Indigenous Scholarships

Amount: $1500 (3 awarded)

Applications Open: September 1, 2021

Description:

• The Alberta Blue Cross Scholarship for Indigenous Students is for students who have demonstrated community involvement and achievement of personal goals as well as shown financial need. Academic achievement will also be considered. This scholarship is for students who have recently completed their high school education and entering their first year of post-secondary study at an accredited institution.

Criteria:

• Applicants are a member of a first nation or band, or have Inuit, Métis or Indian Status as referenced on the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada website.

• Applicants must be enrolling in the first year of any full-time post-secondary certificate or diploma program of two or more years duration.

• Applicants must clearly describe their community involvement, personal goals and financial need.

• Applicants must currently reside in Alberta and have been living here for the past 12 months.

• Applicants must submit two reference letters for evaluation.

• Applicants must be accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution.

Application Website: https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/aboutus/indigenous-scholarships.php#firsttime

Applications Open:

Deadline:  January 31

Amount: $2500

Description:

• One award is available to an Aboriginal student enrolled in business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary institution in Alberta, with a minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of application.

Criteria:

• Applicants must:

  • be Canadian citizens and residents of Alberta;

  • be a person who not only declares themselves to be an Aboriginal person, but is also either a Status Indian, an Inuit, a Metis person, or a Non-Status Indian and a resident of Alberta;

  • submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to, or are currently pursuing, a career in business or as a professional accountant;

  • submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement; and

  • submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor.

Application Website:  https://www.cpaalberta.ca/Foundation/Support-Programs-and-Scholarships/Scholarships/Indigenous-Scholarships

Applications Open: April

Deadline:  August 1, November 1, February 1 (You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries, scholarships, and awards.)

Amount: varies

Description:

• Successful futures are created through hard work, creativity, and perseverance. Each one of us has a unique potential to achieve, and for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students, Indspire is here to help make that happen. Indspire provides hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to thousands of Indigenous students every year!

• Since 2004, Indspire has provided over $115 million in financial support to more than 37,500 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. All Building Brighter Futures donations are matched by the Government of Canada allowing us to be double the impact for students. For a complete listing of Building Brighter Futures Supports, please visit indspirefunding.ca.

Criteria:

• Applicants need to submit four documents:

• Indigenous card (front and back)

• grades,

• proof of enrollment (registered in classes), and

• letter from an Indigenous organization regarding educational funding.

• Student applications are assessed on financial need, merit, and giving back (community involvement).

  • Awards are assessed on financial need, merit, and giving back (community involvement).

  • Bursaries are assessed on financial need, merit, and giving back (community involvement).

  • Scholarships are assessed on merit.

Application Website:  https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships/

Deadline: February 21

Amount: $2500 (renewable per year for students enrolled in a min. 2 yr post-secondary program to a max. of 4 years)

Description:

• The Ted Rogers Scholarship through Indspire is for Canadian Indigenous students starting a post-secondary program in the fall of  2021. 

Criteria:

• Students must be entering into full-time studies in a first bachelor's degree or first diploma program at a Canadian accredited university or college.

• Program must be a minimum of 2 years in duration.

• University preparatory programs in any jurisdiction are not eligible (e.g. (CEGEPs - pre-university diploma).

• Students must be under the age of 25 and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have a valid social insurance number.

Application Website: https://indspire.microsoftcrmportals.com/en-US/

Deadline: March 30th

Amount: Range between $6000 and $12,000

Description:

• The Belcourt Brosseau Award provides money for Metis Students that are pursuing post-secondary

Criteria:

• Membership with the Métis Nation of Alberta or a Métis Settlement (Note: only a letter saying you applied for membership is required to apply)

• Must complete the online application form

Application Website: https://www.ecf.ca/student-awards/belcourt-brosseau-metis-awards/

Deadline:  May 1

Amount: $2000

Description:

• The CPA Education Foundation wants you to succeed. Let us support you as you take your next steps toward your future career. Whether your goals revolve around leadership, volunteerism, or academic excellence, we have the scholarships to help develop your talents and take you to new heights. You are invited to apply for more than one award.

Criteria:

• Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who is a member of the Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Colour (POC) community. Applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

• Applicants must:

  • submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining what their heritage means to them and how this award will help them achieve their post-secondary goals;

  • submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;

  • submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character, as well as any obstacles or financial needs the person has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals.

