About SAGE
The Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE) program is part of a provincial and national network dedicated to supporting the academic, cultural, and professional development of Indigenous graduate students. Originally founded in 2005 by Dr. Graham Smith and Dr. Jo-ann Archibald, SAGE emerged as a sister program to the Māori and Indigenous (MAI) graduate network in Aotearoa (New Zealand). UNBC is proud to be one of the first institutions in British Columbia to adopt and contribute to this initiative.
SAGE fosters community, mentorship, and Indigenous knowledge-sharing through a range of student-driven programming, including writing workshops, an annual forum, and land-based learning. The program also helps connect students with Indigenous faculty, knowledge keepers, alumni, and other mentors.
SAGE at UNBC
The SAGE program at UNBC has gone through many changes, and was previously a volunteer lead initiative. Now, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives is thrilled to be relaunching the program, in conjunction with the newly renovated First Nations Centre Research Studio!
SAGE at UNBC is a space for Indigenous graduate students to thrive, build relationships, and engage in research that uplifts their communities. We look forward to growing this community together.
Indigenous Graduate Student Symposium (IGSS)
The IGSS is an annual forum for Indigenous graduate researchers to come together to present their research, exchange knowledge, and expand their network. Universities including UBC Vancouver, UBC Okanagan, UVIC, U Calgary, and SFU have SAGE pods who contribute to the forum. In addition to research presentations, the IGSS curates a journal which is open access and available through the SFU Library. The Office of Indigenous Initiatives hopes to host the IGSS in March of 2027. This would be the first time UNBC hosts this important event.
Indigenous Research Fund
The goal of the Indigenous Research Fund (IRF) is to support and uplift Indigenous researchers and Indigenous research at UNBC. This is achieved by providing funding to student researchers who are Indigenous, or who are conducting research in collaboration with Indigenous communities. This fund is designed to be low barrier, ensuring students are not subject to undue hardship when applying for or receiving support. Please see the document below for more information, including how to apply!
Indigenous Research Fund Information
SAGE Faculty Mentors
The SAGE Faculty Mentors are a group of Indigenous researchers at UNBC, dedicated to sharing knowledge and building community. View their profiles below, and come chat with them at our monthly SAGE Lunch Series 'Plates and Perspectives".
Dr. Daniel Sims (he/him)
Dr. Sims is a proud member of the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation and an Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies at UNBC. His research focuses on northern British Columbia, particularly the impacts of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Lake on the Tsay Keh Dene, Kwadacha, and McLeod Lake communities. He brings expertise in land-based learning, traditional healing, and ethnobotany. Dr. Sims has previously supported graduate students through mentorship and looks forward to contributing these insights to the SAGE program.
Dr. Darlene Sanderson (she/her)
Dr. Sanderson is of Nehiyaw (Cree), Saulteaux, Red River Métis, mixed-European, and Doukhobor ancestry, originally from northern Manitoba. Her work centers on Indigenous self-determination in health, education, and law, with a focus on water protection, climate change, and cultural reclamation. She has collaborated with Indigenous communities locally and internationally, supporting initiatives such as sovereign research centres, Water Guardians programs, and land-based nursing education.
Penína Sara-Lynn Harding (she/her)
Penína is a Secwépemc scholar from Esk’étemc and a PhD Candidate in Natural Resources & Environmental Studies at UNBC, specializing in Indigenous Environmental Planning. She currently serves as the Interim Associate Vice-President, Indigenous at UNBC. Her research is grounded in land-based methodologies and relationships with Knowledge Keepers. Penína is passionate about supporting Indigenous graduate students in navigating academia while staying rooted in their communities, cultures, and ways of knowing.
Dr. Tina Fraser (she/her)
Dr. Fraser is a Māori scholar from Aotearoa (New Zealand) affiliated with Ngāti Haka/Patuheuheu, Ngāti Koura, Te Whānau Pani (Tūhoe), Ngāti Ranginui, and Te Whakatohea. She isthe Chair of the School of Education at the University of Northern British Columbia. Dr. Fraser brings deep experience in Indigenous knowledge, education and health systems. In addition to being a SAGE mentor, Dr. Fraser has worked hard to create mentorship and peer support groups in the Education Department.