BMO Nesbitt Burns

"Equity Through Education" Scholarship

Scholarships of $4,000 for university and college students

Anne Marie is a 22-year old Inuk from Whale Cove, Nunavut who is in the second year of a developmental services worker program at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. She is currently living with her family at the Walpole Island First Nation. During her first year placement she realized she wanted to be an elementary school teacher in an Aboriginal community. One of her instructors says she has a keen interest in people with disabilities and is a leader in her class. Her sponsor says she approaches any job with enthusiasm and energy and praises her amazing computer skills. Anne Marie intends to pursue a degree at university next year then go to teachers college and make her career in an Aboriginal community.

Jermaine is a 21-year old Inuk from Makkovik, Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the second year of an office administration program at the College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. She was the Valedictorian of her high school graduating class and is now the single mother of a baby daughter. One of her instructors calls her a determined young individual who will be a great asset to her community. Her sponsor says she is a wonderfully positive person who contributes greatly to her community. Jermaine plans to take some time off school after graduation to raise her daughter, but she wants to go to university in a few years and eventually obtain a management position.

Jill is a 21-year old status Dene/Slavey from the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of an environmental design course at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. She is a graduate of an architectural technology program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. One of her instructors calls Jill a focused student with a calm, generous and unpretentious manner. Her sponsor says she is energetic, bright and conscientious. After she finishes her current course of study Jill plans to go on to pursue a Masters of Architecture at the University of Manitoba and bring a female Aboriginal perspective to her practice back in the Territories.

Chelsey is a 19-year old Métis from Swan River, Manitoba who is in the first year of a psychology program at the University of Brandon. She is the Co-chair of her Regional Youth Committee of the Manitoba Métis Federation and volunteered with the Aboriginal Head Start program in Swan River. One of her teachers praises her outstanding academic achievements and says she was well respected by staff, administration and peers. Her sponsor says she is committed to social issues and is very ambitious and motivated. Chelsey would like to become a counsellor or social worker after she graduates in order to help fight the scourge of Aboriginal suicide.

Keesic is a 32-year old status Ojibway from the Mnjikaning First Nation in Ontario who is in the third year of a photography course at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto. After obtaining a Bachelors degree and working as a small business manager for several years he decided to follow his real interest and study to become a professional photographer. One of his professors praises his work ethic and desire to improve. His sponsor describes Keesic as a friend and colleague and says he is sincerely indebted to him for all the volunteer photography he has provided to his start-up magazine. Keesic plans to make a career as a full-time freelance photographer once he graduates.

Kristin is an 18-year old status Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec who is in the second year of a liberal arts program at John Abbott College in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec. She was on the honour roll every year in high school and is maintaining that standard at college. She is a figure skating coach and qualified lifeguard. One of her professors says that, beyond her obvious academic skills, Kristin possesses those intangibles that will lead her to success in many endeavours. Her sponsor says she was an exemplary coach and a dedicated and responsible role model. After she finishes college Kristin plans to study sports psychology at McGill University and make a career working with figure skaters.

Stephen is a 35-year old non-status Mi’kmaq from Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the second year of a master’s program in folklore at Memorial University in St. John’s. He holds two bachelors degrees from Memorial and one from Bishop’s University. He was the Gzowski Intern at CBC Radio in St. John’s last summer and has taught at Aboriginal schools in many communities. One of Stephen’s professors says he made a truly significant contribution to her class and calls him a very promising student. His sponsor says he demonstrates a high degree of creativity helping develop youth programs. Stephen plans to do further research on the Haudenosaunee songs and language at the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation in Ontario.

Corey is a 28-year old Métis from rural Saskatchewan who is in the first year of an MBA program at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He holds an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan and has worked as a business consultant since he graduated in 2001. He was recently elected MBA Student Society President. One of his professors calls him a very strong student who worked hard and excelled. His sponsor from the local food bank says Corey is a very caring person who has important leadership qualities. After graduation Corey plans to make a career in business and continue to further his education.

