Indigenous Scholarships, Bursaries

Confederation College Internal Awards

External Scholarships and Awards

Indspire: Building Brighter Futures

Deadlines: February 1, August 1, November 1 @ 11:50 pm ET

Full and part time studies in college, university, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and technology programs. There is one application for all of Indspire’s bursaries, scholarships, and awards (with a few exceptions that you’ll see below). You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries, scholarships, and awards. September 2023 to August 2024 academic year.

Learn more

RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth

Deadline to apply: February 7, 2024

The RBC Future Launch Scholarships for Indigenous Youth awards 20 scholarships annually worth up to $10,000 (for up to four years) to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their engagement in community, financial need, and likelihood of success in future studies and goals.

Learn More

Wataynikaneyap Power Student Bursary

Wataynikaneyap Power is offering a two-year bursary and mentorship program throughout 2024 to support grade 12 and post-secondary students from the Project’s owner communities.* Successful applicants receive a $1,000 cash bursary and will be connected with experienced staff at Wataynikaneyap Power (PM) for mentorship. Students will also be introduced to the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project and energy sector careers throughout the school year. The bursary for students from the Projects’ 24 First Nation owner communities with an academic focus on or interest in: Environmental Management, Health and Safety, Finance, Human Resources, Business, Project Management, or Engineering. Bursary funding is split into payments and is based on reasonable communication with a mentor and academic standing.

*Applications are being accepted from members of the following First Nations: Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Keewaywin, Kingfisher Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Lac des Mille Lacs, Lac Seul, McDowell Lake, Mishkeegogamang, Muskrat Dam, North Caribou Lake, North Spirit Lake, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Pikangikum, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Slate Falls, Wabigoon Lake, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin, and Wunnumin Lake.

Learn More

Mazinaajim Children's Foundation Bursary

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1

The intention of the Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation bursary program is to support applicants who clearly demonstrate financial need. Bursary funds do not have to be repaid.

The Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation bursary program application will be available four times a year; March 1st, June 1st, September 1st and December 1st.

Learn More

Shannen's Dream Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st, 2024

The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship is an award to assist First Nations youth with post-secondary education costs (university, college, trades). As a “pay-it-forward” scholarship, winners must make a fair and measurable contribution to the Shannen’s Dream campaign or related First Nations initiative as a condition of receiving the award. Examples of this could include coaching youth sports, doing a presentation about Shannen Koostachin and Shannen’s Dream, starting a club at your school to learn more about equity, etc. 

Pay-it-forward does not mean a financial contribution back to the scholarship.

The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship is made possible by generous donations from the Collure family from Richmond Hill, Ontario, and education technology company Top Hat. With the support of these amazing donors, we are delighted to announce that four $10,000 scholarships are available to assist First Nations youth with post-secondary education costs this year.

Learn More

Jordan's Principle Scholarship

Deadline: April 30th 2024

We are delighted to announce that two $5,000 scholarships and two $2,500 scholarships are available to assist First Nations students with post-secondary education costs this year.

Named in loving memory of Jordan River Anderson, the Jordan's Principle Scholarship will be awarded to First Nations students studying children’s holistic health and wellbeing.

Learn More

2024 Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority

Deadline: May 15, 2024

To help achieve its mission of transforming the health of Anishinabe people and communities across Kiiwetinoong, SLFNHA is striving to increase representation of People of First Nations ancestry working in the field of health care.

The SLFNHA Bursary Program is designed to support First Nations individuals with their journey towards improving the outcomes of First Nations people and communities through the attainment of post secondary education.

Learn More

TC Energy Indigenous Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: May 5, 2024

TC Energy is proud to help build strong communities, develop the next generation of community leaders and provide a skilled workforce for our industry.

Learn More

Anishinabek Student Excellence Awards

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Five (5) scholarships in the amount of $1,500.00 each will be awarded to Anishinabek First Nation students at the post-secondary level. Eligibility: Applicant must be a registered full-time student at an accredited post-secondary college or university. Students who are currently enrolled as well as those who have completed studies and are graduating in 2022 are eligible. Applicant must be a registered member of one of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations.

