1-on-1 Sessions with Mentors: Finalize your MDA project with your mentor before the symposium. 
  • Career Panel: Participate in a career panel with industry professionals, exploring different career pathways in data science and related fields. 
  • MDA Project Presentations: Present your MDA project and share your learning journey with mentors, peers, and community leaders. 
  • Closing Ceremonies: Receive your program certificate, and celebrate your achievements with a closing ceremony. 
  • Dinner & Networking: Enjoy a celebratory dinner with your cohort, mentors, program staff, and guests.

For all program activities, participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. This may include public transportation, a ride with a parent/guardian, driving yourself, carpooling with other participants or using a ride share service. Funding support is available if transportation is a barrier. Please email tog@bcchr.ca before applying to discuss options.

Student safety and well-being are a top priority. Participants will be supervised at all times during the program. Trained mentors, and program coordinators will be present to provide guidance, support, and ensure a safe, respectful environment for everyone.