FIRST NATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CANADA
$500,000 Scotiabank Travel Bursary to Support Indigenous Students at First Nations University of Canada

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is proud to announce a transformative three-year, $500,000 investment from ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank's $500 million community investment initiative. The new Scotiabank Pathways to Success Travel Bursary will help remove financial barriers for Indigenous students who need to travel for academic, professional, cultural, or research opportunities.

Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of the First Nations University of Canada, join K.D. Singh, District Vice President, Saskatchewan South, Scotiabank, and Alim Alibhai, Regional Director & Group Lead, Scotiabank, for the cheque presentation of the $500,000 Scotiabank Pathways to Success Travel Bursary.

For many Indigenous students, especially those navigating systemic financial challenges, travel costs can be a major obstacle. These expenses often prevent students from participating in opportunities that could shape their careers, deepen cultural connections, or advance their studies.

Through this bursary, students will be able to apply for support in the following areas:

• Academic Travel - attending courses or semesters not offered locally.
• Professional and Networking Trips - accessing internships or industry events.
• Cultural and Community Engagement - participating in land-based learning and cultural exchanges.
• Research and Advocacy - presenting Indigenous knowledge at conferences.

FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann expressed her deep appreciation for the gift, stating: "The partnership with Scotiabank and the Pathways to Success Travel Bursary will enrich First Nations University of Canada students' learning experiences by providing opportunities for provincial, national, and international travel. Experiencing the world beyond our campuses deepens learning, inspires lifelong networks and friendships, promotes personal and professional development, motivates and sharpens resolve for program completion. We are truly grateful for this gift, and I look forward to seeing it positively impact the lives of FNUNiv students. Gitchi-miigwetch."

"Supporting Indigenous youth by removing barriers to educational attainment is essential to helping them develop the skills they will need for their chosen careers and achieving their full potential," said K.D. Singh, District Vice President, Saskatchewan South, Scotiabank. "We are proud to offer the Scotiabank Pathways to Success Travel Bursary to help ensure FNUniv students can fully participate in experiences that strengthen both their academic and personal growth."

Tyrone Perrault, FNUniv student and recent co-writer of an international musical honouring Indigenous veterans, knows first-hand the impact of travel opportunities. Earlier this year, he represented FNUniv in Seoul, South Korea, collaborating with students from Canada and Korea on R;LINK, a production commemorating cultural ties and Indigenous contributions during the Korean War. "Opportunities like this make all the difference," said Perreault. "For many of us, the challenge isn't a lack of ambition it's the cost of getting there. With support from this bursary, we can step into new spaces, represent our communities, and grow in ways that will shape the rest of our lives."

Eligibility: Current FNUniv students in good academic standing who are accepted to participate in an approved academic, cultural, or leadership travel program can apply for a bursary. More details, including application deadlines, will be available on FNUniv's website at a later date.