The Butt Family Memorial Bursary for Indigenous Students

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Demonstrated financial need
• ✓ Enrollment in a post-secondary institution
• ✓ Residency in Northwestern Ontario or Saskatchewan (for preference)
• ✓ Enrollment in health sciences, business, social work, or economics (for preference)

About this award

You will receive a minimum of $2,000 per student, per year. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student from Northwestern Ontario or Saskatchewan who has a demonstrated financial need. You can apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1. When you apply, ask Indspire how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Indspire how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Indspire 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 Indspire whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation who is attending a post-secondary institution and has demonstrated financial need. You can be at any level of study. A preference is given to students from Northwestern Ontario or Saskatchewan. Additionally, a preference is given to students who have demonstrated an aptitude for leadership, or a desire to give back and serve the interests of the Indigenous community. Finally, a preference is given to students in health sciences, business, social work, or economics programs.

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 post-secondary students

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

• LeadershipAvoid just listing titles you have held. Instead, describe a specific time you served the interests of the Indigenous community. Write about the actual impact your actions had on others.
• SupportAvoid providing references who only know you casually. Instead, ask a teacher or community leader who can speak to your leadership aptitude. Ensure they can provide a concrete example of your work.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the preference categories if you fit them. Instead, explicitly highlight your connection to Northwestern Ontario or Saskatchewan and your field of study. Make it easy for the reviewer to see you match their priorities.
• RealismAvoid assuming the minimum amount is the only option. Instead, ask Indspire if higher amounts are available based on your specific financial need. Get a clear answer before you build your budget.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• IndspireJohn Bernard Kennedy Bursary
• IndspireElizabeth Freeland Compassion Fund
• IndspireFeiga Bresver Academic Fund
• IndspireThe Indspire Star Scholarship for Business/Engineering$5,000
• IndspireDoreen Bell Bursary
• IndspireIndspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships
• IndspirePractical Nursing Bursary
• IndspireHilary Pearson Award