Indigenous Student Awards (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 Financial Assistance Profile 
2. Upload your Application Letter into your Financial Assistance Profile
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 

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.

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