Indigenous Awards
Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries
As a student at Northwestern Polytechnic, you may be eligible for many scholarships, awards, and bursaries to assist you with your post-secondary education.
Explore AwardsIndigenous Careers Award (ICA)
The Indigenous Careers Award applications are closed for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Indigenous Careers Award encourages Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in certificate, diploma, applied degree, and bachelor’s degree programs. Students enrolled in Apprenticeship technical training, integrated training, pre-employment or non-credential programs are not eligible.
Program Specific Internal Awards
Filter by Program
| Award Name | Program | Criteria | No. of | Value | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viterra Scholarship-Business Viterra Inc. |
ADM, ADMST, BBA | Entrance award for a student with the highest High School average upon admission to the Business Administration program. Where possible, one award will go to an Indigenous student. | 2 | 1000 | Entrance |
| Purina Award for IBPOC Students in Animal Health Technology Nestle Purina PetCare Canada |
AHF | This award was created by Nestle Purina PetCare Canada to support Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) students pursuing their education in Veterinary Technology at Northwestern Polytechnic. This award will help address systemic inequities and increase access and participation of IBPOC students in Animal Health Technology. This award is available to a 2nd year or graduating Animal Health Technology student who the instructors deem most worthy. It should take into consideration effort, participation, attention in class, teamwork, and expressed interest in companion animal nutrition. | 1 | 500 | NWP Awarded |
| Ovintiv Judy Gauthier Memorial Bursary Ovintiv Services Inc. |
Any | Available to any Northwest Alberta or Northeast BC Indigenous Student. Preference will be given to Indigenous students from theTreaty 8 First Nation. Indigenous students, Metis or Inuit applicants must provide proof of First Nation (status or non-status), Inuit, or Metis status. Must include a Letter of Introduction under 100 words which includes the following 1. Tell us a bit about yourself 2. Why you are a great candidate for this award (highlight career goals, achievements, volunteer), 3. What are some of your past challenges and successes that you will be building from in the future? 4. How will you remain committed to your studies? Letter should be typed and double spaced. Applicants must provide proof of First Nation (status or non-status), Inuit, or Metis status. Must include a Letter of Introduction under 100 words which includes the following 1. Tell us a bit about yourself 2. Why you are a great candidate for this award (highlight career goals, achievements, volunteer), 3. What are some of your past challenges and successes that you will be building from in the future? 4. How will you remain committed to your studies? Letter should be typed and double spaced. | 1 | 2000 | Bursary |
| Ovintiv Indigenous Bursary Ovintiv Services Inc. |
Any | Available to any Northwest Alberta or Northeast BC Indigenous Student. Preference will be given to Indigenous students from Treaty 8. First Nation Indigenous students, Metis or Inuit applicants must provide proof of First Nation (status or non-status), Inuit, or Metis status. Must include a Letter of Introduction under 100 words which includes the following 1. Tell us a bit about yourself 2. Why you are a great candidate for this award (highlight career goals, achievements, volunteer), 3. What are some of your past challenges and successes that you will be building from in the future? 4. How will you remain committed to your studies? Letter should be typed and double spaced. Applicants must provide proof of First Nation (status or non-status), Inuit, or Metis status. Must include a Letter of Introduction under 100 words which includes the following 1. Tell us a bit about yourself 2. Why you are a great candidate for this award (highlight career goals, achievements, volunteer), 3. What are some of your past challenges and successes that you will be building from in the future? 4. How will you remain committed to your studies? Letter should be typed and double spaced. | 4 | 2000 | Bursary |
| Indigenous Careers Award |
Any | The Indigenous Careers Award is designed to encourage Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in certificate, diploma, applied degree, and bachelor’s degree programs. University transfer programs are eligible. Students enrolled in Apprenticeship classroom instruction, integrated training, pre-employment or non-credential programs are not eligible. Proof of Indigenous Ancestry required. | 56 | 2000 | Other |
| Metis Scholar Awards Rupertsland Institute, Métis Centre of Excellence |
