Financial Aid & Awards at RRU

This section includes words that people may find offensive or inappropriate but that are currently used within the Canadian Indian Act. We use the vocabulary only when necessary because of the legal implications of the words, and we look forward to being able to update this language so that it's both legally accurate and also respectful toward Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Indigenous Services Canada is the federal sponsoring body that provides financial assistance to Status Indians enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.  However, the funding is administered through the Nation's local band office as they are responsible for determining the eligibility criteria and allocation of the funds for their community members.

A First Nations person may be a registered Status Indian, however, this does not mean that they automatically have band membership. Some bands determine their own membership so individuals may still have to apply and be approved for band membership before being eligible to receive band funding. If the person is on the band membership list, they can apply for educational funding through the Education Director in their Nation's community.  

Depending on funding availability, not all eligible band members who apply will receive funding as priorities may be given to returning students, high school graduates, and members who live on-reserve.  If approved, funding may cover tuition, living allowance, and other school and learning fees. For more information, please see Post-Secondary Student Support Program.

While band funding may be available, it may not meet a student's full need. Indigenous students carry a lot of responsibilities for their families and their communities, part out of need and part as an important cultural element in valuing and caring for extended family. Accordingly, even fully sponsored students should seek further assistance through the university and wider community's award and bursary programs.

Non-Status Indians are individuals who are First Nations but who aren't registered and may not have band affiliation at all. Therefore, Non-Status students will not have funding opportunities as registered First Nations students do.

Urban Indigenous students residing in BC who do not qualify to apply through their local band offices can connect with their local service delivery centres to inquire about educational funding.  For example, local residents in the greater Victoria area can connect with a Career Counsellor at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (Career Employment & Education Resources department) to be assessed for eligibility and start the application process months ahead of their intended start dates.

Métis students may be able to access some educational funding through the Metis Nation offices in their province or territory. Students in BC can apply through the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) Skills Training, Employment and Post Secondary (STEPS) program. The Métis local office can help these students determine what funding dollars are available through these programs.

Inuit students may also have funding opportunities through their local beneficiary community organizations.

All First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban/non-affiliated Indigenous people can contact their local Indigenous Service Delivery Organization to inquiry about funding opportunities available.

All Indigenous students can also research and apply for Indigenous specific scholarships and bursaries. Visit the Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool for help with connecting to funding organizations.