CIBC NIEEF and NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
CIBC NIEEF Scholarship for 2021/22
-----
2022 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Recipients announced fall 2022...
Jessica Boucher Cowire
Métis in Winnipeg
Masters of Development Practice: Indigenous Development
University of Winnipeg
Read Jessica's story!
Daniel Nychuk
Manitoba Métis Federation
Masters of Development Practice: Indigenous Development
University of Winnipeg
Read Daniel's story!
Amber Balan
Métis in Winnipeg
Masters of Development Practice: Indigenous Development
University of Winnipeg
Read Amber's story!
Ethan Coe
Odanak - Abenaki First Nation in Quebéc
Business Accounting
Algoma University - Sault Ste. Marie
Read Ethan's story!
Nathan Breitenbach
Zagime Anishinabek First Nations in Saskatchewan
Shannon School of Business
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Read Nathan's story!
Wynnona Smith
Piikani Nation in Alberta
Indigenous Governance Business Management (IGBM)
University of Lethbridge
This Award generously supported by Plains Midstream
Read Wynnona's story!
CIBC NIEEF Scholarship for 2021/22
-----
Indigenous scholarship recipient recommends students apply for all opportunities
Joshua Peepeetch has some advice he’d like to pass on to fellow post-secondary students. Especially Indigenous ones.
When it comes to scholarship opportunities, Peepeetch, a member of Zagime Anishinabek First Nation in Saskatchewan, is recommending to apply whenever possible.
“I recommend every single student apply for them, especially if you’re low income,” said Peepeetch, a 26-year-old who is a third-year business administration student at the University of Regina.
Peepeetch heeded his own advice and applied for the Indigenous Scholarship Program. He ended up being one of eight recent scholarship recipients.
The Indigenous Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the CIBC and the National Indigenous Economic Education Fund, the charitable organization of Cando.
Read Joshua's full story!
-----
Aspiring executive director returns to college to further education
A desire to secure some more lucrative jobs led to Deanna Cunningham becoming a student again.
Cunningham, a 34-year-old Metis woman, had graduated from her high school studies in High Prairie, Alta., when she was 18.
She was able to find some steady employment over the years.
“I’ve done a lot of administrative work,” she said. “But I felt I was getting passed up for jobs because I didn’t have that diploma.”
In order to try and secure herself a better future and have an opportunity to land better positions, Cunningham opted to return to school.
Read Deanna's full story!
-----
Métis student returns to post-secondary studies following lengthy pause
A decade after beginning her post-secondary career, Brandi Delaine once again finds herself in school pursuing her university degree.
Delaine, who is Metis, had commenced business administration classes at the University of Winnipeg back in 2011.
But after one year of studies, Delaine did not have the financial needs necessary to continue with her program.
“I didn’t qualify for funding or student aid,” she said.
As a result, Delaine entered the workforce. Up until 2017 she was employed working with special needs adults.
But an incident in which she was run over by a truck that year forced her into a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Read Brandi's full story!
-----
Métis student a repeat recipient of the Indigenous Scholarship Program
Though he’s now in his second year of post-secondary studies, Quintin Helm has only really been experiencing the full university life for the first time during the 2021-22 academic year.
Helm, a 19-year-old member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, is a finance student at the University of Calgary.
But during his first year of university studies, Helm remained in his hometown of Okotoks, located about 50 kilometres south of Calgary.
That’s because Helm’s courses were only offered online, instead of in-person, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His second year of university life has been much more enjoyable now that he has moved to Calgary for his studies.
“Being in person has helped me have a social life,” Helm said.
Read Quintin's full story!
-----
Indigenous finance student garners scholarship for second consecutive year
For the second straight year Kineisha Eagle Bear received a significant financial boost to assist her while she pursues her university degree.
Eagle Bear, a member of Kainai Nation in Alberta, is in her final year of finance studies at the University of Lethbridge.
The 26-year-old single mother, who has a six-year-old daughter named Nova, had originally hoped that she would graduate from the university in December of 2021.
“Because of the pandemic, they didn’t offer as many classes,” she said of her school. “Some classes weren’t offered in the summer. So, the requirements I needed by December didn’t pan out.”
Eagle Bear is now hoping to complete all of her degree requirements on time this April. But another obstacle arose for her in February.
That’s because University of Lethbridge faculty went on strike on Feb. 10 since they have been without a collective agreement for almost 600 days.
Read Kineisha's full story!
-----
Métis man on verge of completing college course following significant career change
Now more than ever Wyatt Draycott is feeling content with a major life decision he made.
Draycott, who lives in Cold Lake, Alta., had spent 20 years working as an industrial surveyor. He was even in charge of his own company during the last five years in that field.
But Draycott, a 47-year-old member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, gave up his career in February of 2020 in order to return to school.
