SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

Judy Bourne Memorial Scholarship

This award was created in recognition of Judy Bourne, an inspirational woman of Cree Ancestry. Judy was a devoted wife and mother of six children who was well known for her athletic and coaching abilities, particularly as a nationally and internationally recognized volleyball coach.

Judy taught for many years in a variety of subjects at various grade levels. From 1984-1989, she was the Executive Director of M’akola Housing Society, a society responsible for developing urban Indigenous housing on Vancouver Island. Under her guidance, the society became a model for housing projects across Canada. During her tenure she (along with well-known artist Roy Henry Vickers) was chosen by the Aboriginal Nations Education Department as a role model for her contribution to the Indigenous Communities of this area.

Annual award amount: $2,500 (twelve available)
Deadline: May 16, 2025
Application: View PDF application

Congratulations to the past recipients:

  • Mira Penninga, Metis Nation
    Sciences – Okanagan College
  • Shaneal Rutherford, Lake Babine Nation
    Camosun College
  • Tamara Strachan, Kwakiutl First Nation
    Mechanical Engineering – Camosun College
  • Brookelynn Frasch, Gitsegukla First Nation
    Commerce – University of Victoria
  • Bryn Anderson, Metis Nation
    Psychology – University of Victoria
  • Elsye Petrie, Cree/Metis Nation
    Motion Picture Production – The Pacific Design Academy
  • Kaydence Kauffman, Metis Nation
    Pre-Social Work – Camosun College
  • Krista Wagner, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
    Make Up Artistry – Blanche MacDonald

Tom Finnie Indigenous Trades Bursary

This bursary is in memory of Tom Finnie, who was a former board member of M’akola. Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His life was one of total service to his country via the Navy. Every community he lived in was enriched by his presence; each life he touched made better because he cared and let them know they were special.

He was a tireless worker in many organizations throughout his life, including being a trades person. He supported all sports and was a senior game swimmer. He taught cultural activities with School District 71. He travelled as far as Manitoba, teaching drum making, hunting, fishing, and survival. In recognition of Tom’s commitment to his community and the communities served by the M’akola, the organization established an annual Tom Finnie Indigenous Trades Bursary.

Annual award amount: $2,500 (six available)
Deadline: Closed for 2024
Application: View PDF application

Congratulations to the past recipients:

  • Stephanie Kristin Alfred, Witset First Nation
    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning – Thompson Rivers University
  • Simon Gurney, Huu-ay-aht
    Plumbing – Camosun College
  • Kaley Shields, Tsal’alh
    Electrical – Thompson Rivers University
  • Kacie Jade Brouse, Metis Nation
    Horticulture – Vancouver Island University
  • Austin Gairdner, Fort Nelson First Nation
    Millwright – Northern Lights College
  • Daylyn Moody-Moraes, Skidegate Band
    Carpentry – Coast Community College

George Cook Scholarship

The George Cook Scholarship Fund was created to honour the life, teachings, leadership, and unwavering commitments Elder George Cook made to Decolonization, the Friendship Centre Movement, Affordable Housing, and Urban Planning for Indigenous communities across British Columbia.

Tłatłatlawis (George Cook), born in Alert Bay in 1929 at the Cook family home, descended from noble lines that reached back to several Kwakwaka’wakw tribes, the Komoks and the Mowachaht of Friendly Cove. George stepped into his political and community leadership by becoming the Chief Councilor of the Namgis in 1969, and was known for his thoughtfulness, humility, and kindness. George was a part of many significant moments in British Columbia’s and Canada’s history – such as advocating against the White Paper policy and the possible devastation it could have caused Indigenous communities or being present for the formation of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Elder George Cook served as M’akola Housing Society and M’akola Development Services’ Elder Advisor, ensuring M’akola weaves commitments made to improving living conditions for Indigenous peoples while reinforcing traditional practices and cultural beliefs through every aspect of the Societies’ work.

M’akola Housing Society and M’akola Development Services are honoured to present this award in Tłatłatlawis’ honour.

Annual award amount: $5,000 and a Summer Internship Placement (two available)
Deadline: May 29, 2025
Application: View PDF application

M'akola Housing Society Bursary

Our sister society, M’akola Housing Society, has a bursary they offer in a partnership with Camosun College. Thanks to the partnership with the college and the extreme generosity of the late Dorothy Mary Price, the Society created this bursary to provide assistance to Indigenous students. One of the Society’s main objectives is assisting Indigenous people who live off-reserve. Contributing to the affordability of post-secondary education is very important to helping students achieve their financial goals and to providing the support necessary for success. This bursary is managed through Camosun College’s Financial Aid office and applications can be obtained there.

Annual award amount: $500-600
Deadline: October 15th
Application: Click here for more information