$500,000 Scotiabank Travel Bursary to Support Indigenous Students at First Nations University of Canada

Regina, SK — August 28, 2025 – The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) announced a transformative three-year, $500,000 investment from ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s $500 million community investment initiative. The new Scotiabank Pathways to Success Travel Bursary was established to help remove financial barriers for Indigenous students who need to travel for academic, professional, cultural, or research opportunities.

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

Through this bursary, students are 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 appreciation for the gift:

“The partnership with Scotiabank and the Pathways to Success Travel Bursary enriched 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, and motivates 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.”

K.D. Singh, District Vice President, Saskatchewan South, Scotiabank, added:

“Supporting Indigenous youth by removing barriers to educational attainment was essential to helping them develop the skills they will need for their chosen careers and achieve their full potential. 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.”

FNUniv student Tyrone Perreault, co-writer of an international musical honouring Indigenous veterans, shared how travel opportunities had shaped his education. 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 Perrault. “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.”

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Media Contact:
Kristin Francis
Director of Communications
First Nations University of Canada
E: kfrancis@fnuniv.ca | P: 306-541-2494

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About First Nations University of Canada

Established in 1976, the First Nations University of Canada is the country’s only national First Nations-owned post-secondary institution. FNUniv is a unique place of learning that serves both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, delivering high-quality post-secondary education through the lens of Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions.
Learn more at www.fnuniv.ca.

About ScotiaRISE

ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank’s $500 million community investment initiative aimed at helping remove barriers and increasing access to a more resilient future for individuals, families, and communities across our footprint. Through strategic partnerships, ScotiaRISE invests in three focus areas: improving high school and post-secondary participation, removing career barriers, and supporting newcomer economic inclusion. ScotiaRISE also invests in programs that address reclamation of Indigenous language and culture, as well as urgent and basic needs such as access to food, water, and shelter. Since its launch in 2021, ScotiaRISE has invested over $150 million and partnered with more than 300 organizations worldwide to provide the tools people need to reach their full potential.

🔗 The full media release can also be found here:
https://www.fnuniv.ca/university-services/communications-community-engagement/marketing-and-communications/