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: Closed for 2025
Application: View PDF application
- Amelia Tang, Metis Nation, Food, Nutrition & Health – University of British Columbia
- Blayne McDonald, Metis Nation, Bachelor of Commerce – University of Calgary
- Greta Saharchuk, Metis Nation, Accounting & Finance Diploma – College of New Caledonia
- Kaleigh McIntrye, Metis Nation, Associate of Arts History – Langara College
- Kali Pilling, Metis Nation, Bachelor of Arts – Vancouver Island University
- Kane Kauffman, Metis Nation, Bachelor of Science – University of Victoria
- Damien Kakawash, Pine Creek First Nation, Indigenous Studies – Camosun College
- Desiray Crawford, Eabametoong First Nation, Indigenous Studies – Simon Fraser University
- Elizabeth Rose, Non-Status, Arts – Camosun College
- Helena Burritt, Siska First Nation, Environmental Studies – University of Victoria
- Kiera Griffiths, Metis Nation, Mechanical engineering Technology Diploma – Camosun College
- Lexy John, Non-Status, Social Sciences – University of Victoria
- Macy Davies, Metis Nation, Kinesiology – Camosun College
- Olivia Samuel, Ahousaht First Nation, Indigenous Community Wellness – Camosun College
- Rory Bratrud, Metis Nation, Engineering – University of Alberta
- Sasha Lam, Metis Nation, Physical Sciences – University of Waterloo
- Zoe Willington, Metis Nation, Sciences – University of British Columbia
- Brookelynn Frasch, Gitsegukla First Nation, Commerce – University of Victoria
- Bryn Anderson, Metis Nation, Psychology – University of Victoria
- Elyse 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
- Mira Penninga, Metis Nation, Sciences – Okanagan College
- Shaneal Rutherford, Lake Babine Nation, Camosun College
- Tamara Strachan, Kwakiutl First Nation, Mechanical Engineering – Camosun College
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 17, 2025
Application: View PDF application
- Carter Young, Metis Nation, Auto Service Tech Foundation – Okanogan College
- Darren Nattrall, Squamish Nation, Electrical Entry Level 1 – Electrical Joint Training Committee
- Ian MacMahon-Point, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation – Vancouver Island University
- Ian Nepinak, Pine Creek First Nation, Metal Fabrication Foundation – BCIT
- Lukas Gairdner, Fort Nelson First Nation, Information Technology & Applied Systems – Vancouver Island University
- Malachi Galligos, Tla amin Nation, Automotive Technician – Vancouver Island University
- Cadence Crow, Coast Salish, Metal Fabrication – Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Carissa Menz, Pasqua First Nation, Electrician Common Core Level 3 – Electrical Joint Training Committee
- Cory Prasad, Big River First Nation, Electrician Common Core Level 4 – Electrical Joint Training Committee
- Jude Lariviere, Mamalilikulla First Nation, Electrical Foundation – Electrical Joint Training Committee
- 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: Closed for 2025
Application: View PDF application
- Nathaniel Willing, non-status, SCARP Indigenous Community Planning – University of British Columbia
- Chris Mockford, Denesuline, Black Lake, Master of Arts – University of Victoria
- Lucy Bell, Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, PhD – Simon Fraser University
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