Financial Assistance for Indigenous Students
Naadaamegewin - The Art of Helping
Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Help for Indigenous Students
If you have any questions or concerns about financial matters, please contact the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator at fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca or 705 748 1011 extension 7358.
You can also directly Book a Meeting.
Sponsored and/or Third Party Invoicing Students
Information for band sponsored students and/or third party sponsors is available at Trent Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Aid.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP provides financial aid through two kinds of support:
- Grants: money you don’t have to pay back
- Loans: money you need to repay once you’re done school
When you apply for OSAP, you are automatically considered for both grants and loans. If you don’t want to take a loan, you can decline it after your application is approved.
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
For more information: https://www.trentu.ca/studentfinances/osap-out-province-work-study/osap
Internal Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
Trent University Financial has a range 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
Please ensure you self-identify as First Nations (Status/Non-status), Métis, or Inuit on your Trent account in order to access internal 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. Indigenous Self-Identification Survey
The Indigenous Student Bursary
(Deadline End of January)
Available through the myTrent portal in the Winter term.
Patricia Baxter Anishnabe Kwe Bursary
Established in honour of Patricia Baxter. Awarded to Aboriginal women in their upper year studying science, indigenous environmental studies, computer studies, new technologies or business administration. OSOTF guidelines apply
Metis Bursary
(Deadline End of October)
Established through funding initiatives of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), Métis Training Initiatives (MTI), and the Ontario government.
Awarded to post-secondary students of Métis ancestry. Students must be residents of Ontario for one year before the start of their post-secondary education. OSOTF guidelines apply.
Merrill Bridgen Bursary
Established by the Anigawncigig Institute in memory of Merrill Bridgen and in recognition of his year of dedicated service in Native education. To be awarded to the student demonstrating financial need and the greatest achievement in the Bachelor of Business Administration specialization in Niigaaniiwin—The Art of Leading.
Christian Church Bursary
Established by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada. Awarded to upper-year Aboriginal students from Ontario interested in continuing their education at Trent University. OSOTF guidelines apply
Aditya Jha Indigenous Studies Bursaries
Established by entrepreneur Aditya Jha, founder of Osellus Corporation and the POA Educational Foundation, in support of undergraduate or graduate students with demonstrated financial need in Indigenous Studies or their chosen field. Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal heritage. Value of $2,000 per student. OTSS guidelines apply
Eric & Carol-Ann Lugtigheid Bursary
Established by Trent University alumni Eric Lugtigheid '66 and Carol-Ann Lugtigheid '64. To be awarded to a full-time undergraduate woman of Indigenous heritage with proven financial need. Preference will be given to students studying math or science.
If there are no eligible students, this bursary may be awarded to a woman of Indigenous heritage enrolled in any academic program.
Harvey McCue Indigenous Student Support Fund
Named in honour of Harvey McCue (Alum ’66) who co-founded the Indian-Eskimo Studies Department (now Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies) with Prof. T.H.B. Symons. To support students of Indigenous heritage who are studying within the Trent School of Education in the Indigenous Bachelor of Education Program or the Bachelor of Education Program, or the Masters of Educational Studies Program. For travel costs to their home communities, for travel to remote First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities for placements, for learning support materials or bursary support for emergency needs. By application to Trent School of Education.
Fred Wheatley Indigenous Student Support Fund
Named in honour of Fred Wheatley who was the first Indigenous elder at Trent and an Ojibwa language instructor as part of the Indigenous Studies program (now Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies). To support full-time and/or part-time students of Indigenous heritage who are studying in any undergraduate program. Preference will be given to students with children in daycare and/or to provide emergency support to students who are parents, as determined by the Director, First Peoples House of Learning.
The James Edward Munro Awards
Established by Frances, Terry and Warren Munro in honour of husband and father James Edward Munro. Two awards will be given out annually to Trent Durham GTA full-time undergraduate students. One award will be given out to a student of indigenous heritage who has completed at least one year in any program and is engaged in some form of extracurricular activity on campus. A second award will be given out to a student who achieved distinction in an academic course on indigenous studies.
External Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
These are a partial listing of funding opportunities that are outside of the Trent University system.
This list is not exhaustive and it is strongly advised that students search the accompanying links for additional information such as application forms and the criteria required.
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 your 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/national-student-bursary/
Government of Canada: Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
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
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
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
Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award
Celebrates Indigenous women, two-spirited 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://nwac.ca/scholarships-bursaries/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/scholarship-information
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 students who are Ontario residents and are enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution. Varied disciplines are eligible.
https://www.opg.com/careers/student-awards/ (Scroll down to John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award)
RBC Future Launch Scholarship 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.
https://cdn-static.findly.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/605/2022/04/06090504/Bridging-the-Gap-Scholarship-Application-Form-EN-2023-1.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.
FPHL Emergency Bursaries
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.