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 can work on your project online, whenever works for you and your mentor.

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 30-minute workshop to introduce a key data science skill
  • A 1.5-hour mentorship session, where you’ll work one-on-one with your UBC mentor on your Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project and to develop your data analysis skills using R.
  • Cultural programming and guest speakers who will share perspectives on Indigenous 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.