Application Website:  https://www.cpaalberta.ca/Foundation/Support-Programs-and-Scholarships/Scholarships/High-School-Scholarships

Deadline:  May 1

Amount: $1500

Description:

• One (1) award is available to a high school Indigenous student enrolled in, or accepted by, business programs of Alberta post-secondary institutions.

Criteria:

• Applicants must:

  • be Canadian citizens and residents of Alberta;

  • be a person who not only declares themselves to be an Aboriginal person, but is also either a Status Indian, an Inuit, a Metis person, or a Non-Status Indian and a resident of Alberta;

  • submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to, or are currently pursuing, a career in business or as a professional accountant;

  • submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement; and

  • submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor.

Application Website:  https://www.cpaalberta.ca/Foundation/Support-Programs-and-Scholarships/Scholarships/Indigenous-Scholarships

Deadline:  June 1st

Amount: Range between $6000 and $10,000

Description:

• The First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) NADC Bursary is a return service bursary of varying amounts. Students in pre-apprenticeship training, or in certificate or diploma studies can access up to $7,000 for their studies. Students in a Bachelor’s, Master's or Ph.D. program can access $11,500 per year for any year of their studies

Criteria:

• Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person.

• Have been a resident of Alberta for 12 consecutive months before the start of your program

• Be enrolled or have applied for a full-time post-secondary program designated for provincial funding

• Plan to live and work in northern Alberta upon completion of your program and sign a return of service agreement

• 18 years of age or older

• Be entering your last or second to last year of your post-secondary program in the fall

• Be in a program that is at least 12 weeks in length for a half bursary and 16 weeks in length for a full bursary

• Not be in default of a provincial student loan

• Can provide proof of Indigenous Ancestry - First Nations Status Card, Metis Card, Inuit Card, Letter from your Band or Metis Settlement, or a letter from an Indigenous organization you are actively involved with

Application Website: https://www.nadc.ca/our-bursaries/first-nation-metis-and-inuit-bursary/

Deadline:  June 15th

Amount: Range between $500-$1500

Description: Freehorse Family Wellness Society (FFWS) is a non-profit organization, proud to assist in the continuing education of First Nations people. FFWS is currently offering a Post-Secondary Funding Program on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), which assists eligible students from specific Alberta First Nations. Alberta residents (minimum 12 months) registered with Northwest Territories bands are also eligible under our Post-Secondary Funding Program.

Criteria:

• Are you registered in affiliation with one of the following Alberta-based First Nations AND not eligible for funding with that First Nation: Bearspaw, Frog Lake, Peigan, Beaver, Goodfish, Lake Saddle, Lake Beaver, Lake Goodstoney (Wesley), Sawridge, Blood Tribe, Heart Lake, Sucker Creek, Chiniki, Kapawe’no, Swan River, Cold Lake, Kehewin, Tall Cree, Driftpile, Long Lake, Tsuu T’ina

• Must be attending a full-time program

• Be a Canadian resident for at least 12 months

Application Website: Freehorse Family Wellness Society

Deadline:  June 17th

Amount: $5000

Description:

• Presented by Strathcona Resources, the Momentum Indigenous Scholarship recognizes Indigenous students pursuing their passion through education, post-secondary and skilled trades alike. Honouring driven and community-minded students each year with a $5000 scholarship, this award celebrates positive contributions made in classrooms and in communities.

Criteria:

At the time of their application, each Applicant must be:

• the age of majority or have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate;

• members of an Indigenous Community near one of Strathcona’s operating areas in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan as set forth on Strathcona’s website from time to time (“Operating Areas“); and

• enrolled in or have been accepted to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in a full-time program (as defined by the applicable post-secondary institution) leading to a recognized degree, diploma or trade for the upcoming academic year.

An application for the Award (each, an “Application“) will only be considered if it meets the following requirements:

• submitted a completed application form online;

• Only online applications will be considered for the Award.

• signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian (if under the age of majority);

• two (2) references;

• One academic reference and one character reference;

• Neither reference can be a friend or relative of the Applicant;

• proof of acceptance (or enrolment) in an accredited post-secondary or apprenticeship training program on a full-time basis (as defined by the applicable post-secondary institution) for the 2022-2023 regular academic year;

• transcript for the most recently completed regular academic year; and

• a document demonstrating membership in an Indigenous community near Strathcona’s Operating Areas.

Application Website: https://www.strathconaresources.com/momentum

Amount: $1000 (3 awarded)

Applications Open:

Description:

• The ILC is pleased to offer Bursaries for Indigenous students wishing to pursue a career in Finance and Management disciplines.

