This year, FNIGC will grant four $2,500 bursaries to four First Nation students enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program that focuses on health, social science, or applied science fields, or is studying an issue related to helping First Nations achieve data sovereignty.

Recipients will also receive a complimentary registration in The Fundamentals of OCAP® (a value of $500), and an opportunity to receive a mentorship with FNIGC’s First Nations Data Centre.

The deadline for applications is Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EST.

Established in 2011, the FNIGC National Student Bursary is awarded annually to qualifying First Nation students. In the 14 years since, the program has awarded more than $82,000 to a total of 36 First Nation post-secondary students.

To learn more about the FNIGC National Student Bursary, including our eligibility guidelines, what you will need to apply, and a link to the online application form, click here.  

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Eva Keeshig, FNIGC’s Program Officer, Education & Student Bursary, at To read more about past recipients of FNIGC’s bursary program, visit FNIGC National Student Bursary page

A First Nations non-profit organization operating with a special mandate from the Assembly of First Nations, FNIGC envisions that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

FNIGC serves the information, research, training, and capacity needs of First Nations communities through its unique data-gathering initiatives, including the First Nations Regional Health Survey, the First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education, and Employment Survey, and the First Nations Labour and Employment Development survey. FNIGC is committed to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people living and raising their families across the country through the assertion of data sovereignty.

The post Apply now for the 2025 FNIGC National Student Bursary appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.

The recipients for the 2024 FNIGC Student Bursary are Jorden Hendry, Palmer Spence, April Quill, and Damien Rodriquez, each of whom received a $2,500 monetary prize, a complimentary registration to FNIGC’s The Fundamentals of OCAP®  online course, and a mentorship opportunity with FNIGC’s First Nations Data Centre.

“Pursuing a post-secondary education has never been more challenging for students, as they face rising tuition and expenses, increased costs of living, and greater competition.” said FNIGC CEO Jonathan Dewar, PhD. “By persevering and completing their studies, these students are not only earning a diploma or a degree, they are also positioning themselves to make meaningful contributions to the future for First Nations across Canada and I’m delighted to offer my congratulations on behalf of FNIGC and its Board of Directors. We are honoured to support your academic endeavours and recognize your accomplishments to date.”

FNIGC received a record number of applications from 158 First Nation students, and we would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work they have put towards their studies.

The FNIGC National Student Bursary program was established in 2011 and has since awarded more than $80,000 to 35 outstanding First Nations post-secondary students. For 2024, four students were selected by a committee established by FNIGC’s Board of Directors.

THE 2024 FNIGC NATIONAL STUDENT BURSARY RECIPIENTS

Jorden Hendry

Jorden Hendry (she/her) is Tsimshian/settler and a member of the Lax Kw’alaams band. Her work is dedicated to promoting the rights and health of Indigenous Peoples by actively working to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism within public health.

Jorden holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Masters of Public Health (MPH) from the University of British Columbia, where she is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which examines health system transformation, focusing on colonial structures and their role in perpetuating racism and health inequities. Her academic work is characterized by a commitment to incorporating anti-racism and Indigenous ways of knowing into multiple levels of governance in the education and health systems.

April Quill

April Quill is a Swampy Cree woman from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation with ties to Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation in Manitoba. Currently a fourth-year Statistics major with a minor in Mathematics at the University of Manitoba, April has tutored for various statistics courses and has also served as a teaching assistant. She is also a math tutor for Indigenous high school students and volunteers for Math Mania, where she engages elementary school children with fun math puzzles.

Beyond mathematics, April is deeply involved in her community and serves as a mentor for the Neechiwaken Peer Mentor Program and as Director of Finance for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the Nellie McClung Trailblazer Award in 2023 and the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award in the Academic Senior category in 2022.

April is currently a research assistant for Dr. Jennifer Protudjer at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, where she applies her statistical skills to allergy studies in children. She has also received the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Indigenous Research Award (2025) and will spend summer 2025 developing new statistical methods in research.

Her future aspirations include pursuing and obtaining a Master’s in Biostatistics and exploring data sovereignty in Indigenous health by using statistics to promote self-determination and improve health outcomes.

Damien Rodriquez

Damien Rodriquez is a proud Moose Cree First Nation member and an intergenerational Indian Residential School Survivor who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie University with support from the Future Generations Foundation (FG Foundation) bursary. As a single father and a passionate advocate for social justice, Damien is working toward becoming a social worker dedicated to serving Indigenous communities.

Growing up in Nova Scotia, Damien witnessed systemic injustices that fueled his drive to create meaningful change. At Dalhousie he is actively involved in leadership programs and workshops that enhance his skills in advocacy, community engagement, and cultural resilience. He also volunteers with the Native Council of Nova Scotia and the Tribal Boxing Club in Dartmouth NS, where he provides mentorship and resources to Indigenous youth.

Balancing parenthood, part-time work and full-time studies, Damien faces many barriers that impact his ability to fully focus on his education. With support from the FG Foundation, he has overcome the financial challenges and continues his path towards empowering families through culturally informed social work. Damien’s journey reflects strength, purpose, and a deep commitment to his community’s future.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-rodriquez-1033a922a/

Instagram: @jaerodriquez902

Palmer Spence

Palmer Spence is a Cree student from Saskatchewan and a recent graduate of the Interactive Design and Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

He grew up in a creative family and has always been drawn to storytelling, visual design and building things that make a difference. His home community of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and cultural background are a strong influence in his work, which includes his culminating project that focuses on designing a language learning app to help young children engage with Indigenous languages in fun and meaningful ways.