Any | Available to a student of Metis Heritage who has maintained a 2.0 GPA in the Fall Semester and has demonstrated financial need. Applicants cannot also be receiving funding from Rupertsland Institute - Metis Training to Employment Services. MUST include a Rupertsland Institute Representative in Selection Process. Applicants must provide a letter of no more than 400 words outlining their experience with the Metis Community. Applicants must also provide one of the following as proof of Metis heritage Photocopy of Metis Nation of Alberta Card OR Valid membership card at any of the following organizations Metis Settlements of Alberta, Metis Nation of Ontario, Saskatchewan, or British Columbia, or Manitoba Metis Federation OR Photocopy of parent's, aunt's, uncle's, or sibling's valid membership card in any of the above named Metis Organizations. | 5 | 0 | Bursary |
| Strathcona Resources Indigenous Student Entrance Scholarship Strathcona Resources Ltd. |
Any | This award is open to a first year Indigenous student in any credit program. *full-ride = tuition & mandatory non-instructional fees as well as books, up to a maximum of $10,000 for the NWP academic year. Must provide proof of ancestry with application Use estimated book fees from NWP website. | 1 | 10000 | Entrance |
| TransCanada Education Award TransCanada |
Any | Any post-secondary level program, available to a learner of aboriginal ancestry (status, non-status, Metis, Inuit). Selection based on academic merit, financial need, and statements provided in the application. Emphasis on involvement in the aboriginal community. Please include a letter that outlines what culture in your community means to you, how you are involved in this culture, and how you plan to meet your cultural needs while attending NWP. Include in this letter three tasks you have completed which, when taken together, tell us who you are. | 1 | 1000 | Bursary |
| TransCanada Pipelines Ltd Aboriginal Bursary TransCanada Pipelines |
Any | Available to Aboriginal students (status, non-status, Metis, C-31, or Inuit) who are in a full time program or an apprenticeship program at the Fairview Campus. Awarded on the basis of financial need, satisfactory academic achievement, and to a student pursuing an occupational goal and /or a career program requiring post -secondary studies. Applicants must be Alberta residents. | 2 | 625 | Bursary |
| Viterra Scholarship-Electrical Viterra Inc. |
Electrician, APELE | Awarded to student with highest grade upon completion of third year. Where possible, one award will go to an indigenous student. Average calculated using AIT theory mark and NWP theory (use practical in case of a tie). | 2 | 2000 | NWP Awarded |
| Phoenix Energy Services Inspiration Award Phoenix Energy Services Inc. |
Electrician, Insturment Control Technician APELE, APINM | Highest Academic performance, preference to an Indigenous student. | 2 | 1000 | NWP Awarded |
External Awards
In addition to the Northwestern Polytechnic student awards program, many other groups and organizations offer Indigenous-focused awards, scholarships, and bursaries to help you pay for your Education.
Follow the web links provided in the table below to access award details and criteria. Please note that Northwestern Polytechnic does not play a role in collecting applications or distributing funds. We are also not responsible for web content beyond the links provided in the table.
| Award | Deadline | No. Awarded | Value | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future Generations Foundation (Opens April 2025) | 2025/06/6 | Multiple | varies | Indigenous |
| Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards (Applications open 2nd of January) | 2026/03/31 | Multiple | $1,000 - $10,000 | Métis Students |
| Bigstone Education Post Secondary Sponsorship (deadline for spring semester) | 2026/04/15 | Varies | Varies | Bigstone Cree Nation member-Indigenous |
| Imperial Internship & Scholarship Program | 2025/06/1 | Multiple | Varies | Indigenous students |
| Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta Indigenous Scholarships | Open | Multiple | Varies | Indigenous students |
| Freehorse Family Wellness Society | Open | Multiple | Varies | Indigenous students-See website for details |
| Bigstone Education Post Secondary Sponsorship (deadline for fall semester) | Open | Varies | Varies | Bigstone Cree Nation member-Indigenous |
| Indspire | Open | Multiple | Varies, multiple deadlines | Indigenous |
| Métis Training to Employment Program | Open | Varies | Varies | Métis students attending certificate, diploma, trades, apprenticeship |
| Bigstone Education Post Secondary Sponsorship (deadline for winter semester) | 2025/12/1 | Varies | Varies | Bigstone Cree Nation member-Indigenous |
| Building Futures Scholarship Program (Application opens July 1) | 2025/08/15 | Varies | Varies | Child/Dependent of CNRL employee and/or Indigenous |
| Building Futures Scholarship Program (Application opens November 10) | 2025/12/15 | Multiple | up to $3,000 | Child/Dependent of CNRL employee and/or Indigenous |
| The Residential School Survivors & Descendants Scholarships | 2025/12/31 | 1 | $6,000 | Indigenous |
| Harold Johnson Memorial Scholarship | 2025/09/30 | 1 | $2,500 | Be of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) and reside in Saskatchewan |
| Eaton’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Scholarship (Application opens February 20) | 2025/06/7 | 1 | $3,500 | Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) enrolled in Engineering, Technology, Math, Science or Business |
