Current Scholarships & Bursaries

In 2022, The Courage (Alex Missewace) Bursary was created and funded by the staff of Matawa Education Department as a gift to the Executive Director of Education, Sharon Nate. The donation was made to show sincere appreciation for Ms. Nate’s endless dedication and leadership to Matawa Education, students, and the Matawa First Nations. More importantly, the donation was to signify a community of courage as Ms. Nate’s brother, Alex Missewace, fought cancer. The Matawa Education staff wanted the bursary to be awarded to a student who demonstrates courage, strength, and perseverance during trying times, as Alex continued to do every day. In 2023, Alex began his journey into the Spirit World with courage, he was celebrated and supported through the love and guidance of his family, friends, and community of Eabametoong First Nation. His perseverance and strength live on in all of the Matawa youth through the Courage Bursary. Since 2022, several Donors have come forward wanting to support the Courage Bursary and the many youths who continue to demonstrate courage, strength, and perseverance every day.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in a high school, elementary school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

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The Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell Sister’s Bursary was created and funded by Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell, who, as sisters, are strong supporters of Matawa youth. They understand the varying career pathways and demands needed to be successful in any occupation. Ms. Moore and Ms. Swalwell are passionate about supporting students in realizing their dreams after high school.

Requirements:

• A graduating student who is beginning their journey into the workplace. Funding must be used for workplace supplies, such as clothing, PPE, work boots, tools, cooking supplies, etc.
• Must indicate how the purchase of items will lead to success in the workplace.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Applicant must be enrolled in a high school.
• Based on financial need.

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For over a century, Lowerys has been a trusted partner to Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario businesses, helping them achieve their goals through quality service, integrity, and teamwork. As a proud, family-run, locally owned company, we value open communication, creative thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Lowerys Award reflects our dedication to supporting the growth and success of our community. This award is designed to recognize students who demonstrate a passion for making a positive impact, whether through their education, leadership, or community involvement.

The Lowerys Award is open to students pursuing education in fields that foster creativity, leadership, and community building. This award celebrates individuals who embody the values of integrity, teamwork, and innovation while working to strengthen their communities.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

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The Englobe Scholarship is made possible by the generosity and hard work of Englobe staff, who fundraise each year to support Matawa youth. This scholarship helps students pursue their educational goals with confidence, dignity, and support.

If you are a student working toward your education and want help achieving your goals, this scholarship could help you take the next step toward your future.

Requirements:

• A graduating student who is beginning their post-secondary pathway.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Applicant must demonstrate academic achievement and/or excellence.
• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.

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The Teck Resources Limited Bursary supports students who demonstrate leadership and a strong connection to the lessons, values, and knowledge they’ve learned from their family and community. It celebrates students who use these lessons to guide their decisions, inspire others, and make a positive impact.

If you are a student who leads by example and applies what you’ve learned from your community to your studies, career, or personal goals, this bursary could help you achieve your dreams.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in high school in either grade 11 or 12 or about to graduate high school.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

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The Charlie Okees Scholarship honours the life and legacy of Late Charlie Okees, a dedicated community leader and visionary. This awards supports Indigenous students from Matawa First Nations who demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples. If you are a student who is passionate about helping your community and growing as a leader, this scholarship could help you continue Late Charlie Okees’s legacy while pursuing your educational goals.

Requirements:

• A graduating student who is beginning their post-secondary pathway.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation.
• Applicant must demonstrate academic achievement and/or excellence and/or leadership.
• Applicant must be enrolled in a high school and have received acceptance into a recognized post-secondary program in Canada.

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The OPG Empowerment Grant, made possible by Ontario Power Generation, provides scholarships to support Matawa students in pursuing their educational goals. This funding helps reduce financial barriers and gives students the confidence and support to continue their learning journey.

If you are a student working toward your education and want help achieving your goals, this scholarship could help you take the next step toward your future.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

Apply Now

The Colliers Project Leaders Scholarship supports graduating students who demonstrate academic achievement and excellence. Created and funded by Colliers Project Leaders, this scholarship helps Matawa youth pursue their dreams of post-secondary education. If you are graduating and have worked hard in your studies, this scholarship could help you take the next step toward achieving your educational goals.

