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 18th, 2023
Application: View PDF application

Congratulations to the 2022 recipients:

  • Adam Claxton, Tsawout First Nation
    Natural Resource Protection Officer – Vancouver Island University
  • Annalise Steadman, Metis Nation
    Agriculture Business Management – University of Alberta
  • Chelsea Blenkinsop, Cree Metis
    Dental Hygiene – Camosun College
  • Donovan Asp, Tahltan Nation
    Social Sciences – University of Victoria
  • Kai Thomas Heaton, Lytton First Nation
    Biology – University of Victoria
  • Raven van Netten, Metis Nation
    Animal Health Technology – Thompson River University

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: October 20th, 2022
Application: View PDF application

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients:

  • Cedar Kikosewin-Holden, Cree
    Professional Cooking – Selkirk College
  • Levi Weaver
    Hair Sculpting – Riverside College
  • Logan Kropdra, Cherokee
    Heavy Duty Mechanics – Grande Prairie Regional College
  • Raven Robinson, Heiltuk & Gitanmaax of Wilp Nitsoo
    Heavy Duty Mechanics – Okanagan College
  • Ryley Dyck
    Welding – Okanagan College
  • Tearlach Thompson
    Heavy Duty Mechanics – Timberline Secondary

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