Indigenous Student Awards (FNMI)

Apply every winter semester for Indigenous Student Awards (FNMI) through Mohawk College’s Scholarships and Bursaries Application! 

The Winter 2023 Scholarships and Bursaries Application application is now open from December 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023

Apply for scholarships and bursaries

General Information Eligibility:

Registered Mohawk College student who self-identifies as a First Nations, Inuit, Métis (FNMI), status or non-status person is eligible to apply for an Indigenous Student Award (FNMI) - students can self-identify online through the Indigenous Self Identification Form available on MyMohawk. 

To access the self-id form:

  1. Log into MyMohawk
  2. Click on the Registration page
  3. Scroll down to the Indigenous Students section to click on the link  

If you were in receipt of a PSET bursary awarded by Mohawk College in the Fall or Winter semesters of the academic year, you are not eligible to receive an award from IESS. Students are only considered for a PSET bursary if they have submitted a Scholarships and Bursaries Application.

Visit the Financial Assistance Website for details on the application and deadlines for submissions including the profile and letters required. 

If you have any questions about awards for Indigenous students, please contact iess [at] mohawkcollege.ca (iess[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

To apply for an Indigenous Student Award (FNMI):

To complete your application and be considered for an Indigenous Student Award, the following three items are required to be submitted by each applicant:

  1. Complete your Scholarships and Bursaries Application 
  2. Upload your Application Letter into your Scholarships and Bursaries Application
  3. Be ready to submit at least one Reference Letter when requested by email

Please note: 

By applying for an Indigenous Student Awards (FNMI), you are accepting the following conditions:
Your name, student number and relevant contact information will be shared to cross-reference bursary recipients to ensure that no one person is in receipt of more than one bursary/award. In addition, some of the content you include in your Application Letter and Reference Letters may be shared during the evening of the Awards Dinner to inspire students and the community with your story.

All awards communication will be done via your Mohawk College email – it is the student’s responsibility to check their Mohawk email for updates. 

Incomplete applications OR applications/items submitted after the deadline will NOT be accepted or considered for an award. 

Application Letter & Reference Letter Guidelines

Application Letter 

  1. Who you are, where you’re from, why you are a Mohawk College student.
  2. Your dedication to your future career and Indigenous community.
  3. Describe and give examples of your volunteer experience.
  4. Describe and give examples of your community involvement.
  5. Describe any extracurricular activities, additional interests & passions.
  6. Conclusion – Why do you deserve an award? 

Reference Letter(s) 

Be prepared to submit at least one letter, when requested by email during award reviews, to be considered - the letter should outline and reflect your involvement in the community.

Reference Letters can be from Volunteer Work, Paid Work, or your Faculty. Please include contact information for your references so we may verify information with them. 

Be sure to monitor your Mohawk email for this request.  Failure to respond and submit references letters by the deadline will result in your application being removed from Indigenous award reviews.

Indigenous Student Awards (FNMI) List 

Please note: With COVID-19 we understand there has been limited interaction among peers and staff. We may include additional Perseverance and Vision Like a Hawk Awards and eliminate the Keepers of the Fire and School Spirit Awards for this year if students have been unable to do this virtually.

1. Academic Proficiency Award
Highest grade average.

2. Inspiring Youth Award
Demonstrates academic success and excellent personal conduct, an inspiring role model for our Indigenous youth.

3. School Spirit Award
Demonstrates positive interactions and regular participation in IESS events and engages in Mohawk College activities beyond academic studies.

4. Sara Smith Award
Demonstrates strong overall success in academic, personal and community involvement.

5. Community Involvement Award
Demonstrates active participation within the Indigenous community to promote and inspire our people.

6. Amber Skye Memorial Award
A student enrolled in Practical Nursing who has demonstrated academic and personal success.

7. “Keepers of the Four Directions” Awards (4 in total – one student per award)
Demonstrates academic success and personal growth in one of the four directions of the Medicine Wheel.

8. “Vision Like a Hawk” Award
Demonstrates a clear vision of the direction they are taking beyond their current academic studies. Has a strong sense of self-awareness and demonstrates through all aspects of their life that they will have continued success.

9. Perseverance Award
Student who has demonstrated commitment, pride and a positive attitude in pursuit of their post-secondary education despite obstacles.

10. “Keeper of the Fire” Award (2 awards in total – one student per award)
Helps to maintain respect and understanding amongst their peers and staff. Keeps the fire going through leadership and guidance.

14 Indigenous Student Awards (FNMI) in total

Hamilton Spectator Feature

Congratulations to the 2023 Indigenous Student Award Recipients!

Congratulations to the 2022 Indigenous Student Award Recipients!

Indigenous Student Awards Recipients Spectator Ad 2022

Congratulations to the 2021 Indigenous Student Award Recipients! 

""Indigenous Student Awards Recipients Spectator Ad 2021