Jarvis is a 25-year old status Mi’kmaq from the We’koqma’q First Nation in Nova Scotia who is in the first year of law school at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He graduated cum laude with a BA from St. Mary’s University last spring. Of the thousands and thousands of FAAY applications received over the last 11 years, Jarvis received the only perfect score of 100 from the selection committee. One of his instructors says he demonstrated remarkable dedication, analytical and communications skills and capacity for learning. His sponsor says this FAAY award will be an investment in the future not only of Jarvis, but of his community and the Mi’kmaq people. After finishing law school Jarvis plans to practice in Nova Scotia and fight for Aboriginal rights and self-government.

Sarah is a 30-year old status Ojibway from Nipissing First Nation in Ontario who is in the second year of a doctoral program in anthropology and archaeology at McGill University in Montréal. She has a bachelors and a masters degree from the University of Toronto. For the first time last summer she conducted excavations on Rowley Island in Nunavut as the principal investigator. One of her professors calls her extremely intelligent, articulate and industrious. Her sponsor says she is a dedicated volunteer and an asset to any fundraising venture. Sarah’s doctoral research will centre on the interactions of the peoples of the eastern Arctic of 1000 years ago. After gaining her doctorate Sarah plans to teach and continue to do research in the Arctic.

Taylor is a 22-year old Métis from North Delta, British Columbia who is in the fourth year of a psychology program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is an award-winning student and hockey player who also coaches the younger kids. He was the captain of his provincial championship junior team for three years. One of his professors says he excels in university and demonstrates initiative, understanding and ability. His sponsor extols his outstanding character, sportsmanship and determination. Taylor is not sure what course he will pursue after university, but he is interested in chiropractic medicine or law.

Monique is a 29-year old status Sto:Lo from the Cheam First Nation in British Columbia who is in the third year of an international relations program at the University of Calgary. When her son Jakob was born she realized she needed a better education to give him a better start than she and her sister had. One of her professors can attest to her enthusiasm, dedication to her studies and the high quality of her work. Her sponsor tells us of the impact her various volunteer activities has had on the community. After graduation Monique hopes to work in cross-cultural development, helping the indigenous peoples of North and South America work together.

Janet is a 43-year old status Anishnaabe from Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation in Ontario who is in the second year of a doctoral program in education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She is a registered nurse who has been working full time since she went back to school some years ago. One of her professors speaks of her strong sense of purpose in serving the needs of Aboriginal communities. Another tells us of her strong work ethic and perseverance through difficult circumstances. Janet plans to work as an education facilitator with the Anishnaabe-aski Nation and implement her vision of an Aboriginal-designed and controlled education system.

Elisha is a 19-year old Métis from Okanagan Falls, British Columbia who is in the second year of a Bachelor of Arts program at the University of British Columbia - Okanagan in Kelowna. In high school she won many academic awards and scholarships and was on the honour roll all four years. She hopes to get back to that level this year at UBC. One of her professors says she is a very bright and intelligent student who represents her family and background with pride. Her sponsor says her diligent and positive attitude make her a great volunteer. Elisha plans to work as a mental health counsellor after graduation.

Brittanee is a 23-year old status Dene from the Kaska First Nation in Yukon Territory who is in the fourth year of an international indigenous studies program at the University of Calgary in Alberta. She was named an Academic All-Canadian as a competitive wrestler and is on the Canadian Senior National Team, which she hopes will lead her to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. One of her professors says her penetrating questions and critical analytical skills have served her well. Her sponsor says she has been a model student for their leadership programs and continues to be a role model for the young people of her nation. After graduation Brittanee plans to go to law school, focusing on environmental law, and then return to the north to help her community.

Amber is a 28-year old Métis from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories who is in the third year of a common law program at the University of Ottawa. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary. As well as being an award-winning scholar, she is a talented singer and songwriter who has several CDs to her credit. One of her professors says she is thoughtful and articulate and praises her excellent contributions. Her sponsor says she has contributed much to her community and has the qualities and strength of character to be successful. After she graduates Amber intends to use her skills to practice law from an Aboriginal point of view.

