Financial Assistance for Indigenous Students
Naadaamegewin - The Art of Helping
Financial Assistance for Indigenous Students
Recognizing that students need funding to succeed in their studies, this is a partial listing of potential funding sources that are available to Indigenous students. When reviewing this listing please keep in mind that the information provided here is minimal at best and it is, thus, strongly advised that students search the accompanying links for additional information such as application forms and the criteria required to compete for these awards.
It is also suggested that students place these important deadline dates in their yearly calendars and that they begin the process of filling out applications and requesting letters of reference from professors at least one month before deadlines. Further to this, it is also suggested that students confirm all information provided here, including the deadline dates.
Emergency bursaries may also be available through the First Peoples House of Learning. Please contact your Indigenous Student Success Coordinator, Stéphanie Nelson, with your inquiry by email stephanienelson@trentu.ca or phone 705-745-1011 ext. 7358.
INDSPIRE:
Visit indspire.ca or click on this link to access their 88 page catalog of bursaries, scholarships, and awards available to FNMI students. http://indspire.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FN852_BBF_Nov20_WEB.pdf
Canada Post Aboriginal Incentive Award:
If you have been out of school for at least one year, you are returning to studies, and have been back at school for at least one full year. https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/pages/aboutus/details.page?article=abor...
Ontario Native Education Counselling Association Four Directions Scholarship Award:
Awarded annually to an aboriginal (Status, Non-status, Metis and Inuit) post-secondary college student and to a (Status, Non-status, Metis and Inuit) post-secondary university student, who have successfully completed their first year in a full-time program in a field of study that has a counselling component. https://oneca.com/ps-student-award
Ontario Power Generation John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award:
Awarded annually to a male and female FNMI student who are Ontario residents and are enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution. Varied disciplines eligibile. https://www.opg.com/working-with-opg/careers/student-awards/Pages/John-W...
Government of Canada:
Here is a link to an Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool for over 750 bursaries and awards available to Indigenous students across Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/educationfunding/scholarships....
OSAP:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap Indigenous Student Bursary: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR020864.html
University Women’s Club – Northumberland Non-Status First Nations, Métis, Inuit:
Awarded to a female student who has been a resident of Northumberland County for at least 2 years, and is entering their second or third year of study. Contact the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator for further information.
Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Annual Health Scholarship:
Awarded to 2 students who are band members of one of the seven AIAI Member Nations studying Health related or Traditional Healing. http://www.aiai.on.ca/newsroom/a-i-a-i-health-scholarship-information/
Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship:
Supports Aboriginal students living in non-profit housing in Ontario. http://www.onpha.on.ca/Content/Membership/Scholarships/Kathleen_Blinkhor...
National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund:
The NIB Trust Fund is accepting applications for education programs aimed at healing, reconciliation and knowledge building. https://www.nibtrust.ca/
The Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation:
Funds a variety of post-secondary initiatives. Includes funding for specialized resources and services. https://www.dcfund.ca/index.php?id=education-support
Kagita Mikam Aboriginal Employment Training:
Employment and Training services are provided to members of Curve Lake First Nation, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan (Golden Lake), Hiawatha First Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and the Mohawks of Wahta First Nation as well as Inuit in Ontario. Eligible Aboriginal people can reside either on or off the territory.
Joseph Morrison Legacy Fund:
Offers a bursary to Indigenous students in need who exemplify the values and dedication of the late Justice and Elder Joseph Morrison. https://www.facebook.com/josephmorrisonlegacyfund/
RBC Indigenous Students Awards Program:
Selected students are awarded up to $4,000 each academic year for two to four years to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses. http://aboriginalstudents.ca/site-sponsors/rbc/
Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students:
A bursary intended for Indigenous students in Ontario involved in post-secondary education and job training relating to the renewable energy industry.
Summary - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students
Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River:
A bursary intended for members of the Six Nations of the Grand River who are either entering or currently attending post-secondary education or job training in a field related to the renewable energy industry.
The Joseph Poitras Métis Bursary Fund
The Joseph Poitras Métis Bursary Fund has been established in recognition of Joseph’s strong advocacy for educational opportunities for Métis youth. This bursary is for a Métis individual who has demonstrated both financial need and a desire to improve their life or employability through additional education or training programs.
http://www.metisnation.org/community-councils/oshawa-and-durham-region-m...
Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award
The Michael Melancon-Koffend Award celebrates Indigenous women, two-spirted or gender diverse individuals that are pursuing post-secondary studies and working towards a better future. Thirteen Indigenous women, two-spirited or gender diverse individuals, one from each province/territory, will be chosen to receive an award of $1,000.00. This award is open to all ages and fields of study that are actively pursuing post-secondary studies and working towards the betterment of indigenous life here in Canada.
Information - Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award
Application Form - Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award
Funding assistance for your final year of study is often available through various agencies and partners. Please contact your Indigenous Student Success Coordinator for further details.
Have you explored the Trent University Website? They have all kinds of bursaries and awards, including First Generation, Entrance and Indigenous. https://www.trentu.ca/studentfinances/sites/trentu.ca.studentfinances/fi...
The Indigenous Student Bursary is available through the myTrent portal in the Winter term. Please ensure you self-identify as First Nations Status, Non-status, Métis, or Inuit on your Trent account in order to access this bursary opportunity. Through self-identification on your student account, you may also qualify for a variety of year-end awards and bursaries for returning FNMI students.