Donor Spotlight: Dr. Donald and Heather Perrier Endowment

Pierre/Strande Treaty 4 Endowment in Social Work

This one-time $50,000 endowment was established by Dr. Donald and Heather Perrier in partnership with the First Nations University of Canada to support students pursuing post-secondary education and to encourage careers in Indigenous Social Work. Named in honour of Dr. Perrier’s grandparents, the Perrier/Strande Treaty 4 Bursary reflects a deep commitment to education and community legacy.

Dr. Donald Perrier’s distinguished academic career began with a BSc in Pharmacy and an MSc in Pharmaceutics from the University of Alberta, followed by a PhD in Pharmacokinetics from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1973. He held faculty positions at several leading institutions, including a tenured Associate Professorship and Department Head role at the University of Arizona. He later served as Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for twelve years and concluded his career as Chair of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Kentucky, retiring in 2007. Throughout his career, Dr. Perrier coauthored two editions of a foundational pharmacokinetics textbook, published approximately 100 scholarly articles, and was recognized with multiple prestigious awards.

This bursary stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to education, professional leadership, and support for Indigenous advancement in health and social services.

Eligibility of Students:

• Applicants must be of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit).
• Applicants must be full time students attending the First Nations University of Canada, equivalent of 9 credit hours.
• Applicants must be enrolled in Indigenous Social Work.
• Applicants must have completed at least 12 credit hours of Indigenous Social Work program.
• Applicants must have a PGPA of at least 75%

Application Package:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copy of Transcripts

Scholarship Applications through AwardSpring opened September 1, 2025.