Draycott is now in the final months of being a student in the two-year Natural Resources Technology Program, offered at Portage College in Lac La Biche.
The school is about a 90-minute drive from his home. He’s spent a good chunk of his second year living in a dorm at the school and returning home on weekends.
“I’m comfortable with what I’m doing,” Draycott said. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge.”
Read Draycott's full story!
-----
Janine Gladue on verge of obtaining a major educational achievement
She’s almost there.
Janine Gladue, a 32-year-old member of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, is close to finishing off all the requirements necessary to earn her university degree.
Gladue is in her final year of studies of the four-year business management program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). She’s expected to graduate in May of this year.
“It’s a pretty big deal,” said Gladue, one of seven children that her mother had. “I’ll be the first one in my family to get a university degree.”
And for the second year in a row, Gladue is part of another prestigious group. She’s one of eight recipients of the Indigenous Scholarship Program.
The program is a joint initiative between the CIBC and the National Indigenous Economic Education Fund, which is Cando’s charitable organization.
The Indigenous Scholarship Program is a four-year venture, which was launched in 2019 and continues until 2022.
Read Janine's full story!
-----
Karen MacDonald proving it’s never too late to further one’s education
It’s never to late to fulfill one’s wishes.
Just ask Karen MacDonald.
Though she is 57, MacDonald was in recent months finishing up her requirements to obtain her Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Calgary.
MacDonald, a member of Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, believes it’s better late
than never to return to school in order to further one’s education.
And it’s not as if she didn’t want to do it before now.
“I missed the opportunity to do it earlier in my career,” MacDonald said. “A lot of people encouraged me but I had this self-doubt.”
MacDonald decided there was no point in waiting any longer and made the decision to return to school. And not just to help herself.
Read Karen's full story!
2021 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Recipients announced fall 2021...
Katherine Rempel
Métis in Winnipeg
Masters of Development Practice: Indigenous Development
University of Winnipeg
Read Katherine's story!
Delilah Mah
Keeseekoose First Nation in Saskatchewan
Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development
Cape Breton University
Read Delilah's story!
Kelly Fiddler
Waterhen Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan
Masters in Business Administration
Cape Breton University
Read Kelly's story!
Nathan Crow
Kainai Nation in Alberta
Indigenous Governance and Business Management
University of Lethbridge.
This Award generously supported by Plains Midstream
Read Nathan's story!
Chowace to become first family member to earn university degree
Janine Chowace is well on her way to a major accomplishment.
Chowace, a 31-year-old member of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, is more than halfway done the requirements necessary to earn her university degree.
Chowace is in her third year of studies of the four-year business management program at the
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).
“It’s a pretty big deal,” Chowace said. “I’ll be the first one in my family to get a university degree.”
What is also a big deal is the fact Chowace is one of eight recipients of this year’s Indigenous Scholarship Program.
Chowace had dropped out of high school while she was 16 and in Grade 10.
“That was a goal to go back and finish high school,” she said.
Read Janice's full story
-----
Duke has hopes of earning university degree after getting business administration diploma
Alexis Duke is facing numerous challenges.
But Duke, a 26-year-old member of Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan, continues to move forward with her education.
Duke is in her second and final year of the business administration program at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, located in Regina.
Besides being in the home stretch of earning her diploma, Duke also received some welcome news recently.
Read Alexis' full story
-----
MacDonald proving it’s never too late to further one’s education
By Sam Laskaris
Cando Contributor
Karen MacDonald is fulfilling a long-standing desire.
The 56-year-old is in her second and final year of studies working towards her Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Calgary.
MacDonald believes it’s better late than never to return to school in order to further one’s education.
“I missed the opportunity to do it earlier in my career,” said MacDonald, a member of Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. “A lot of people encouraged me but I had this self-doubt.”
Karen MacDonald is a member of Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan.
MacDonald, who is married and has two children of her own who are also attending the University of Calgary now, decided there was no point in waiting any longer and returned to school herself.
“The tuition is just sky high,” she said. “Every dollar helps.”
Read Karen's full story
-----
Indigenous student thrilled with scholarship but disappointed about online learning
Quintin Helm is having some mixed reactions about his first year of university life.
The 18-year-old, who lives in the Alberta town of Okotoks, is studying finance at the University of Calgary.
But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Helm, a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, is forced to take all of his classes virtually for now.
Quintin Helm is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta.
“You hear about how different and fun university can be and I’m just not experiencing that with online classes,” he said.
Though he is not getting the full experience of university life by studying remotely, Helm does like his post-secondary program.
“I am enjoying the classes that I am taking and I somewhat take joy from getting one year closer to starting the rest of my life,” he said.
