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Belong to a community
The Indigenous Housing Program provides cultural supports and affordable single rooms and family units for students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, Non-status or Inuit. Students qualify for housing based on academic readiness, academic and career goals, and financial need. All self-identified Indigenous students are eligible for a bursary to reduce residence fees.
The Indigenous Housing Coordinator helps you build a support network, connects you with academic supports and includes you in monthly community-building activities.
Single rooms are located across campus — in East Residence townhouse-style units and West Residence apartments, among Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students.
All students in the Indigenous Housing Program belong to a supportive, connected community on campus.
Bursary recipients are supported from application through to graduation, including guidance on university life and navigating campus services.
Through social gatherings organized by the Housing and Events Coordinator and volunteer opportunities on campus, students can build community and make new friends.
“Housing has been a big part of my success. I’ve been able to save money because my costs were literally cut in half. I never miss a class because it’s walkable, and it has been such a privilege to go to the library at night … right next door.”
— Recent graduate and former resident
Important message for new students from Residence Services
Due to our higher than usual anticipated occupancy for the 2025-2026 academic year, Residence Services cannot guarantee housing for new students who apply before June 15. We will prioritize housing new students as much as possible. Our prioritization process will likely include date of application, so we will encourage new students to apply as early as possible. Thank you for your understanding as we work in this challenging housing environment.
Learn more about Residence Services.
How to apply for the Indigenous Housing Program bursary
If you would like more information about the Indigenous Housing Program bursary, please contact Melanie Parsons, Housing and Events Coordinator, Iniskim Centre.
The application will be available May 1 to July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year.
Important considerations:
- The bursary application is in addition to the application you submit on the Residence Services website. Please ensure you prioritze applying for a room before the bursary.
- New students must pay particular attention to the message provided above from Residence Services.
- Do not wait to apply for a room through Residence Services. Due to the housing shortage and/or lack of housing available nearby for students, we reccomend that you apply even if you have not heard back from funders as a precautionary step.
Yes, you must apply for both. Apply through Residence Services first. The Indigenous Housing Program provides the bursary and monthly programming that support you once accepted by Residence. This is a separate process from applying to live on campus.
- Be registered as a full-time student (3 courses, or fewer with an approved accomodation)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for fall and winter semester
- Have residence fees paid in full
- Remain in good judicial standing with Residence Services and Mount Royal University.
- Be registered as a full-time student (3 courses, or fewer with an approved accomodation)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for fall and winter semester
- Have residence fees paid in full
- Remain in good judicial standing with Residence Services and Mount Royal University.
The Iniskim Centre is pleased to offer eight family units.
Residents of family units live on campus year-round with their children.
Family units are located in the East Residence townhouses — a quiet fenced-in campus area offering a small, family-friendly community.
“Having a safe, affordable home on campus took so much burden off my shoulders as the sole provider for my children. It was one less thing to stress about.”
— Recent graduate and former resident
Calls for applications for family units are based on availability.
At this time we are not accepting applications. Once a unit has become available, the unit type and application will be posted here.
How to apply for 2 or 4-bedroom family units
If you would like more information about the Indigenous Housing Program - Family Housing, please contact Melanie Parsons, Housing and Events Coordinator, Iniskim Centre.
Only applicants selected for a unit will be asked to submit an application through the Residence Services portal.
Important considerations:
- Applications do not carry over. If you have applied in the past, you will be asked to apply again.
- Family units are not rented on a first-come, first-served basis. All eligible applicants will be interviewed. A selection committee will determine the best fit for the current community and program.
- There is no waitlist for Family Housing units. We begin our search only after the previous student and their family members have moved out and the unit has been deemed ready for move-in by Residence Services.
No. You apply through a link provided to you by the Indigenous Housing Coordinator. If accepted, Residence Services will be notified by the Coordinator at which time you will have to sign an agreement.
- Be regsitered as a full-time student (3 courses, or fewer with an approved/active accomodation)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for the Fall and Winter semester
- Have a residence fees paid in full by dates dertermined by Residence Services
- Remain in good judicial standing with Residence Serices and Mount Royal University
Melanie Parsons
Housing and Events Coordinator
Iniskim Centre
403-440-7746
maparsons@mtroyal.ca
The Indigenous Housing Program is grateful to David and Leslie Bissett for their donation for family housing renovations and bursaries.