Laurel is a 44-year old Métis from Saskatchewan who is in the first year of a licensed practical nursing program at the Dumont Technical Institute in Prince Albert. She is married and has two children. Laurel dropped out of high school and worked for many years before taking an on-line science course gave her the confidence to go back to school. One of her instructors says she is well organized and has a good clinical presence. Her sponsor calls her kind, caring and compassionate, with a genuine love of children. Laurel plans to work in health care in Prince Albert after she graduates.

Kayla is a 19-year old non-status Mi’kmaq from the Flat Bay First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador who is in the second year of a political science program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This is her second FAAY award. A very active volunteer in her community, she achieved the gold level of the Duke of Edinburgh program last spring. She is also a Sea Cadet Corps Officer. One of her teachers says she continually displays leadership skills well beyond her years. Her sponsor speaks of her self-reliance, creativity and perseverance in striving for excellence. After she gets her BA Kayla plans to attend law school and return to Newfoundland to practice.

Kimberley is a young non-status Algonquin from Gatineau, Québec who is in the fourth year of a linguistics program at the University of Ottawa. She is a member of the Golden Key Honour Society and an active community volunteer, working with people who are trying to upgrade their education. One of her professors calls her organized and enthusiastic and a very good student. Her sponsor says she carried out her volunteer duties with “brio” and is a valuable asset to the organization. After getting her Bachelor’s degree Kimberley plans to attend grad school and do research in the field of sociolinguistics.

Patricia is a 46-year old status Nisga’a from the Gitlakdamix First Nation in British Columbia who is in the third year of a social work program at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. She worked for many years as a care-provider in a group home for mentally challenged adults. She is a residential school survivor who began her healing journey over ten years ago. One of her professors is impressed with her courage and the contributions she makes to help other students learn. Her sponsor says she has a clear vision of her future as an active member of the community. Patricia hopes to work with Aboriginal communities after graduation and one day get her PhD and teach from an Aboriginal perspective.

Beatrice is a young non-status Cree from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who is in the second year of an art education program at Concordia University in Montréal. A very positive experience with the teacher of a native art course at Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon turned around Beatrice’s attitude toward education and made her want to go to school. One of her instructors calls her a diligent and exemplary student - one of the best in the class. Her sponsor says she has been a tremendous asset as a volunteer in art classes for mentally disabled adults. After graduation Beatrice would like to teach art in an Aboriginal community and explore art therapy, perhaps at grad school.

Sarah is a 34-year old status Cree from the Cree Nation of Chisasibi in northern Québec who is in the first year of a doctoral program in education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She holds a Master’s of Education and two Bachelor’s degrees. She is the co-author of a text book, currently in use by the Cree School Board, which looks at the history of Québec and Canada from an Aboriginal perspective. Her thesis advisor says that her graduate thesis ranks #1 of the 30 or so she has advised on. Her sponsor calls her a very conscientious worker whose research is respectful of the community. After securing her doctorate, Sarah plans to return to Chisasibi to help overhaul an education system that is not serving the needs of the Cree community.

Corinne is a 39-year old status Ojibway from Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba who is currently in the second year of an Aboriginal-focused child and family services diploma program at the University of Manitoba. She is the mother of four daughters. One of her professors calls her an inspiration to others and says she has a lot to teach. Another calls her one of the most amazing young women he has met in twenty years as a teacher. After getting her diploma Corinne plans to pursue a bachelor’s and then a master’s of social work and work at Long Plain First Nation.

Chantelle is a 27-year old status Ojibway from Pic River First Nation in Ontario who is in the third year of a medical geography program at McGill University in Montréal. This is her third FAAY award. She obtained her first two degrees from McMaster University in Hamilton. Her thesis is titled: “The Social Support and Health Relationship: Establishing its Value for Aboriginal Health in Canada.” One of her professors calls her a gifted academic who is a demonstrated performer. Her sponsor says she is hard-working, sincere and intelligent. Chantelle plans on an academic career and on continuing her research into the determinants of Aboriginal health.

