The First Nations scholarship is designed to provide financial support to indigenous students, residing in New Brunswick, in the pursuit of their academic dreams. It can be used to cover tuition fees, books and supplies, and other expenses related to higher education. This initiative is part of Assumption Life and its Foundation's ongoing efforts to support native communities, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation's call to action.
To qualify for this scholarship candidates must:
• Be an Indigenous, Métis or Inuit student;
• Be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada;
• Be between the ages of 17 and 29;
• Have a permanent address in New Brunswick;
• Be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary educational institution in Canada (university, vocational school, college)1;
• Be enrolled in a program of at least two years' duration.
• Deadline is May 30th, 2025
1. Canadian educational institutions recognized as qualified to award a provincial diploma or their affiliated institutions (e.g. vocational schools, colleges, universities). University preparatory programs, regardless of province or territory, are not eligible.
Applications:
Applications for the First Nations scholarship must be received by the Assumption Life Foundation no later than May 30 and must include the following elements:
1. Personal statement: A text of approximately 1,000 words describing the candidate's interests, future goals, financial needs and ties to the indigenous community. Must include answers to the following questions:
• Tell us about yourself and your lived experience as an indigenous person?
• How have you been active in your indigenous community (e.g., your home community, the community you belong to at university, etc.) and/or in your family?
• For those of you who are in the process of reconnecting with your community, how are you going about it?
• How has your involvement in your native community helped shape the person you are today?
• What do you want to do in life after graduating from post-secondary studies?
2. Validation of Indigeneity: Proof of indigenous identity must be included in the application submission and can be made in one of two formats:
• Letter of Endorsement: Completed by an indigenous community leader, elder or mentor who knows the applicant. The form must be dated within one year of the application deadline and include the reference's contact information and signature.
• Proof of indigenous identity:
• A valid Certificate of Indian Status, Status Card or Band Membership Card;
• Group letter confirming status;
• A Métis membership card or letter issued by Métis National Council, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Métis Nation organizations of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and/or Manitoba Métis Federation;
• A certified copy of a Nunavut Trust Certificate Card or Inuit Beneficiary Card;
• A letter of support from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) or Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CINRAC) or Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated;
• For non-status people, a letter of support from a First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) organization.
3. Letters of recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation completed by a teacher, instructor, school administrator, employer or community member. The reference must know the candidates academic background, community contributions and involvement in volunteer or extracurricular activities. The reference must support the candidate's post-secondary studies and future goals. The letter must be dated within one year of the application deadline and must include the reference's contact information and signature.
4. Transcript: Applicants for the scholarship must include one or more transcripts of their most recent and available grades.
Please fill out this form and ensure all required elements are included:
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