Dehcho First Nations Memorial Awards & Scholarships were established in 1995 by the Dehcho First Nations Leadership. It was the vision then, and continues today, that Dehcho Dene descendants confidently pursue post-secondary education. The Dehcho First Nations’ goal is for Dehcho descendants to take advantage of post-secondary education and achieve equitable representation in post-secondary institutions.
These Memorial Awards and Scholarships provides support for advancement of Dehcho Dene. The goals for Dehcho descendants are self-reliance, self-determination and well-being. This goal is achieved by supporting the education and training of our Dehcho descendants in post-secondary education. It is the hope these individuals will come home to the Dehcho to help build capacity and lead our First Nation into a healthy future.
This award was established to honour Mitch Landry (Corbeau), a well-respected Elder of the Dehcho. Mitch was born in Fort Providence in 1930 and was raised traditionally in the Dehcho Territory. Mitch attended the Indian Residential School where he learned to speak French and English. Mitch served on various councils, boards and committees. In his political career, Mitch was very passionate about the land and the future of our youth. Mitch opened many meetings and gatherings with strong prayers. He held the highest regard for the land and respect for the Dene. $3,000 each will be awarded annually to two Dehcho Dene post-secondary students pursuing studies in Environment & Resource Management, Humanities/Social Sciences, Aboriginal Languages and/or Linguistics.
This award was established to honour Mary Cazon, a well-respected Elder of the Dehcho. Mary was born in Fort Providence in 1939 and was raised in the Dehcho Territory. She lived a very traditional life and raised her children within the values of the Dene lifestyle. Her traditional knowledge expertise was comprised of tanning animal hides, medicinal remedies, and traditional sewing. Mary was passionate about instilling traditional knowledge and values to the new generations. She provided political advice to the Dehcho Leadership and had the highest priority for land protection as she believed that the land defines you as Dene. $3,000 each will be awarded annually to two Dehcho Dene post-secondary students pursuing studies in Environmental Sciences, Health & Wellness and/or Naturopathy.
Our ancestors make reference to, “As long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow…” that this will be followed because this is what the creator and elders want. Marilyn did as they advised; she always used wise and knowledgeable judgment. During Marilyn’s life with us, she dedicated her time to promoting, preserving, and enhancing Treaty #8. ATG honours, acknowledges, and promotes the contributions of the late Marilyn Sanderson by providing one scholarship of $1,000 in her memory.
You must be a Treaty 8 member registered to one of the five (5) Dene First Nations of Deninu Kue, Lutsel K’e, Smith’s Landing, Yellowknives Dene (Dettah or Ndilo).
Enrolled in a post-secondary or a recognized college or institution and/or employed and require training within the Member First Nation in the field of business management, accounting,
Must return to your First Nation community for employment
Criteria:
Qualification by student academic performance
Attendance
Reference letters to prove motivation and enthusiasm
Interested applicants must submit the following:
Prepared title page
A two-page summary of their academic interests and achievements, extra-curricular interests, and career goals. (maximum 2 pages)
Two or more reference letters
A transcript of courses or a letter from the Registrar’s Office indicating current year enrollment status and program
Copy of Status Card (front and back) – If you do not have a valid card, a letter from your First Nation can be submitted.
Current phone number, mailing address and e-mail address so that you may be easily contacted, a letter from your First Nation can be submitted.
NWT Treaty 8 members from the Akaitcho Territory Government First Nations enrolled in a post-secondary university degree or a college certificate education program on a full-time basis are eligible to apply for the ten (10) scholarships in the amount of $1,000.
Applications will be assessed by a Scholarship Selection Committee and based upon:
Academic Merit – Scholarship Achievement
Financial Need – Budget Attached
Reference Letters
Essay
Type of educational level: Certificate, Diploma, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate
Location of College
Outlining Educational Funding Department
List other Financial Scholarships received in the current year
Interested applicants must submit the following:
A covering letter stating current address and phone number
A statement of intent (reason for attending school)
A letter from the Registrar’s Office indicating current year enrollment status and program
One or two letters of reference from Instructors or Professors (1st-year students can submit a character reference letter)
A brief essay/ report on the topic of Treaty 8 and/ or a member First Nation and how it relates to your goals and objectives (Maximum of 500 words/2 pages)
Copy of Status Card (front and back) – If you do not have a valid card, a letter from your First Nation can be submitted
Established in 2013 by Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., this Fund was established to assist individuals pursuing a career in mining or resource development. Three scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded provided suitable applicants are selected.
