The Indigenous Leadership & Community Impact Award aims to enhance the abilities and confidence of Indigenous students as current and future leaders, innovators, and community builders, in alignment with the principles of the Indigenous Academic Framework.

The award will provide $3,000 in four payments throughout the academic year ($500 at the start of each term and $1,000 each mid-term) to First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students who meet the requirements.

 

Application Period: 

May 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026 for students starting in September 2026.

Jump to Application Process

Eligibility

trades workshop at the CTFN, a person uses a circular saw

To be considered for this award, a student must be a full-time Level One (first year) student in Fall 2026 and meet one of the following application criteria for Indigenous identity:

  • First Nation Member with an Indian Status Card.
  • Non-Status First Nation member whose parent or grandparent has an Indian Status Card. Can supply long term birth certificates providing link to First Nation member with a status card.
  • Inuit Member with registration card with a recognized Inuit community and/or Nation.
  • Metis Member that can be certified as a member of the Metis Nation of Ontario. Consideration will also be given to those who can be certified as a member of the following: Metis Nation of Manitoba, Metis Nation of Saskatchewan or the Metis Nation of Alberta.
trades workshop at the CTFN, a person uses a circular saw
two students sit side-by-side in the Kalihwíy̲o̲ Circle

Application Process

If you’d like to be considered for this award, you must self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) on your OCAS application and/or on Fanshawe's form and then complete the following steps. You will also need to complete the application form linked below.

Complete the application process by these deadlines to be considered for this award:

  • Applications Open: May 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026 for students starting in September 2026. 
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Institute of Indigenous Learning staff look at computer together
Confirm Indigenous Identity

Confirm eligibility as an Indigenous student per the eligibility criteria with your IIL advisor. This IIL staff member will be assigned to work with the applicant throughout application and review process.

02
professor writes on whiteboard in Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Immersion program
Confirm Eligibility

Confirm Eligibility as a Full Time Level One student. This award is targeted for individuals who are entering level one of their first program. Priority A.

OR

Confirm Eligibility as a Full Time Level One student who has previously completed a certificate program and is enrolling in a diploma, advanced diploma or degree program. Priority B.

Note: Students are only eligible for a maximum of $3,000 lifetime from the Indigenous Leadership and Community Impact Award.

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student sits next to advisor looking at computer
Interview with a Transition Learning Advisor

Each applicant is also required to complete a one-on-one in-person or virtual interview with their IIL advisor.

Academic Progress Requirements

Participants must complete the following requirements to receive all award payments. Should students fail to meet the following requirements, they will no longer receive awards payments.

  1. Be a registered student on the 10th day of classes. Confirmed students will be issued their first award payment of $500 on the 10th day of classes.
  2. Attend all four virtual or in-person check-ins with your IIL Advisor. Students must pass all but one course in their first term and they must have a satisfactory rating in their courses at both mid-term check-ins. Since college life can be a major adjustment, individuals are allowed to have one unsatisfactory rating at midterms.
    • Check-in 1: September, week three or four of Level 1.
    • Check-in 2: November, first two weeks of the month (mid-term).
      • If students have a satisfactory rating in all but one of their courses, they will receive their second award payment of $1,000.
    • Check-in 3: January, week one or two of Level 2.
      • If students have passed all but one course in their first term, they will receive their third award payment of $500.
    • Check-in 4: March, first two weeks of the month.
      • If students have a satisfactory rating in all but one of their Level 2 courses, they will receive their third and final award payment of $1,000.
  3. If the student was not eligible for the 4th award payment but has completed Level 2 with no more that one F grade, they will be eligible to receive a payment of $1,000 following the completion of the term.
     

The Indigenous Leadership & Community Impact Award aims to enhance the abilities of Indigenous students and support their development  as current and future leaders, innovators, and community builders.

The award provides $3,000 (over four payments throughout the academic year) to First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students who meet the requirements.