• Bursaries are available to post-secondary students attending university or college as a full-time student in an academic program such as Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting, Commerce, and/or other finance-related programs.

Criteria:

• All applicants will be considered, however, preference will be given to those with Indigenous ancestry.

• Attending a post-secondary school as a full-time student (proof of enrollment/acceptance required.)

• Academic Programs include Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting, Commerce, and/or other finance-related programs, such as the AFOA Canada Certified Aboriginal Financial Management (CAFM) Program.

• Financial need will be a consideration

All application packages must include:

• A completed application form.

• A letter of personal introduction (see the application for details.)

• A copy of official transcripts from your current or most recent academic program.

• Proof of enrollment indicating the applicant is registered in the academic year for which they are applying. The time frame must coincide with the application.

• Verification of current tuition and fees.

• A letter from your Band, Post-Secondary Education Office, or Support Organization indicating if you are or are not being sponsored for the academic year.

Application Website: https://indigenouslearningcentre.ca/scholarships-bursaries/bursaries/

Amount: up to $2000 (Students enrolled in a technical school diploma program can re-apply for a maximum of two consecutive years. Recipients enrolled in an academic degree program can re-apply for a maximum of four consecutive years)

Applications Open:

Description:

• Alliance Pipeline believes the best way for us to help Indigenous communities build a bright future is to contribute to the personal growth and education of Indigenous youth, today. That's why the Alliance Pipeline Indigenous Student Awards Program provides scholarships to Canadian Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education.

Criteria:

• They welcome applications from students who:

  • Self-identify as an Indigenous person (First Nation, Inuit, or Metis). Proof of membership is required

  • Are residents of British Columbia, Alberta, or Saskatchewan

  • Are enrolled in, or have applied to, a technical school, college, or university program. Proof of registration in an eligible program is required

• Recipients for the Award will be chosen based upon:

• Relevancy of the program to the oil and gas industry and Alliance Pipeline

• The applicant's career aspirations

• Proximity of the applicant’s permanent residence to Alliance Pipeline’s operations

• Demonstrated community involvement

• Academic performance

Application Website: http://www.alliancepipeline.com/Community/IndigenousRelations/Pages/ISA.aspx

Deadline: August 16, 2024***

Amount:

• Merit Awards ($750) – for students completing Grades 10 – 12, including upgrading;

• Bursaries ($1,200) – for students enrolled in trade, diploma, or certificate programs;

• Scholarships ($1,800) – for students enrolled in degree or graduate programs.

Description:

• Our Indigenous Education Awards Program supports First Nation, Inuit and Métis students across Canada by providing financial assistance to help them in their quest for higher education. These awards, bursaries, and scholarships are given to students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.

• There is a maximum of one award per applicant per year. Students must re-apply each year if they wish to be considered. 

Criteria:

• Are a Canadian Indigenous person;

• Are enrolled full-time in high school (including upgrading) or an accredited post-secondary institution or training program;

• Are not the child of an ATCO employee.

How to Apply:

Submit the following required documentation:

• One reference letter from a teacher, community leader, or employer;

• Short essay (500 - 1,000 words) describing why you are a suitable candidate;

• Proof of enrollment for the upcoming school semester (can include acceptance letter, class schedule, or receipt of paid fees);

• Transcript from the most recent school attended (unofficial transcript is acceptable).

Application Website: https://www.atco.com/en-ca/our-commitment/indigenous-relations/education.html

Applications Open: April

Amount: varies, please check the website

Description:

• Our goal is to help Canadians make better financial decisions, and we believe that financial literacy is the key to this mission. We think that financial literacy is a lifelong commitment, and we want to encourage students to be mindful of their relationship with money early on in their lives.

Criteria:

• Applicants must meet the following requirements, RLI will verify the information provided:

  • Must be a member of the Rupertsland Metis Students Association

  • Must produce an MNA Citizenship identification card or provide an identification number pending verification by the MNS Registrar.

  • Must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary program in Canada (excluding applicants applying for the Referral Program Support)

  • Must work with RLS services to determine the level of support from Métis Students Services (if applicable) and commit to a Student Action Plan.

