This is a draft schedule and subject to change.
- Orientation - March 18 to March 20, 2026
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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
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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
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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
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Location: UBC's Vancouver campus, 6200 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Time: Saturdays, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 am - 8:00 pmThe 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.