Learn More

The Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors - Annual First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary 

Deadline: May 31

This annual bursary is intended to cover the fees associated with applying for Canadian graduate programs in genetic counselling, for Canadian citizens who self-identify as First Nations, Metis and Inuit. It is available on an annual basis and eligible students must apply by May 31 of the same year of application.

There is up to $3000 available annually and funding will be awarded in the order in which applications are received.

Learn More

The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities

Deadline: May 31, 2024

The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities, funded generously by the April 1 Foundation, provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education and realize their full potential. This scholarship aims to make a profound impact on the lives of Canadian youth with disabilities by removing financial barriers and supporting career aspirations through post-secondary education. Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1- to 4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.

Learn More

Continuing Our Journey NIB Trust Fund

Deadline: June 9 , 2023

Funds are available to First Nation and Métis individuals, governments and organizations through a competitive application process specific to groups and/or individuals. The NIB Trust Fund offers a new opportunity separate from Indian residential schools compensation packages.

Learn More

Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation

Only one application per sector per fiscal year (April 1 - March 31) in the Health Sector and the Arts & Culture sector, and education sector.

The main focus of this sector is on educational activities to support and encourage youth to pursue and complete their education with the goal of developing our youth as future leaders of our communities. We view education as the primary responsibility of the federal government and/or Chief and Council and provide limited assistance under unique circumstances.

Learn More

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

Deadline: November 15

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

Learn More

Native Woman's Association of Canada Indigenous Skills and Employment Training

The NWAC ISET program helps Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals to fully participate in economic opportunities. Through NWAC’s agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) we are able to provide supports such as tuition, living allowance, childcare, job starts and other resources that can help Indigenous women reach their employment and skills training goals. Client Eligibility; Post-secondary funding for certificate or diploma programs up to 2 years or in the last two years of a degree program.

Learn More

Helen Basset Commemorative Student Award

Deadline: July 12, 2024

The Helen Bassett Commemorative Award to four young Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse students in the amount of $1,000 each. The awards are made possible by the generous donation of Helen Bassett, an Ontario artist and passionate advocate for the advancement of Indigenous women and for fair solutions to Indigenous land claim issues. Applicants must: Be currently pursuing post-secondary studies (priority is given to students who are studying law or are in a law-related field) Demonstrate financial need. Be an Indigenous woman, gender-diverse, or Two-Spirit person under 31 years of age. Demonstrate a commitment to improving the situation of Indigenous women and youth in Canada politically, culturally, economically, or otherwise

Learn More

Bill 7 Award

Deadline Friday, August 2, 2024

The Bill 7 Award is a scholarship for individuals with demonstrated financial need after accessing available public financial supports.  To be eligible to receive a Bill 7 Award scholarship, individuals must also meet ALL of the following three criteria: You are attending or accepted by a Post-Secondary Educational Institution in the Province of Ontario. You are pursuing your FIRST post-secondary program of study. You identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, two-spirited or queer (LGBTQ) 

Learn More

ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program

Deadline: August 16, 2024

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 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.

Learn More

Canada Post Awards for Indigenous People

Deadline: August 31

Canada Post gives $2,000 grants to Indigenous Peoples who have renewed their educational learning. The Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students celebrate members of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities who have embraced a renewed pursuit of learning by continuing their education. Application process opens May 1

Learn More

Checkbone Beauty Scholarship Fund

Deadline: November 30th, 2024, 11:59 pm

This scholarship is open to Indigenous students who are residents of Canada or the United States of America and are currently enrolled in a Canadian or U.S post-secondary institution in any area of study. You must be between 18 and 30 years of age. The scholarship is $2,500 CAD. The money will be sent directly to you. This way, you may use the funds towards your school supplies, boarding or tuition.