The first scholarship (Mining) will be available for students whose area of study has a focus on mining, mineral, geological, or geomatics engineering, and/or mining-related trades.
The second scholarship (Mining Support) will be available for students whose area of study has a focus on geology, environmental or earth sciences, communities, communications, finance or procurement.
The third scholarship (STEM) will be available for female students whose area of focus is in fields related to science, technology, engineering, or math.
To be eligible, applicants:
Must be NWT or West Kitikmeot students enrolled in or accepted to a college diploma or University degree in a mining or resource development program or trade certification in a related field. Preference may be given to Indigenous applicants; however non-Indigenous NWT and West Kitikmeot residents are encouraged to apply.
Indigenous persons are those who are descendants of Dene, Inuit or Metis people, indigenous to the present borders of the Northwest Territories and West Kitikmeot region of the Nunavut Territory.
Non-Indigenous residents of the Northwest Territories and West Kitikmeot region are considered to be residents if they have lived in those areas for at least 50% of their lives.
Are eligible to reapply for the scholarship in successive years; however previous receipt does not guarantee future awards.
For the mining, scholarship must be enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary course in mining or resource development or a trade-related field. Courses include, but are not limited to, Mine Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geomatics, Metallurgy, or a mining-related trade.
For the mining support scholarship must be enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary course in geology, environmental or earth sciences, communities, communications, finance, or procurement program with an interest in seeking employment in the mining sector.
For the STEM scholarship must be women enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary program that focuses on the sciences, technology, engineering, or math. Preference will be given to those with an interest in seeking employment in the mining sector after graduation.
In the event there are no suitable applicants for one of the scholarships, the selection committee may decide to recommend two awards in the same category.
For the mining support scholarship must be enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary course in geology, environmental or earth sciences, communities, communications, finance, or procurement program with an interest in seeking employment in the mining sector.
Factors taken into consideration in reviewing grant applications from individuals include:
Academic achievement;
Community involvement, volunteering, and other activities; and
The factors outlined in the essay requirement below.
The scholarship may be awarded more than once to the same applicant, but prior receipt does not guarantee a future award.
The deadline for applications is May 15 of each year. Applications must include a written essay (maximum 200 words) on:
The benefit they will obtain from the scholarship,
Community involvement and contribution,
Willingness to be involved in promotional activities in relation to this scholarship,
Genuine desire to work in the mining and resource industry, and
How their chosen field is related to mining or resource development or a mining-related trade.
The recipient must provide proof of acceptance or conditional acceptance or proof of enrolment for that year in a recognized post-secondary institution or a recognized trades program. Indigenous status may be confirmed through acceptable government or Inuit, Dene, or Metis identification documents. A Proof of Residency (PDF 176kb) form must be submitted along with the application.
Established in memory of Luke Charpentier in 2015, the Luke Charpentier Memorial Fund Scholarship was established to assist post-secondary or trades students from the City of Yellowknife with their studies. To be eligible, individuals must be residents of the City of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT), pursuing post-secondary education or trades training in any field, and must demonstrate these guiding values for the fund: the qualities of compassion, kindness, generosity, of being a positive influence on their peer group, and demonstrating sportsmanship and a love of the outdoors. Organizations from the City of Yellowknife with projects that benefit the community are also eligible to apply and so the scholarship is not awarded to a student every year.
Successful applicants are eligible to reapply for scholarships in subsequent years; however previous receipt does not guarantee future awards.
Preference will be given to applicants that reflect the guiding values of the fund as set out above.
Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:
The essay or written statement reflecting the guiding values for the fund,
Community involvement, volunteering, and other achievements for scholarships,
Willingness to be involved in promotional activities in relation to this scholarship or grant.
Scholarship applications must include:
A written statement of no less than 300 and no more than 500 words outlining how their past activities reflect the guiding values set out above.
A letter from their school or a coach attesting to their being worthy of consideration for this award.