| Bruce Gladue Otipemisiwak Legacy Award | 2025/10/15 | 1 | $2,500 | Métis |
| Marlene Lanz Otipemisiwak Legacy Award | 2025/10/15 | 1 | $2,500 | Métis |
| Schneider Electric Student Scholarship BIPOC (Application opens February 20) | 2025/06/7 | 1 | $2,500 | Completed 1st year of Engineering, Business Admin, Electrical Apprenticeship, Trades, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour |
| HPS Equitable Access Scholarship (Application opens February 20) | 2025/06/7 | 1 | $3,500 | Aboriginal, Indigenous, Racialized, Black, People of Colour, Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, Trades, Apprenticeship |
| Senator James Gladstone Memorial Scholarship | 2026/02/15 | Varies | $750 - $1,000 | Indigenous |
| Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarships | 2025/08/1 | 5 | $10,000 | Indigenous |
| Rupertsland Institute - Degree and Graduate Education Funding (Applications open April 15) | 2025/05/15 | Varies | Varies | Métis |
| Tom Ghostkeeper Scholarship | 2025/10/31 | 2 | $1,000 | Métis - justice related studies |
| Rexel Canada Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship (Application opens February 20) | 2025/06/7 | 2 | $1,500 | Indigenous or Visible Minority in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Trades, Apprenticeship |
| Alberta Blue Cross Indigenous Scholarship (Applications Open 9 Sep 2025) | 2026/01/31 | 9 | $1,500 | Indigenous |
| Indigenous bursaries search tool | Open | Multiple | Varies | Indigenous |
| Guillevin Inclusive Futures Scholarship – Skilled Trades (Application opens February 20) | 2025/06/7 | 1 | $1,000 | Women, Indigenous, Electrical Trades, Apprenticeship |
| Guillevin Inclusive Futures Scholarship (Application opens February 20) | 2025/06/7 | 1 | $2,500 | Women, Indigenous, Electrical Trades, Apprenticeship |
| RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth | 2026/02/5 | 20 | Varies | Indigenous |
| The Sam Bull Memorial Scholarship | 2026/02/15 | 1 | $1,000 | Indigenous |
| Cecil Bellrose Otipemisiwak Legacy Award | 2025/10/15 | 1 | $2,500 | Metis |
| NADB First Nation, Metis and Inuit Bursary | 2025/06/1 | Varies | $7,000 - $11,500 | Indigenous |
| Languages in Teacher Education Scholarship | 2025/10/31 | 16 | $2,500 | Alberta teacher preparation taking courses to teach languages other than English, including Indigenous languages. |
| AFOA Canada TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples | 2025/10/25 | 1 | $10000 | Indigenous |
| AWWA Diversity in Water Scholarship | 2025/07/1 | 1 | $1,500 | Women, Visible Minorities, Students with Disabilities and Indigenous Peoples in Water Industry |
| IRC's Inuit Post Secondary Education Funding Program | 2026/03/15 | Varies | Varies | Indigenous, Inuvialuit beneficiaries, Inuit, All Programs |
| IRC's Inuit Post Secondary Education Funding Program | 2025/11/15 | Varies | Varies | Indigenous, Inuvialuit beneficiaries, Inuit, All Programs |
| Indigenous Education Awards Program | 2025/06/1 | Multiple | Up to $2,500 | Indigenous |
| Art L’Hirondelle Dedicated Service Scholarship | 2025/10/31 | 1 | $1,000 | Métis students - Trades, Apprenticeship |
| Honourable Pearl Calahasen Scholarship | 2025/10/31 | 2 | $1,000 | Métis, Indigenous |
| Technology and Entrepreneurship Scholarships | 2025/11/30 | 2 | $1,000 | Indigenous Youth 17-30 years old |
| Gary Pruden Scholarship Award | 2025/10/31 | 1 | $500 | Métis, Indigenous (Music & Sports) |
| Ernest Poitras Scholarship | 2025/10/31 | 1 | $1000 | Métis |
| Delia Gray Memorial Scholarship | 2025/10/31 | 2 | $1,000 | Métis, Indigenous |
| IRC's Inuit Post Secondary Education Funding Program | 2025/07/15 | Varies | Varies | Indigenous, Inuvialuit beneficiaries, Inuit, All Programs |
| Western Cree-Indigenous Skills and Employment Training | Open | Varies | Varies | Indigenous-Short Term Programs Apprentice, Certificate, Continuing Education |
| First Nation, Inuit Undergraduate Bursary | 2025/05/15 | 6 | $3,000 | Indigenous |
| Advantage Energy Ltd. Indigenous Education Scholarship | 2025/07/15 | multiple | up to $1,500 | Indigenous students primarily pursuing engineering, operations, geosciences, environmental studies and trades related to the energy industry |
| TC Energy Indigenous Legacy Scholarship | 2025/05/2 | Multiple | $5,000 | Indigenous students |
| Canada Post Indigenous Award | 2025/08/31 | 1 | $2000 | Indigenous |
| Primary Indigenous Student Bursary | 2025/08/1 | 1 | $2000 | Indigenous |
| ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program | 2025/08/15 | Multiple | $500 - $1,500 | Indigenous students, High School, Academic Upgrading, Trades, Post Secondary |
| Métis Education Fund-MEF Métis Scholar Award | Open | Varies | Varies | Métis, must not be currently receiving funding from Rupertsland Institute-See Website |
| Métis Education Fund-MEF Early Learning and Childcare Métis Scholar Award | Open | Varies | Varies | Métis, must not be currently receiving funding from Rupertsland Institute-See Website |
| Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program | Open | Varies | Varies | Indigenous, Inuvialuit beneficiaries, Inuit, All Programs - See website for deadlines |
| Congress of Aboriginal Peoples | Open | Varies | Indigenous- Non Status, Eastern Métis and Southern Inuit |