Arctic Institute of North America Jim Bourque Scholarship

A $1,000 award for Indigenous students across Canada entering education, environmental studies, Indigenous knowledge or telecommunications, accepting high school transcripts.

One award a year, administered by the Arctic Institute of North America at the University of Calgary but open to Indigenous students across Canada. It honours James W. Bourque, who was Cree and Métis, born at Wandering River in Alberta, and who founded the Fur Institute of Canada and was sworn into the Privy Council in 1992. Grade 12 students can apply: the application asks for your most recent transcript from college, university or high school, and accepts proof of application to a post-secondary institution rather than proof of enrolment. You need a cover letter, a 500-word description of your intended program, a recommendation from a community leader such as a band or town council, chamber of commerce or Métis local, a statement of financial need, and proof of Indigenous descent. Applications went in by July 8 in the 2026 cycle. The committee weighs financial need heavily.