Read Quintin's full story
-----
Scholarship enables Indigenous student to pay bills and save for her future
Perfect timing.
That would undoubtedly be the best way Kineisha Eagle Bear would describe the recent news that she won a $10,000 scholarship.
Eagle Bear, a member of Kainai Nation in Alberta, is in her final year of finance studies at the University of Lethbridge.
But things were not looking too rosy this past fall for Eagle Bear, a 25-year-old single mother, who has a five-year-old daughter named Nova.
She already had some bills which needed some attention. And her expenses increased as it was necessary to get some vehicle repair work done since she was involved in a car accident this past November.
Kineisha Eagle Bear is a member of Kainai Nation in Alberta.
Plus, her computer which she required for her school work, seemed to be on its last legs and needed to be replaced soon.
Eagle Bear’s fortunes then improved considerably in late November when she heard she was a recipient of the Indigenous Scholarship Program.
Read Keneisha's full story
-----
Scholarship was perfect timing for Indigenous student
For Remmy Dillon the fact she won a scholarship couldn’t have come at a better time.
Dillon, 21, is a second-year student in the environmental resources program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, located in Merritt, B.C.
Like the majority of other post-secondary students across the country, Dillon, a member of the Cayoose Creek First Nation in B.C., has been forced to take her classes online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dillon, however, was having her share of frustrations this past fall, primarily because she had an older computer.
Read Remmy's full story
-----
Former surveyor much happier with his return to school
Almost a year after taking the plunge and opting for a career change, Wyatt Draycott still finds his decision to be a nerve-wracking one.
Draycott, who lives in Cold Lake, Alta., had spent 20 years working as an industrial surveyor, including the last five years owning his own company.
But in February of 2020, Draycott, a 46-year-old member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, called it quits in order to go back to school.
He’s now a first-year student in the Natural Resources Technology Program at Portage College in Lac La Biche, located about a 90-minute drive from his home.
Though he was making a six-figure salary, Draycott was not happy with his previous career.
Read Wyatt's full story
-----
Scholarship allows Indigenous student to focus solely on his academics
Nikia Pratt had to perform quite the juggling act when he returned to school.
After a 16-year career managing various McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets in Regina, Pratt decided to become a student once again.
The 34-year-old is now in his second and final year of business administration studies at the Regina campus of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies.
Pratt, a member of George Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, is also thrilled that he was a recent scholarship recipient, part of the Indigenous Scholarship Program, delivered by Inspire.
Read Nikia's full story
CIBC NIEEF SCholarship for 2019/20
Metis student/athlete receives lucrative university scholarship
Elise McCormack still has some positive moments from her first year of university even though the ending was not ideal.
McCormack, who hails from Wyevale, a community in Tiny Township in central Ontario, attended Bishop’s University, located in Lennoxville, Que., during the 2019-20 academic year.
Elise McCormack is hoping to continue both her academic and hockey careers at Bishop's University this fall.
Besides taking Business Administration classes, the 18-year-old also suited up for the women’s varsity hockey squad, dubbed the Bishop’s Gaiters, in her freshman year.
Read Elise's full story
------
Matheson hoping for a return to classes this fall
Like countless others, Britney Matheson is hoping for a speedy return to normalcy.
Matheson, a member of Mathias Colomb First Nation in Manitoba, is enrolled in the Natural Resources Management and Technology program at the University College of the North.
Britney Matheson is hoping her hands-on course will continue to be offered during the pandemic.
Matheson is hoping she will be able to travel to her second-year classes this September at the school located in The Pas, Manitoba.
But because of the pandemic and COVID-19 concerns, many schools in North America had already announced in the spring that they would be offering online only courses this fall.
Read Britney's full story
------
Indigenous scholarship recipient returned to studies mere weeks after childbirth
Fredelle Deneyoua would have had a pretty good excuse had she decided to put her schooling on hold this past year.
Deneyoua, a member of Liidiii Kue First Nation in the Northwest Territories, gave birth to her second child, daughter Haley, this past August.
Fredelle Deneyoua returned to her studies mere weeks after giving birth this past August.
Less than a month later, however, Deneyoua was back in the classroom, for her second year of Business Administration studies at Aurora College, located in the Northwest Territories town of Fort Smith.
Read Fredelle's story
------
Scholarship winner hoping for eventual return to her First Nation
Loni Vicaire yearns for a return to her home community.
But for now, Vicaire, a member of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation in Quebec, is not only honing her work skills but also continuing her education in Nova Scotia.
Loni Vicaire is juggling job and family commitments while also working towards a Master's degree from Cape Breton University.
Vicaire, 34, has been working as a policy analyst for the Nova Scotia government in its Office of Aboriginal Affairs for almost four years now. Her work focusses on Treaty Education.
