Indigenous Student Bursaries/Scholarships

Visit the following links for Indigenous-specific bursaries and scholarships. Remember to visit the Lakehead University Scholarships & Bursaries pages for awards open to all students. If you need any assistance in completing applications, please contact us at UC 1007 or via email at coordinator.issc@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead Links

Undergraduate Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries  - Student Central

External Links

Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) - Post-Secondary Education Support Program

The RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth  Closing date: February 5

RBC will award 20 scholarships annually valued up to $10,000 each per year (up to 4 years) to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada demonstrating strong academic performance and community involvement. Eligible students can apply at: www.rbc.com/indigenousscholarship

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.

Rotary of Club of Belleville - Indigenous Professional Development Bursary Deadline: March 9, 2025

The Rotary Indigenous Peoples Partnerships Cluster (IPPC) is once again offering a $1,000 bursary to Indigenous students returning to Lakehead University. The deadline for applications for the "Indigenous Professional Development Bursary" is Sunday, March 9, 2025. 

Application forms should be emailed to the address listed on the bursary application form: b.w.wartenberg@gmail.com

Completed application form and required documentation should be sent in one attachment with subject line: Rotary Bursary Application and the name of your educational institution.

Waubetek Business Development Corporation - Student Bursary Fund  Deadline: Feb 28

Waubetek is committed to “Investing in the Aboriginal Business Spirit”. In keeping with our vision, Waubetek presents the 2024 Waubetek Educational Student Bursary Award $1,000.00. Please submit your application along with the following required criteria.  Must be a registered member of one of the 27 partnering First Nations communities in the Waubetek service area (a copy of First Nation status card is required as proof) 

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.

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.

Shannen's Dream Scholarship Deadline: March 30, 2025

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. 

Achieving the Dream Through Education Deadline: April 30, 2025

Matawa First Nation students. This year, they are excited to offer 10 unique scholarships designed to support students with aspirations in fields like aviation, the arts, the environment, and beyond! With nearly $25,000 in funding available, up to 23 students will have the opportunity to receive these awards. The application website is https://achievingthedream.ca/funds-bursaries/ There is a section called “Application Resources” with examples of a statement letter, support letter from a teacher, and a video showing how to fill out the online application(s).

Jordan's Principle Scholarship Deadline: April 30th 2025

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.

2025 Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority Deadline: June 16, 2025

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.

TC Energy Indigenous Legacy Scholarship Deadline: May 5, 2025

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

Anishinabek Student Excellence Awards Deadline: May 30, 2025

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.

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. 

The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities Deadline: May 14, 2025

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.  

Continuing Our Journey NIB Trust Fund Deadline: June 6, 2025

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.

The Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship Fund Deadline: May 2, 2025

ONPHA’s Kathleen Blinkhorn Indigenous Student Scholarship supports Indigenous students living in non-profit housing in Ontario. Each scholarship winner receives $2,000 for use towards their post-secondary education costs, like tuition, books, technology and transportation.

Four Direction Scholarship - Secondary School/Adult Students Deadline: June 28, 2024

Four scholarships of $1000.00 each will be awarded annually to graduating Aboriginal (Status, Non-status, Métis and Inuit) secondary school/adult students.  These awards are administered by the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association.

ONECA- Post Secondary Student Award Deadline: June 28, 2024

ONECA is pleased to offer 2 annual scholarships at the Post Secondary level.  See the application and associated criteria. Deadline for application is June 30 and the the deadline to receive all documentation is July 31.

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.

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.

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.

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

Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award Deadline: July 12, 2024

This 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 receive awards of $1,000.00. Applicants must be Indigenous, continuing post-secondary education, and demonstrate their dedication to the betterment of Indigenous lives. The Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award is open to all ages and fields of study.

Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarship Deadline: August 1

The Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarship is for Indigenous students starting a four-year post-secondary program in the fall.  This is a renewable award of $2500.  While enrolled in post-secondary students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and a full-time course load to receive the renewed support each year.

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) 

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.

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

TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples Deadline: Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST

Together with AFOA Canada, a not-for-profit led by Indigenous Peoples, we’ve worked to build a scholarship for Indigenous Peoples. Through it, 25 scholarships are available to be awarded annually, worth up to $60K over 4 years. 

Modern Métis Woman Scholarship  Deadline: October 31, 2024

Modern Métis Woman is a private organization that lends itself to further Métis womens' education. This small self-generated capital currently provides Modern Métis Women with the opportunity to introduce an ongoing $200 to $400 yearly University Scholarships to qualifying self-identified Métis women.

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.

FNIGC Student Bursary Deadline: November 29, 2024 12:00 pm

Established in 2011, the FNIGC Student Bursary formerly known as the National Student
Bursary, is awarded each year to exceptional First Nations students enrolled in college or
university studying in fields related to the advancement of First Nations data sovereignty.
Since it was established, the FNIGC Student Bursary has awarded grants of up to $2,500
and free registration to The Fundamentals of OCAP® course to numerous outstanding
students. Our OCAP® course helps students, researchers, and others better understand
the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession as they relate to
data sovereignty, information governance, and ethical community-based research.

Contest

Historical Canada – Writing Contest  Deadline: March 31

James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award Deadline: May 31