Application Website: https://www.rupertsland.org/post-secondary-funding/#program-eligibility

Amount: $1000

Deadline:  July 31st 

Description:

• Imperial’s Cold Lake operation provides a one-time educational award of $1,000 for Indigenous people. The award is designed to assist a student in their first or second year of post-secondary education towards a career in the petroleum industry. The recipient of the award will also be considered for summer and post-graduate employment with Imperial at Cold Lake, if employment opportunities are available

Criteria:

• Be a resident of Alberta

• Have a high school diploma or a G.E.D

• Be able to provide proof of acceptance into a post-secondary educational institution in a petroleum industry career path

• See the website for credible programs

Application Website: https://www.imperialoil.ca/careers/careers/indigenous-internship-and-scholarship-programs#Scholarships

Amount:  There are three different awards available:

• Merit Awards ($500) – for students completing Grades 10 – 12, including upgrading;

• Bursaries ($1,000) – for students enrolled in trade, diploma, or certificate programs;

• Scholarships ($1,500) – for students enrolled in a degree or graduate program.

There is a maximum of one award per applicant per year. Students must re-apply each year if they wish to be considered.

Applications Open: April

Description:

• Our Indigenous Education Awards Program supports First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada by providing financial assistance to help them in their quest for higher education. These awards, bursaries, and scholarships are given to students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.

Criteria:

• You can apply for one of our Indigenous Education Awards if you:

  • Are a Canadian Indigenous person;

  • Are enrolled full-time in high school (including upgrading) or an accredited post-secondary institution or training program;

  • Are not the child of an ATCO employee.

• Submit the following required documentation:

  • One reference letter from a teacher, community leader or employer

  • Short essay (500 - 1,000 words) describing why you are a suitable candidate

  • Proof of enrollment for the upcoming school semester (can include acceptance letter, class schedule, or receipt of paid fees)

  • Transcript from the most recent school attended (unofficial transcript is acceptable)

Application Website: https://www.atco.com/en-ca/our-commitment/partnerships-indigenous-peoples/indigenous-education-programs.html

Amount: $2000

Applications Open: May 1

Description:

• Canada Post gives $2,000 grants to Indigenous peoples who have renewed their educational learning.

Criteria:

• You’re eligible to apply if you:

  • Are a Canadian and a member of a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community

  • Have been out of school for 1 year or more and are returning

  • Have already returned to school and completed 1 full year of studies

  • Have never received this award in the past (you can apply as many times as you want, but you can only receive the award once)

Application Website: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/giving-back-to-our-communities/canada-post-awards-for-indigenous-students.page

Deadline: September 15

Amount: up to $3000

Description:

• Our scholarship program is designed to support, educate and inspire the next generation of leaders and professionals who have the power to change the future. We have three scholarship categories to help you achieve your education goals.

• We are committed to building mutually-beneficial relationships with Canada’s Indigenous communities. As part of this commitment, we award scholarships to Indigenous students to help develop their skills and knowledge in the renewable energy sector.

Criteria:

• Resident of Canada or the United States

• Pursuing full-time studies at an accredited Canadian or United States trades or technical school, college, or university

• Indigenous Peoples Scholarship only: a member of an Aboriginal community (band or settlement), including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit; and proof of Aboriginal Status

• Applications are reviewed by our selection committee based on your case for financial support, academic merit, community involvement, the pursuit of studies that could be transferable to the renewable energy sector and/or environmental stewardship, and proximity to the locations where we live, work and operate (or have development projects).

Application Website: https://bluearthrenewables.com/our-responsibility/scholarships/

Deadline: October 8

Amount: $2000 (2 awarded)

Description:

• The Equity Scholarship was instituted in 2009 to address the shortage of team members from four groups; Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Members of Visible Minorities, and Women. Pattison Media believes that by supporting the career development of these groups, the industry will access an untapped pool of potentially talented employees, encourage diverse viewpoints and backgrounds, enhance relationships with local communities, and broaden the advertiser and audience base.

Criteria:

• Applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Resident of Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.

  • Attending or planning to attend in 2021, on a full-time basis, a post-secondary institution in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba in a recognized Broadcast or Digital Media program. (Though applicants may apply prior to enrollment, proof of enrollment will be required before payment is finalized.)

  • Signature of head of institution’s Broadcast and/or Digital Media Department or of high school Counselor or Principal certifying that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.

Application Website: https://www.country95.fm/prairie-equity-scholarship/

Amount: $4000

Applications Open: November 1

Description:

To encourage Indigenous Peoples to pursue a career in journalism through a combination of studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution and experience in a newsroom. It was established in 1990 in honour of Gillis Purcell and his dedication to the quality of journalism as general manager of The Canadian Press from 1945 to 1969.

Criteria:

To be awarded to an Indigenous Peoples (status or non-status Indian, Metis, or Inuit) enrolled at a Canadian university or college.

