Indigenous Scholarships

Alberta Blue Cross Scholarship for Indigenous Students ~ January 15th

Amount: $1500 (3 awarded)

Applications Open: September 1

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 are 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 needs.
• 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

CPA Education Foundation Aboriginal Student Business Award ~ January 31st

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 them self 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

Indspire's Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships, & Awards ~ August 1, November 1, February 1

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 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/

Ted Rogers Scholarship Fund for Indigenous Students ~ February 21st

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 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/

Belcourt Brosseau ~ March 30th

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 online application form

Application Website: https://www.ecfoundation.org/grants/student-awards/belcourt-brosseau-metis-award/ 

CPA Education Foundation Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Success Award ~ May 1st

Deadline:  May 1

Amount: $2000

Description:

• The CPA Education Foundation wants you to succeed. Let us support you as you take your next steps towards 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 on 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

CPA Education Foundation Alex Tutschek FCPA, FCA Award for Indigenous Student High School Achievement ~ May 1st

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:

• 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

Northern Alberta Development INDIGENOUS Bursary ~ June 1st

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 a certificate or diploma studies can access up to $6,000 for their studies. Students in a Bachelor’s, Masters’ or PhD program can access $10,000 per year for any year of their studies 

Criteria:

• 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 
• 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/ 

Freehouse Family Wellness Society

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

Indigenous Learning Centre Bursary Program ~ July

Amount: $1000 (3 awarded)

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 application for details.)
• A copy of official transcripts from your current or most recent academic program.
• Proof of enrollment indicating applicant is registered in the academic year for which they are applying. 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/

Alliance Pipeline Indigenous Student Awards ~ July 15th

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

Rupertsland Institute (Metis Centre of Excellence) Post Secondary Funding Program ~ July 30th

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 about their relationship with money early on in their lives.

Criteria:

• Applicants must meet the following requirements, RLI will verify information provided:
• Must be a member of the Rupertsland Metis Students Association
• Must produce MNA Citizenship identification card or provide 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 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 

https://www.rupertsland.org/

Atco Indigenous Education Awards Program ~ 

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 degree or graduate programs.

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 

Indigenous Education Awards Program~ July 31st

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 Website for credible programs

Application Website: Indigenous_Education_Award_Brochure_2020.pdf (imperialoil.ca)

Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students ~ August 31st

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

BluEarth Renewables Scholarship Program (Indigenous Peoples Scholarship) ~ Sept 15th

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: 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, 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/

Pattison Media Prairie Equity Scholarship ~ October 8th

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/

Art L'Hirondelle ~ October 31st

Deadline: October 31st

Amount: $1000

Description:

• The scholarships are open to all Indigenous students, with a preference to Métis students who are enrolled in post-secondary training programs.

Criteria:

•  Completed application form 
•  Reference letter(s) 
• Written section describing your eligibility 
• Proof of registration and details on the post secondary program and/or courses in which you are enrolled 

Application Website: https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2021/06/Art-LHirondelle-Scholarship-Form-V3.pdf

Delia Gray ~ October 31st

Deadline: October 31st

Amount: $1000 (2 awards)

Description:

• The scholarships are open to all Indigenous students, with a preference given to Métis students who are enrolled in a post-secondary training program. 

Criteria:

•  Completed application form 
•  Reference letter(s) 
• Written section describing your eligibility 
• Proof of registration and details on the post secondary program and/or courses in which you are enrolled 

Application Website: https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2021/06/Delia-Gray-Scholarship-Form-V2.pdf

Pearl-Calahasen ~ October 31st

Deadline: October 31st

Amount: $1000 (2 awards)

Description:

• The scholarships are open to all Indigenous students, with a preference given to Métis students who are enrolled in a post-secondary training program. 

Criteria:

•  Completed application form 

•  Reference letter(s) 
• Written section describing your eligibility 
• Proof of registration and details on the post secondary program and/or courses in which you are enrolled 

Application Website: https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2021/06/Pearl-Calahasen-Scholarship-Form-V5.pdf

Gary Pruden  ~ October 31st

Deadline: October 31st

Amount: $500

Description:

• The scholarships are open to all Indigenous students, with a preference to Métis students who are enrolled in music or sports

Criteria:

• Photocopy of your Métis Nation of Alberta membership card or 
• Photocopy of your Métis Settlement membership card and 
• Reference letter from a Métis elder/leader, Métis Nation and 
• Letter from the Métis Nation of Alberta Métis Local, Regional Council or from a Métis person active in the Métis community. 

Application Website: https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2016/10/Gary-Pruden-Scholarship-Award.pdf

Ernest Poitras  ~ October 31st

Deadline: October 31st

Amount: $1000

Description:

• The scholarships are open to all Métis Nation of Alberta citizens who are enrolled in a post-secondary educational program. 

Criteria:

• Photocopy of your Métis Nation of Alberta membership card or 
• Photocopy of your Métis Settlement membership card and 
• Reference letter from a Métis elder/leader, Métis Nation and 
• Letter from the Métis Nation of Alberta Métis Local, Regional Council or from a Métis person active in the Métis community. 

Application Website: https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2021/06/Ernest-Poitras-Scholarship-Form-V3.pdf

Tom Ghostkeeper  ~ October 31st

Deadline: October 31st

Amount: $1000 (2 awards)

Description:

• These scholarships are open to all Métis Nation of Alberta citizens who are enrolled in a post secondary program in the area of justice studies 

Criteria:

• Photocopy of your Métis Nation of Alberta membership card or 
• Photocopy of your Métis Settlement membership card and 
• Reference letter from a Métis elder/leader, Métis Nation and 
• Letter from the Métis Nation of Alberta Métis Local, Regional Council or from a Métis person active in the Métis community. 

Application Website: https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2021/09/Tom-Ghostkeeper_Scholarship-Form_v1_AD.pdf

Gillis Purcell Memorial Journalism Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples ~ November 1

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/

Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Awards ~ November 

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 demonstrates 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 brochuse found here : http://books.afoa.ca/books/llvk/?_ga=2.32428538.535629623.1632932426-1459149378.1632932426#p=2 

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

Repsol Indigenous Award 

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, 8 communities or from the a 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 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 

Aboriginal Achievement Scholarship- June 10th

Deadline: June 10th

Description: 

• This Scholarship is designed to encourage and assist Aboriginal youth to pursue post-secondary studies with the ultimate objective of obtaining a university degree, a college diploma, or a certificate from a technical institute. 

Criteria:

• Must be a graduate from one of the high schools from the Northern Lights Public Schools
• Resume of Grade 10-12 activities outlining- involvement in student government, involvement in sports,  involvement in Aboriginal cultural or Aboriginal recreational activities (e.g., Metis dancing, Pow-Wow dancing, drumming, fiddling, Native art), involvement in Aboriginal community activities (e.g., Aboriginal youth councils, volunteer at the Native Friendship Centre, commitments with Aboriginal community organizations) 
• A one-page statement describing planned career goals
• One or more letter(s) of recommendation written by a teacher, principal, school counselor, or a leader in your community

Application Website: Aboriginal Achievement Scholarship | Northern Lights Public Schools (nlpsab.ca)