Guelph University offers grants of up to $10K to First Nations from surrounding treaty lands

First Nations students from the 11 nations whose treaty lands and territories include the University of Guelph will now be eligible for up to $10,000 a year in university-funded grants. University leaders say the award is part of a broader commitment to decolonizing education, and is meant to respond directly to Call to Action 11 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “One of the tenets of our commitment to decolonization and reconciliation is supporting equitable access to education,” says Rene Van Acker, interim president and vice-chancellor. “We know that the work that needs to be done will span generations, and this award is an important part of our efforts” The new grant called Local First Nations Award will apply to full and part-time students in undergraduate, college diploma and graduate programs at the University of Guelph, Guelph-Humber, or Ridgetown campuses.  There’s no cap on the number of recipients—students can apply once and carry the award across multiple years. Students from these Nations will be eligible: Aamjiwnaang, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island), Caldwell, Chippewas of the Thames, Eelūnaapéewii Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation at Moraviantown), Kettle and Stony Point, Mississaugas of the Credit, Munsee-Delaware, Nation Huronne-Wendat/Huron-Wendat, Oneida of the Thames, and Six Nations of the Grand River. Read more: Read the 94 Calls to Action here “Post-secondary education is not only a tool for personal growth, it is essential to the future of our Nations,” said Chief Nikki van Oirschot of Caldwell First Nation.  “We are encouraged to see the University of Guelph take a meaningful step forward in addressing the barriers that have long prevented First Nations students from accessing higher education. Applications for fall 2025 are open now and due by August 1. Students who qualify should contact the university’s Student Financial Services. Continue Reading