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Bill and Penny Eakin Indigenous Education Award

For an annual award supporting female First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in post-secondary studies.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified September 11, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

What you will need

Proof of female identity
Proof of First Nation or Métis status (for Ontario residents) or Inuit status (for all Canadians)
Proof of current enrollment at a post-secondary institution
Documentation of demonstrated financial need

About this award

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact Bill and Penny Eakin to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a female Indigenous student who has faced financial barriers while pursuing your post-secondary education. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the Indspire (the organization that manages Indigenous funding) portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Bill and Penny Eakin how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Bill and Penny Eakin during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Bill and Penny Eakin whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must identify as female and be a First Nation or Métis student from Ontario, or an Inuit student from anywhere in Canada. You must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution and show demonstrated financial need for help with your education costs. While any program of study is eligible, preference will be given to full or part-time students studying in Health and Health related programs, Dentistry, Education, Law, Law Enforcement, or Social Work.

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

Resident of Ontario
Studying Health and Health related programs, Dentistry, Education, Law, Law Enforcement or Social Work

How to apply

Read the award's own page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

More details

Program Choice

Avoid assuming you cannot apply if you aren't in a priority field.

Instead, highlight how your specific program—even if it isn't Health, Law, or Social Work—helps your community.

Clearly explain your career goals in your application.

Financial Proof

Avoid providing vague descriptions of your budget.

Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your tuition and living costs to prove your demonstrated financial need.

Attach a detailed budget sheet if the portal allows it.

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