Ariane is a 20-year old status Plains Cree from Star Blanket Cree Nation #83 in Saskatchewan who is in the first year of an Indian education program at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. She is the Chair of her community’s Students Against Drinking and Driving group and has won many leadership awards. One of her teachers says Ariane works hard, has great ideas and is always the first to volunteer. Her sponsor says her spirit is bright and cheerful and she takes these qualities with her wherever she goes. After graduation Ariane plans to make a career teaching.

Tara is a 30-year old status Dene from the Deh Gah Cot’ie First Nation at Fort Providence in the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of a bachelor of arts transfer program at Grant MacEwan Community College in Edmonton. She holds a diploma in Aboriginal child and family services from Keyano College in Fort McMurray. One of her instructors calls her dedicated, committed and responsible. Her sponsor says she has an excellent ability to connect with youth. Tara plans to transfer next year to the University of Alberta and enrol in their combined BA (Native Studies)/BEd program and eventually teach.

Trenton is an 18-year old Métis from Hamiota, Manitoba who is in the first year of an environmental sciences program at Brandon University. He received the Governor General’s Medal last year as the top student of his graduating class of which he was the elected President. One of his teachers says he has developed into an exceptional individual and a solid athlete, student and citizen. His sponsor says his pleasant personality, sense of humour and easy-going nature will take him far. Trenton’s interest in the outdoors led him to choose environmental sciences and he hopes to make a career in that field.

Manon is a 37-year old non-status Plains Cree from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the first year of a doctoral program at l’Universitié du Québec à Montréal. She has two sons and a full-time job at Concordia University. Her thesis advisor says that she is one of the best students he has taught in 30 years. Her sponsor says her love of the Cree language has dictated her career path. Manon’s family did not speak Cree at home because of the legacy of residential schooling, but she managed to learn it from her grandparents and through her studies. Her goal is to produce reliable Cree resource materials in the course of her academic career so that the language can be maintained.

Clinton is a 22-year old status Dene from the Deninu K’ue First Nation in Yukon Territory who is in the fourth year of a political science program at Carleton University in Ottawa. He was a page at the Yukon Legislature and the first male Aboriginal page in the Senate of Canada. In high school he helped to organize the first model parliament in the Yukon. One of his sponsors has always been impressed with his abilities and enthusiasm. Another says he has the potential to become one of the outstanding Aboriginal leaders of Canada. Clinton plans to return to the Yukon to help the territory and its people realize their full potential.

Johnny is a 25-year old status Dogrib from the Dogrib Rae First Nation in the Northwest Territories who is in the first year of law school at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. He graduated from the University of Lethbridge’s management program last year. This is his second FAAY award. He was a highly valued volunteer at the South Slave Friendship Festival in his hometown of Fort Smith for many years. One of his professors calls him an exemplary student whose written work and research skills are excellent. His sponsor says he was an integral part of life in Fort Smith and gives to the community in many ways. After he finishes law school Johnny plans to return to the north and help protect the gains his people have made with their recent land claim settlement.

Dawn is a 27-year old Métis from Vancouver, British Columbia who is in the second year of a first nations social work program at the University of British Columbia. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Aboriginal studies from Langara College in Vancouver. She works part-time at a women’s shelter and has volunteered at the Vancouver crisis center. One of her instructors found her to be highly motivated, intelligent and personable. Her sponsor says Dawn takes pride in all she does and excels at anything she attempts. After she graduates Dawn plans to work with young Aboriginal people.

Denise is a 34-year old status Saulteaux from Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba who is in the first year of an education program at the University of Winnipeg. She is the single mother of four children. She dropped out of high school at 16 and only returned to school once her children were in school themselves. Denise graduated from an Aboriginal teaching assistant pilot program and has been working as a teaching assistant. One of her instructors says she has incredible gifts as a parent, teaching assistant and community member. Her sponsor says she provides key leadership to many of the initiatives taking place in her neighbourhood. Denise plans to make a career teaching.