Local First Nations Scholarship Program

Deadline to Apply: September 30th, 11:59 p.m. (EST)

The Local First Nations Scholarship Program at Western University is designed for local First Nations students enrolled at the main campus, whether at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional levels, and on either a full-time or part-time basis. This scholarship recognizes students for their outstanding academic performance and meaningful contributions to First Nations communities.

To apply, applicants must submit the following:

  • An essay of up to 2,000 words.
  • A reference letter (teacher, faculty member or community representative)
  • Must complete the Student Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership online https://studentservices.uwo.ca/indigenous/student/
  • Most recent transcripts for review.
  • Only completed application packages will be reviewed. Please ensure that all required documents have been submitted.
Western University provides a range of financial aid options specifically for Indigenous students, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. However, this scholarship program is designed specifically for local First Nations students who are affiliated with the London District Chiefs Council (LDCC) and whose nations have deep historical ties to the land on which Western University is situated.

These communities include the following: 

  • Aamjiwnaang First Nation 
  • Caldwell First Nation 
  • Chippewas of the Thames First Nation 
  • Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation 
  • Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit Delaware Nation
  • Munsee Delaware First Nation 
  • Oneida Nation of the Thames
  • Bkejwanong Territory

Value:

The scholarship awards are determined based on the student’s program and course load:

  • Full-time undergraduate, graduate, and professional program students will receive $3000 per course, up to a maximum of $15,000 in an academic year.
  • Part-time undergraduate and graduate program students will receive $3000 per course, up to a maximum of $9000 in an academic year.
Previous recipients and funded students are encouraged to reapply.

Application Requirements and Information:

  • All applicants must be from a local First Nation community associated with the London District Chiefs Council (LDCC).
  • All applicants must submit a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. This includes: (1) two documents demonstrating proof of citizenship or membership to the Indigenous Nation claiming you, and (2) a statement of relational positionality. For guidance on submission requirements, please refer to the list of approved modes of affirmation. The declaration can be submitted here https://studentservices.uwo.ca/indigenous/student/
  • All applicants must be registered on Western's main campus as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional program at the time of application.
  • All applicants must complete an application form and submit a 2000-word limit essay that explains (a) who they are, (b) why they are worthy recipients of this scholarship, and (c) how they will use their education to contribute to First Nations communities. For students reapplying, please do not submit the same essay from previous applications.
  • If the applicant has any special considerations that need to be considered in their application, they should include a statement of up to 250 words along with their essay.
  • All applicants must provide unofficial transcripts, which can be uploaded from the applicant's Student Centre. The student's current academic records with Western will be considered by the review committee, including any other transcripts used in the admission process, depending on their year of study. If additional information is required, the review committee will contact the applicant directly.
  • All applicants must provide a name and email address for one reference, either an educational contact (e.g., teacher, faculty member) or a community representative (Elder, mentor, cultural teacher).
  • Eligibility for OSAP will be impacted because this scholarship program is reported in Western’s system, as per OSAP policy.

How to apply:

To apply for the Local First Nations Scholarship Program, please upload and complete the application and reference forms below.

Submit the completed forms, your essay, a letter of reference, and copies of your transcripts by September 30th at 11:59 p.m. (EST) to the Indigenous Financial Aid Coordinator, Donna Noah (dnoah@uwo.ca)

Application fORM

rEFERENCE FORM