Palmer is passionate about user experience (UX), accessibility, and inclusive design. He has maintained a GPA that places him in the upper 4th percentile of his class, has spoken at school events to support and encourage other Indigenous students, and strives to be a positive Indigenous role model through his academic and creative work. Looking ahead, Palmer hopes to keep using design to support culture, creativity, and connection. Outside of school, he enjoys lifting weights, cooking, and experimenting with digital media. He credits his family, instructors, and mentors for helping him grow into the designer and person he is today.

The post Meet the 2024 Recipients of the FNIGC National Student Bursary appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.

For 2024, FNIGC will grant four $2,500 bursaries to First Nation students enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program that focuses on health, social science, or applied science fields, or is studying an issue related to helping First Nations achieve data sovereignty. Recipients will also receive a complimentary registration into The Fundamentals of OCAP® (a value of $500).

The deadline for applications is November 29, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

Established in 2011, the FNIGC National Student Bursary is awarded annually to qualifying First Nation students. In the 13 years since, the program has awarded more than $73,000 to 35 First Nation post-secondary students.

This year, FNIGC will also be offering bursary recipients a mentorship opportunity within FNIGC’s First Nations Data Centre.

To learn more about the FNIGC National Student Bursary, including who is eligible, what you need to apply, and a link to the online application process, click here.  

For more information on the bursary application process, contact Eva Keeshig, Program Officer, Education & Student Bursary, at bursary@fnigc.ca. To read more about past recipients of FNIGC’s bursary program, visit the FNIGC National Student Bursary page.

A First Nations non-profit organization operating with a special mandate from the Assembly of First Nations, FNIGC envisions that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

FNIGC serves the information, research, training, and capacity needs of First Nations communities through its unique data-gathering initiatives, including the First Nations Regional Health Survey, the First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education, and Employment Survey, and the First Nations Labour and Employment Development survey. FNIGC is committed to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people living and raising their families across the country through the assertion of data sovereignty.

The post Apply now for the 2024 FNIGC National Student Bursary appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.

This year’s FNIGC Student Bursary recipients are Elizabeth Hunter, Jessica Chiblow, Kelsa Carmen, and Zach Bishop, each of whom will receive $2,500 and complimentary registration to FNIGC’s The Fundamentals of OCAP® online course.

Since it was first established in 2011, FNIGC’s Student Bursary program has awarded more than $73,000 to 35 First Nations post-secondary students. This year, FNIGC received 64 applications from First Nations post-secondary students from across Canada. The four finalists were selected by a committee established by the FNIGC’s Board of Directors.

“FNIGC believes that education is not only a tool for personal growth but also a catalyst for positive change within First Nations communities, a belief that is underscored by our continued commitment to our Student Bursary program” said FNIGC CEO Jonathan Dewar. “On behalf of FNIGC, I want to commend and congratulate this year’s bursary recipients. We are proud to support your academic progress and look forward to tracking your journey in the years ahead.”

THE 2023 FNIGC STUDENT BURSARY WINNERS

Elizabeth Hunter

Elizabeth (Liz) Hunter is a member of the Stoney Nakoda from Goodstoney First Nation located in Mînî Thînî, Alberta, and works as a research analyst with the Centre for Collaborative Action on Indigenous Health Governance at Simon Fraser University. Simultaneously, she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Indigenous studies.

With more than five years of experience working within Indigenous health organizations (which includes a recent role at the First Nations Health Authority) Liz brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Additionally, she is a certified doula drawing on Indigenous teachings and world views. Liz’s interest spans various areas including exploring sleep, women’s health, sustainability, biodiversity, disability, traditional food systems and Indigenous food sovereignty. She is preparing to begin a Master of Science (MSc) program to further explore Indigenous disability research.

Jessica Chiblow

Jessica Chiblow, from Mississauga First Nation, recently completed her second year in George Brown College’s Construction Engineering Technology program, which she did while juggling her responsibilities as single parent. As a 36-year-old single mother of one, she feels that the FNIGC Student Bursary has significantly lightened her load.  Jessica’s goal of becoming a Project Manager is fueled by a passion for construction and a dedication to sustainable construction industry practices.

Jessica is determined to excel academically and contribute to innovative, community enhancing projects. She wishes to express her sincere appreciation for FNIGC’s investment in her future, which not only alleviates the burden of expenses but also enables her to focus on her education and career aspirations.

Kelsa Carmen

Kelsa Carmen, a proud member of the We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge Band), originates from Vancouver Island. Rooted in her Indigenous heritage and upbringing, her path into healthcare was motivated by a profound sense of duty to address the pressing needs of Indigenous communities. Armed with a Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma from Vancouver Island University, Kelsa is continuing her educational journey as she pursues a Bachelor of Health Science degree through Thompson Rivers University’s open learning program.

Kelsa envisions a future where healthcare delivery embodies a culture of accommodation, inclusivity, and respect. Kelsa aims to forge a healthier, more robust future for Indigenous communities across Vancouver Island and beyond.

Zach Bishop

Zach Bishop, a proud Indigenous student, is currently in his second year of the Commercial Flight and Aviation Leadership program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. He is a member of Rainy River First Nation and holds a deep passion for aviation, setting his sights on a career in commercial aviation. Despite numerous obstacles and challenges, Zach remains enthusiastic about continuing his studies and flight training. As an Indigenous student, he is committed to advancing Indigenous representation in the aviation industry, aspiring to serve as a role model for future generations. Zach expresses profound gratitude towards his mentors and community for their unwavering support in pursuing his aspirations.

For more information on the bursary application process, email bursary@fnigc.ca.

The post Meet the 2023 recipients of the FNIGC Student Bursary appeared first on The First Nations Information Governance Centre.