The student must already be attending the post-secondary institution and must be either enrolled in a journalism program or actively involved with a news organization associated with the institution (e.g. student paper or broadcast station).

The scholarship is open to French and English-speaking Indigenous Canadians.

Application Website: https://www.thecanadianpress.com/about/careers/gil-purcell-memorial-journalism-scholarship/

Amount: A 5-year scholarship package valued at $5000, attend AFOA Canada's National Conference (complimentary travel to Winnipeg, 4-night stay at a hotel & a tour of city highlights)

Applications Open: Now

Description:

• There is a great demand within Indigenous communities and off-reserve for Indigenous financial management professionals and there are many opportunities for those who want to pursue this career path and many sources of assistance. However, very few of our young people are pursuing an education in financial management after high school.

• That is why AFOA Canada and Nutrien have come together to offer the Annual Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Awards. Recipients attend AFOA Canada’s National Conference and participate in a special Youth program designed to introduce youth to careers in Indigenous finance and management, and they become eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.

• Open to Indigenous students in Grade 11 or 12 who are pursuing post-secondary education in the areas of finance, management, commerce, or related fields (eg: business administration, accounting)

Criteria:

• Indigenous ancestry

• Student in Grade 11 or 12, maximum age of 19

• Pursuing a post-secondary education and demonstrating an interest and is considering a career in the areas of finance and/or management/commerce (including financial management/planning, business administration, commerce, accounting, and economics)

• Academically Successful

• Applicants will be required to submit a maximum 1500 word essay based on the question outline in the information brochure found here: http://books.afoa.ca/books/llvk/?_ga=2.32428538.535629623.1632932426-1459149378.1632932426#p=2

Application Website: https://afoa.ca/awards/youth/

Applications Open:

Deadline: 

Amount: max $2000

Description:

• Available to Alberta First Nations and Métis who are enrolled in or have applied to a technical school, college, or university in any program. Repsol Oil & Gas Canada Inc.’s Indigenous award program is designed to acknowledge the efforts of post-secondary students in the Indigenous community from Treaty 6, 7, and 8 communities or from the Métis Settlement community in Alberta.

Criteria:

• The award may go toward the cost of tuition, books, or supplies to a maximum of $2,000 per academic year. Selection is based on the proximity of the applicant’s residence to Repsol Oil & Gas Canada Inc. operations, the applicant’s career aspirations, and demonstrated community involvement.

Application Website:  https://www.repsol.ca/en/sustainability/indigenous-award-application/index.cshtml

Each year, Métis Nation of Alberta provides scholarships to reward outstanding academic achievement. Scholarships are open to Métis students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarship recipients receive both monetary reward and recognition during the November Métis Week celebration.

The deadline for scholarship applications is October 31st of the current year. Please submit application packages to scholarship@metis.org. For all scholarship questions, email us.

Scholarship Requirements

• Students must include completed application form, reference letter, and a written section describing qualifications

• Students must provide proof of registration, as well as details of the post-secondary program and/or courses in which they are enrolled.

• Nominations must include the completed nomination form, as well as a letter from the nominator.

Available Scholarships & Application Packages

Scholarship Nomination Form: You can nominate a student for any of the below scholarships by completing this form and following the submission guidelines.

• Art L’Hirondelle ($1,000): The Art L’Hirondelle Dedicated Service Scholarship is available to Métis students enrolled in construction or trades programs.

• Bruce Gladue ($2,500): The Bruce Gladue Otipemisiwak Legacy Award is available to students enrolled in any area of study.

• Cecil Bellrose ($2,500): The Cecil Bellrose Legacy Award is available to students enrolled in any area of study.

• Delia Gray ($1,000): The Delia Gray Memorial Scholarship is available to Métis students enrolled in any area of study.

• Pearl Calahasen ($1,000): The Honourable Pearl Calahasen Scholarship is available to Métis students enrolled in any area of study.

• Gary Pruden ($500):The Gary Pruden Scholarship is available to Métis students enrolled in the areas of music and sports.

• Ernest Poitras ($1,000): The Ernest Poitras Scholarship is available to Métis students enrolled in any area of study.

• Marlene Lanz ($2,500): The Marlene Lanz Otipemisiwak Legacy Award is available to students enrolled in any area of study.

• Tom Ghostkeeper ($1,000): The Tom Ghostkeeper Scholarship is available to Métis students enrolled in the areas of justice related studies.

Our affiliate Rupertsland Institute holds the mandate for Métis education. Check out their numerous post-secondary resources!