Requirements:

• A graduating student who is beginning their post-secondary pathway.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Applicant must demonstrate academic achievement and/or excellence.
• Applicant must be enrolled in a high school and have received acceptance into a recognized post-secondary program in Canada.

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The Jamie Campbell Bursary is awarded to a student who is pursuing their dreams through post-secondary education. Mr. Jamie Campbell, a sportscaster for Rogers Sportsnet and the Toronto Blue Jays Central show host, created the bursary. He made the Jamie Campbell Bursary in 2018 to support Matawa Education & Care Centre students wanting to pursue their dreams after high school. He raised the money for the bursary by selling individual sports cards from his collection. Mr. Jamie Campbell strongly supports Matawa youth and is equally passionate about helping students in realizing their dreams after high school.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be graduating from Matawa Education and Care Centre.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

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The NorthStar Air Take Flight Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for graduating Grade 12 Matawa youth to pursue their dreams in the aviation industry and beyond. This scholarship supports students with a passion for aviation, whether their interests lie in piloting, maintenance, marketing, customer service, or any other area that helps the industry soar.  At NorthStar Air, we believe in empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The Take Flight Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to Matawa youth as they embark on their post-secondary education or training journey, helping them achieve their goals and contribute to the world of aviation in meaningful ways. If you’re a Grade 12 graduate from Matawa First Nations with aspirations in aviation or related fields, this scholarship could help you take the next step toward your future.

Requirements:

• A graduating student who is beginning their post-secondary pathway.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Applicant must demonstrate academic achievement and/or excellence.
• Applicant must be enrolled in a high school and have received acceptance into a recognized post-secondary program in Canada OR enrolled in their first year of post-secondary education.
• Applicant must show an aspiration in aviation or related fields, this scholarship could help you take the next step toward your future
• Based on financial need.

Apply Now

The Horizons Bursary for Land and Learning is a transformative opportunity for youth to explore their passions and deepen their connection to the environment. This bursary, made possible through the generous donation of Sara Ryan and Ant West, embodies the values of shared responsibility, growth, and discovery.

Reflecting its name, the bursary opens horizons for young people by supporting pursuits rooted in land-based learning, environmental stewardship, outdoor activities, sports, and the arts. It seeks to inspire youth to explore new opportunities, engage with nature, and develop skills that will empower them to thrive and give back to their communities.

Sara and Ant’s vision for this fund draws upon the sentiment that “it takes a village to raise a child.” They believe in fostering opportunities for youth to pursue their interests, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a strong connection to the land.

The Horizons Bursary invites applicants to reflect on how they will use this support to shape their future and contribute to the world around them. This fund stands as a testament to the power of community, generosity, and a shared commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through education and meaningful experiences.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

Apply Now

The Equipment World Bursary is proud to support students who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. As a trusted leader in material handling, storage, packaging, and construction solutions across Northern Ontario, Equipment World is dedicated to empowering the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and community leaders.

The Equipment World Bursary is designed to assist students pursuing their educational and career goals in fields that value innovation, perseverance, and service. Whether you’re studying engineering, business, trades, or a related discipline, this bursary offers an opportunity to showcase your ambition and dedication to success, with an emphasis on making a positive impact in your community.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

Apply Now

The Mino-Bimaadiziwin Bursay honours the life and spirit of Joseph “Jojo” Missewace, a mentor, cultural guide, and quiet leader. This award recognizes students who demonstrate balance, strength, and a deep connection to family and community, while showing kindness, resilience, and a commitment to helping others.

If you strive to support those around you and carry forward the values of community, family, and leadership, this award could help recognize your contributions and inspire your future.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

Apply Now

The Heart and Hustle Athletic Bursary was created by Matawa Education to recognize and support student-athletes who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and leadership both on and off the field of play. This bursary celebrates youth who embody “heart” (passion, integrity, teamwork, and commitment), and “hustle” (perseverance, discipline, and a strong work ethic) in pursuing their athletic and academic goals. Whether competing in school sports, community leagues, traditional games, or high-performance athletics, recipients of this award show that success is built through effort, character, and determination.

Through this bursary, Matawa Education proudly supports the next generation of leaders who rise through sport and carry those lessons into their future pathways.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled in an elementary school, high school, or post-secondary institute.
• Applicant must be a member of a Matawa First Nation and be able to show proof (i.e. Status Card).
• Based on financial need.

Apply Now