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, fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca or phone 705-745-1011 ext. 7358.
Please ensure you self-identify as First Nations Status, Non-status, Métis, or Inuit on your Trent account in order to access bursary opportunities. Through self-identification on your student account, you may also qualify for a variety of year-end awards and bursaries for returning FNMI students. You can complete the Voluntary Indigenous Self Identification Survey here:
Indigenous Self Identification
ATCO Indigenous Education Bursary:
These awards, bursaries and scholarships are given to students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.
https://www.atco.com/en-ca/our-commitment/partnerships-indigenous-peoples/indigenous-education-programs.html
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.
https://www.aiai.on.ca/a-i-a-i-health-scholarship-information/
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-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/giving-back-to-our-communities/canada-post-awards-for-indigenous-students.page
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
First Nations Child and Caring Society:
Peter Henderson Bryce Award - for outstanding leadership in promoting the safety, health or well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and youth (adult category and child/youth category).
Jordan's Principle Scholarship - for First Nations students studying children's health or children with disabilities.
Spirit Bear Award - for demonstrated commitment by a group of young people to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Shannen’s Dream Scholarship - a “pay-it-forward” scholarship to assist First Nations youth with post-secondary education costs.
https://fncaringsociety.com/awards-scholarships
FNIGC National Student Bursary:
Awarded to outstanding First Nations students enrolled in a post-secondary institution (university or college) in health, social sciences, or applied sciences, or studying issues related to helping First Nations achieve data sovereignty.
https://fnigc.ca/what-we-do/partnerships-and-capacity/national-student-bursary/
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.
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Below is a link to the Government of Canada's ISC Indigenous Post-Secondary Support Program:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033682/1531933580211
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.
Information Package - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students
Application Form - 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.
Information Package - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River
Application Form - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River
The Indigenous Student Bursary:
Available through the myTrent portal in the Winter term. Submit online in the month of January.
INDSPIRE:
Bursaries, scholarships, and awards available to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students:
https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships/
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, and the Mohawks of Wahta First Nation as well as Inuit in Ontario. Eligible Aboriginal people can reside either on or off the territory.
https://kagitamikam.com/our-services/
Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship:
Supports Aboriginal students living in non-profit housing in Ontario.
http://www.onpha.on.ca/Content/Membership/Scholarships/Kathleen_Blinkhorn_Aboriginal_Student_Scholarship.aspx
The Métis Bursary:
Opens in the Fall semester and is submitted to financialaid@trentu.ca before the designated date at the end of October.
https://www.trentu.ca/studentfinances/sites/trentu.ca.studentfinances/files/documents/ETBursary2019app-form-COUNCILSEN.pdf
Michael Melancon-Koffend Student 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.
https://www.nwac.ca/michael-melancon-koffend-student-award/
MITACS:
https://discover.mitacs.ca/indigenous/
Moss Bag Bursary:
Eligibility for an Indigenous Mother or Two-spirit parent, act with kindness and reciprocity.
https://www.themossbagproject.org/apply
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/
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/scholarships.html
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/careers/student-awards/ (Scroll down to John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award)
OSAP:
General OSAP Application: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap
Indigenous Student Bursary: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR020864.html
RBC Future Launch Scolarship for Indigenous Youth:
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. https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/indigenous-scholarship.html?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=print-social&utm_campaign=indigenous-scholarship
TD Bridging The Gap Scholarship:
TD's Bridging The Gap Scholarship is a monetary scholarship of C$7,500 towards tuition, a 4-month paid summer internship, and a TD Securities business mentor, intended to recognize outstanding Canadian undergraduate students (both academically and with respect to extra-curricular activities and / or community service) who identify as female, an Indigenous person, LGBTQ2+, a person with a disability, and / or a visible minority.
file:///Users/tuindigenousstudentsuccess/Downloads/BTGS-Application-Form-EN.pdf
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 at fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca for further information.
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/files/documents/TrentAwards2021_final_AODA_0.pdf
https://www.trentu.ca/studentfinances/scholarships-awards-bursaries/external-bursaries