Since last summer, however, Vicaire has also been working towards her Master’s of Business Administration degree, which has a focus on community economic development, through Cape Breton University.
Read Loni's story
------
Scholarship winner aiming for accounting career
Katelyn Saultier is determined to achieve her goal of becoming an accountant.
Even if it means she has to take a chunk of her courses online.
Saultier, a member of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in Manitoba, is finishing off her two-year Business Administration program at the University College of the North.
Katelyn Saultier will be returning to the University College of the North this fall in her quest to earn a Business Administration degree.
The school is located in The Pas, Man., an eight-hour drive from Saultier’s community.
Read Katelyn's story
2020 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Tasha Brooks
Cowichan Tribes in British Columbia
Doctorate of Business Administration, Royal Roads University in Victoria
Read Tasha's story!
Michelle Francis Denny
Pictou Landing First Nation in Nova Scotia
Master's of Business Administration, Simon Fraser University.
Read Michelle's story!
Jana Sasakamoose
Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan
Business Administration, First Nations University of Canada
Read Jana's story!
Chase Soosay
Samson Cree Nation in Alberta
Commerce studies at Edmonton's MacEwan University.
Read Chase's story!
2019 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Kiera Kowalski
Métis, Manitoba
Masters in Indigenous Development program at the University of Winnipeg.
Read Kiera's story!
Patrick Twinn
Sawridge First Nation, Alberta
Master of Business Administration in Indigenous Business and Leadership, Simon Fraser University
Read Patrick's story!
Taylor Wilson
Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba
Master’s degree Development Practice program, University of Winnipeg.
Read Taylor's story!
2018 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Rosemarie Hill
Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, British Columbia
Business Administration, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Read Rosemarie's story!
Courtney Bear
Peguis First Nation, Manitoba
Master’s degree Development Practice program, University of Winnipeg
Read Courtney's story!
Taylor Wilson
Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba
Master’s degree Development Practice program, University of Winnipeg.
Read Taylor's story!
2017 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
2016 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Read Quinn's story
Read Natasha's story
2015 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
2014 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Rose Julian
Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton University, Masters of Business Administration, Faculty of Business
Ruby Littlechild
Ermineskin First Nation, Alberta
Cape Breton University, Masters of Business Administration, Faculty of Business
Laurie Mercer
Nisga’a Nation, British Columbia
University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Commerce
2013 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Crystal White, Enoch Cree Nation, AB
Business Management, Grant MacEwan University – Edmonton, AB
Vanessa Tait, O-pipon-na-piwin Cree Nation, MB
Masters in Development Practice – Indigenous Development, University of Winnipeg
Robyn Julia Mantla, Whati First Nation, NT
Bachelor of Management – First Nations Governance, University of Lethbridge
2012 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Angel Ward, Gesgapegiag First Nation & Metepenagiag First Nations, NB
Bachelor of Business Administration Program, Mikmaq Maliseet Institute, University of New Brunswick
Deborah Pine, Garden River First Nation, ON
Bachelor of Community Economic & Social Development Program, Algoma University
Randy Natomogan, Lac La Ronge First Nation, SK
Business Diploma: Economic Development Specialization, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
2011 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Sabrina Jordan, Batchewana First Nation, ON
Community Economic Social Development Program, Algoma University
Sydney Jordan Paul, Kingsclear First Nation, NB
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of New Brunswick
Crystal Smallface, Blood Tribe, AB
Finance / Human Resources & Labour Relations, University of Lethbridge
2010 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Leanne Joe, Douglas Lake, BC
Masters of Community Development Program, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria
Jennifer Perron, Whitefish River First Nation, ON
Bachelor of Business – Marketing & Human Resources, Algoma University
Shermayn Menicoche, Liidlii Kue First Nation, NT
Bachelor of Management, University of Lethbridge
2009 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Stephanie Behrens, Rae Edzo, NT
Bachelor in Environmental Science, University of Lethbridge
Shelby Lindley, Merritt, BC
Bachelor of Business Administration, Thompson Rivers University
Jessica Sanderson, Edmonton, AB
Bachelor of Applied Business Administration & Accounting, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
2008 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Paul Seaman, Regina, SK
Business Administration / Law, University of Victoria
Aaron Holway, Whitehorse, YT
Business Administration, University of Calgary
Merika Sam, Lytton, BC
Community Economic Development / Business Administration, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
2007 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Darlene Johnson, Samson Cree Nation of Hobbema, AB
Human Resources – Aboriginal Initiatives concentration, Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan
2006 NIEEF Scholarship Recipients
Janetta Soup, Blood Tribe, AB
Bachelor of Management Degree, University of Lethbridge
Robert Daniels, Saskatoon, SK
Management Studies Program, Saskatchewan Indian Institution of Technologies