Learn More


  

General:

For Engineering Technology Programs:

  • Hydro One FNMI Bursary – Deadline: December (in previous years)
  • Husky Energy Aboriginal Education Awards – Deadline: May of each year
    • Earth Sciences and Natural Resources. The bursaries are awarded to each recipient during the last week of August. Once selected, each recipient receives a bursary each year until his or her program of study is completed, provided that the criteria for Educational Awards Program is met (i.e., one year for a secondary diploma, two years for a college/technical school diploma or four years for a university degree). 

For Skilled Trades Programs: 

transalta.com

You may apply if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. You are an Aboriginal person, and can provide proof of your status;
  2. You are enrolled in a full-time post-secondary or trades program and will maintain satisfactory academic standing throughout your program;
  3. You have a plan for achieving your education and career goals;
  4. You commit to updating TransAlta on your progress throughout the duration of your studies; and
  5. You complete and provide the information as requested by TransAlta.

For Business Programs:

www.rbc.com/careers/aboriginal_student_awards.html

RBC awards 10 scholarships in two categories:

For students majoring in disciplines related to the financial services industry

For students majoring in disciplines unrelated to the financial services industry

We also consider scholarship recipients who are interested in careers in financial services for summer and post-graduate employment

For Indigenous Women: 

  • www.soroptimist.org/awards/awards.html
    • The Women’s Opportunity Awards program assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Women’s Opportunity Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
  • www.tednolanfoundation.com/rose-nolan/
    • Each year scholarship awards are handed out that will assist First Nations women in their educational and training aspirations and enable Aboriginal youth of today, to become leaders of tomorrow.
      • Be an Aboriginal Woman (First Nation Status) and a member of a First Nation community in Canada;
      • Must be a resident of Canada;
      • -Must have completed one year of full-time educational study. 
  • Native Women's Association of Canada Helen Basset Commemorative Award
    • Student must be currently pursuing post-secondary studies (Priority placed to Law studies). Demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be an Aboriginal woman under 30 years of age. Must demonstrate commitment to improving the situation of Aboriginal women and youth in Canada politically, culturally, economically or otherwise. Former Youth Council members are not eligible to apply.

For Health Programs (Nursing): 

  • Canadian Scholarships and Nursing Grants
    • The Canadian Nurses Foundation is proud to offer more than 50 scholarships in support of nursing education. These awards have different values, depending on the level or area of practice.
  • Cambrian College Awards
    • Available to a full-time student of Native descent (Status, Non-Status, Inuit or Metis) enrolled in the second-year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at either a college or a university in Ontario that is recognized by the Ontario College of Nursing. A 2-page essay must be submitted that describes the applicant's qualifications for the award. The applicant must provide two letters of reference from native-community leaders.

For Nishinabe-Aski Nation (NAN) Members 

  • Dennis Franklin Cromarty Memorial Fund
    • Must be a student from the NAN Territory, or Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.  Four Categories: High School, College, University, and Mature Student. 
    • Open to students from NAN territory, preference given to those entering the fields of policing or law.  See Student Life Navigators for information and application form. 
  • Matawa Education and Rotary Bursary
    • Two $1000.00 bursaries for college students. Open to all Matawa First Nations Students.

For graduates of RoFATA, Matawa members, or students from Attawapiskat, or Mishkeegogamang

In addition to these opportunities, there are many more scholarships, bursaries and awards available to ALL students of Confederation College. Please visit our Financial Aid web page for more information.

  • We invite you to nominate a student from your community who is currently enrolled in the field of Science and Technology by mailing or faxing the application to OFNTSC. From the nominations received, two students’ from northern Ontario and southern Ontario meeting the outlined criteria will be selected. Only those persons who are selected will be contacted.
  • First Nations/Métis/Inuit students in good academic standing currently in their
  • Trans Alta Aboriginal Bursary Program – Deadline: Sept of each year
  • RBC Aboriginal Award Program – Deadline: February (in previous years)
  • Rose Nolan Memorial Scholarship – Deadline: June (in previous years)
  • Charlotte Carter Memorial Scholarship – Deadline: November (in previous years)
  • The Baxter Corporation - Jean Goodwill Scholarship – Deadline: July of each year
  • The Paul R. Trivett Bursary Program – Deadline: August (in previous years)