Proof of acceptance into a post secondary or trades program.
A Proof of Residency (PDF 176kb) form must be submitted along with the application.
Established in memory of Lena Gosselin in 2019, the Lena Gosselin Memorial Fund was established to support individuals seeking training in the area of executive office administration and management with a continued interest to work within the Northwest Territories. To be eligible, applicants must be a Northwest Territories (NWT) resident (minimum of two years); enrolled in an office administration/executive assistant program in the Northwest Territories or be currently in an administrative role, and must submit a personal essay: tell us who you are, personal accomplishments, indicate why such a program is of interest, motivation for entering the field, and career aspirations/interests/goals related to the Northwest Territories.
Applicants are eligible to re-apply for grants in successive years; however previous receipt does not guarantee future awards.
Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:
The eligibility requirements noted above
Enrolment in an office administration/executive assistant program in the NWT or in a current administrative assistant role.
A written statement (500 words max) outlining:
The benefit they will obtain from the grant/scholarship,
Willingness to be involved in promotional activities in relation to this grant
Career aspirations for the future as related to office administration/management.
Applicants must include the following documentation with their completed application:
Educational progress, copy of enrollment registration
Name of current employer and supervisor with contact information
A Proof of Residency (PDF 176kb) form must be submitted along with the application.
Such other materials as the YCF may require.
Applications must be received by May 15 each year.
Established in 2010 in memory of Jonas Konge, the Jonas Konge Memorial Fund was established to:
Support NWT residents pursuing post-secondary studies in medicine or nursing, and
Provide support to the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation to fund the purchase of new capital equipment or programs (approved and identified by the Department of Health of the GNWT) in the area of Pediatrics or Neonatal care. Grants will be designed to support new initiatives for the Stanton Territorial Hospital and or Government approved clinic settings and not to replace existing capital equipment.
Applications for the scholarship are open to individuals resident in Yellowknife (first priority) and other Northwest Territories communities for at least five years. To be eligible, an individual must be entering their second or subsequent year of post-secondary studies in medicine or nursing at a recognized College or University and be planning to practice in the Northwest Territories after they graduate. First priority will be given to applicants from Yellowknife and those studying Pediatrics or Neonatal care.
The deadline for applications is May 15 of each year. Applications must include a written essay of a maximum of 500 words on:
Why they are applying for the grant,
The qualities exhibited by the applicant in their chosen field,
How the scholarship will contribute to them achieving their goals.
Applications must also include:
Written confirmation of acceptance in the second year of post-secondary studies in medicine or nursing,
Information on the field of study being undertaken,
Two letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s involvement in the activities described and demonstrate the above-listed qualities,
A copy of the applicant’s most recent transcripts,
A Proof of Residency (PDF 176kb) form must be submitted along with the application.
Established in memory of Elaine (Sweet) Whitford, the Elaine (Sweet) Whitford Scholarship Fund was established to support Northwest Territories (NWT) residents pursuing post-secondary studies in social work or nursing. Applications for the scholarship are open to individuals resident in the Northwest Territories for at least two years. To be eligible, an individual must be entering their second or subsequent year of post-secondary studies in social work or nursing at a recognized College or University.
Factors taken into consideration in reviewing grant applications from individuals include:
An understanding of the important role they play in community development as a professional social worker or nurse,
Community involvement,
Commitment to social work or nursing, and
Economic need.
First priority will be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry who have lived in the Northwest Territories for at least one-half of their lives; second priority will be given to other individuals who have lived in the Northwest Territories for at least one-half of their lives.
The deadline for applications is May 15 of each year. Applications must include a written essay of at least 500 words on why they are applying for the grant. Applications must also include written confirmation of acceptance in the second year of post-secondary studies in social work and nursing and documentation confirming residency. A Proof of Residency (PDF 176kb) form must be submitted along with the application.
We respectfully acknowledge that Aurora College is situated on the traditional territories and homeland of the Dene, Inuvialuit, Métis and Cree peoples of the Northwest Territories. We are grateful to the many Indigenous peoples of the NWT for allowing us the opportunity to learn, work and live on their lands. We are also deeply grateful for the generous sharing of Indigenous Knowledge, wisdom and ways of knowing, being, doing and believing with our students and employees.
