Indigenous Financial Supports
A
wards specifically for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are part of Lakeland College's awards program.
Both organizations and individuals have created these awards.
But opportunities for financial support aren't limited to just Lakeland's awards program.
External awards
You might already receive support from your band, but it's not the only source. On our external awards page, we list some of the specific bursaries, awards and scholarships for Indigenous students.
Student loans
You're also eligible for student loans and other student aid through your province. Check our government student loans page to find your province.
Indigenous organizations
As well major Indigenous organizations offer a variety of financial supports.
Try the this search tool.
Indigenous bursaries search tool
| Alberta Métis |
|
Alberta Metis and Non-Status Indian Bursary Program You can also check post-secondary funding options through the Rupertsland Institute. |
| Saskatchewan Métis |
| Post-secondary funding is offered through the Gabriel Dumont Institute. |
| National |
|
National First Nations Governance Centre (FNIGC) offers a national student bursary. Applications close in December each year and winners are announced the next March. Indspire offers both bursaries and scholarships. Building Brighter Futures application deadlines are February 1, August 1 and November 1. National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund (NIB). Applications open in April and close in early June. |
Tips when applying for awards
| Start early |
| Review the awards, bursaries and scholarships to see which ones you qualify for and apply for all those you do. If you do not meet the criteria your application will automatically be declined. |
| Be accurate and complete |
| Your application should include as much detail as possible and include all requested documentation, including financial information requested. |
| Be personal and specific |
| Answer the questions to the best of your ability and remember this is the only information that the selection committee has about you to help them in their decision making. |
| Proofread your application |
| It’s a good idea to type out your answers in a Word document and use spellcheck to find mistakes and grammatical errors before copying them to your application. Keep copies of everything that you send. |
| Choose your references carefully |
| If references are required, ensure they can speak to your personal skills and abilities in relation to your application. A reference could be a teacher, employer, supervisor or someone else you've worked or volunteers with. Ask your reference(s) in advance to get their approval and to make them aware of your application, as well as criteria of the award. |
| Don't miss the deadline |
| Make sure you know the deadlines listed on the website or application information. Late application's won't be accepted. |
| Ask for help |
| Contact our financial aid office or the indigenous support services team. We're here to help if you have questions. |