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Disability Justice Fund

For Indigenous students with a disability at any Canadian post-secondary. Health programs preferred.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified September 1, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

Fran Odette

Administered by

What you will need

Proof of Indigenous affiliation
Documentation of disability or chronic illness
Proof of enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution
Documentation of demonstrated financial need

About this award

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact Fran Odette to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student living with a disability or chronic illness who has faced systemic barriers and discrimination while pursuing your 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 application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Fran Odette how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Fran Odette 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 Fran Odette whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student with a disability or chronic illness attending a post-secondary institution anywhere in Canada. You can have any Indigenous affiliation. To qualify, you must show demonstrated financial need for help with your education costs. While any program of study is eligible, you will have a better chance if you are studying in a health program (first preference) or an area related to social justice (secondary preference).

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

Studying health program or social justice

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

Financial Need

Avoid providing a vague statement about needing money.

Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your tuition gaps and living expenses.

List your specific monthly shortfall to prove your demonstrated financial need.

Support

Avoid using a generic character reference.

Instead, use referees who can specifically speak to the systemic barriers you have overcome due to your disability.

Ensure your referee describes your resilience in the face of discrimination.

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