Cree Elder Christina Wilna ("Willy") Hodgson Memorial Award

What you will need

• ✓ Self-declaration of status, Non-status, Metis, or Inuit ancestry
• ✓ Information regarding residency in a Saskatchewan First Nations Community
• ✓ Submission via the Saskatchewan Polytechnic awards portal

About this award

You can receive $1,500.00. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. It is renewable for up to three (3) consecutive years. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student starting your advanced training in psychiatric nursing. You must apply by October 31, 2026. When you apply, ask Saskatchewan Polytechnic how and when you will hear back — whether it is through email, the portal, or a phone call. Selection is based entirely on financial need, which carries a 100% weighting. Only one award is available per academic year. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Saskatchewan Polytechnic how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Saskatchewan Polytechnic 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. To keep this award for up to three (3) consecutive years, you must remain enrolled full-time in the same program. You also need to meet all program completion requirements and maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 70% in the prior year of study.

Who qualifies

You must be enrolled full-time in Year 1 of the Psychiatric Nursing Advanced Diploma program at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina or Saskatoon campus. You must also be of self-declared status, Non-status, Metis, or Inuit ancestry. A preference will be given to you if you are from a Saskatchewan First Nation.

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

• ✓ Open to certificate students
• ✓ Studying Psychiatric Nursing Advanced Diploma

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a detailed breakdown of your monthly expenses and income. List every cost you face while studying in Regina or Saskatoon.
• SupportAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, ask a community leader or instructor who knows your connection to your First Nation or Indigenous community to write your letter. Ensure they mention your reliability and goals.
• RealismAvoid assuming this award is guaranteed because you meet the basic criteria. Since only one award is available per academic year, focus your energy on highlighting your specific financial gaps in the supplemental questions.

Questions students ask

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