Funding comes in many forms for post-secondary students. For Indigenous students, there may be an opportunity to access funding through your community.
The First Nations Access Coordinators try to keep an accurate and current list of deadlines and coordinator contact information. However, policies and staff do change. We highly recommend that as soon as you consider going to school to contact your Band or Village Government’s Education Office to share your academic intent and gain more insight into the application process.
If your community is not listed, please reach out to your local community office or connect with the First Nations Access Coordinators at your local CMTN campus.
*Cover Artwork for First Nations Council by Frances Campbell, Gitxsan Artist & Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art Alumnus
Table of Contents:
- Northwest Band and/or Village Government Deadlines
- Out of Northwest Region Communities
- Community Based Funding
- Other Funding Sources
- Appendix: Checklist of Most Often Requested Information
Northwest Band and/or Village Government Deadlines
Please review the following information to find your community. Information is sorted alphabetically by community name. Please contact the education coordinator directly for applications and process information. If you need a hand, please contact your local FNAC!
Anspayaxw (Kispiox Band) deadlines:
- May 31st for September start
- October 31st for January start
- March 1st for May start
Education Coordinator: Robert Fritzsche
- Phone: 250-842-6148 extension: 221
- Fax: 250-842-5799
- Email: rfritzsche@kispioxschool.ca
Canyon City: Please see Gitwinksihlkw Village Government
Dease lake: Please see Tahltan Central Government
Gingolx Village Government (Kincolith) deadlines for NPSEAP:
- June 15th for beginning September semester
- October 15th for beginning January semester
- March 15th for beginning May semester
Education Coordinator: Renee Clayton
- Phone: 250-326-4212
- Fax: 250-326-4208
- Email: Renee.Garner@gingolx.net
Gitanmaax (Hazelton) deadlines:
- March 31st for short-term funding
- May 31st for September start
Education Coordinator: Pansy Wright-Simms
- Phone: 250-842-5297, ext. 2006
- Fax: 250-842-6364
- Email: p.wright-simms@gitanmaax.com
- Administrative Assistant: Stephen Robinson (s.robinson@gitanmaax.com)
Gitanyow Independent School (Kitwancool) deadlines:
- Letter of intent requesting funding to access applications
- April 30th deadline for all starts
Administrative Assistant/Post-Secondary: Brandi Smith
- Toll-free: 1-800-207-3441
- Phone: 250-849-5384 Extension: 104
- Fax: 250-849-5870
- Email: b.smith@gitanyowschool.ca
Gitga’at First Nation (Hartley Bay) deadlines for PSEP applications:
- June 30 (on or before 5:00 pm) for an academic year beginning in September;
- September 30 (on or before 5:00pm) for an academic year beginning in the following January;
- January 31 (on or before 5:00pm) for an academic year beginning in May or for the spring/ summer semester.
Education Coordinator: Charlotte Anderson
- Phone: 250-624-5455
- Fax: 250-624-6059
- Email: charlotteanderson@gitgaat.ca
Gitlaxt'aamiks Village Government (New Aiyansh) deadlines:
- Write a letter requesting funding as soon as you decide to go to school.
- June 15th for beginning September semester
- October 15th for beginning January semester
- March 15th for beginning May semesters
Education Coordinator: Monica Morven
- Phone: 250-633-2215
- Toll-Free: 1-877-588-2388
- Fax: 250-633-2271
- Email: monica@peopleofthegrizzly.com
Gitsegukla deadlines:
- On or prior to April 30 for September/Fall & Winter Semesters
- On or prior to March 1 for May/Summer Semesters
Education Coordinator: Joe Sampare
- Phone: 250-849-8451
- Fax: 250-849-5276
- Email: jsampare@geschool.ca
Gitwangak Education Society (Kitwanga) deadlines:
- May 15th for September semester start
Education Coordinator: Cheryl Watts
- Phone: 250-849-5330, ext. 106
- Fax: 250-849-5607
- Toll-Free: 1-800-207-3441
- Email: cheryl.watts@gitwangakeducation.ca
Gitwinksihlkw Village Government (Canyon City) deadlines:
- Encourages you to contact the Education Department ASAP.
- June 15th for beginning September semester
- October 15th for beginning January semester
- March 15th for beginning May semester
Education Coordinator: Rochelle Moore
- Toll-Free: 1-866-633-0888
- Phone: 250-633-2294 extension: 230
- Fax: 250-633-2539
- Email: Rochelle.moore@gitwinksihlkw.ca
Gitxaala First Nations (Kitkatla) deadlines:
- May 25th for September semester start
- After May 25th, must be THREE months prior to start of program
Education Coordinator: Niroj Kandel
- Phone: 250-624-2422
- Toll free: 1-877-848-2214
- Fax: 250-848-2238
- Email: postsecondary@gitxaalanation.com
Glen Vowell: Please see Sik-e-dakh
Greenville: Please see Laxgalts'ap Village Government
Gwaii Trust Society deadlines:
- August 26th for all applications
- Applications accepted throughout the year and must be submitted no later than two weeks into the semester or course.
Education Coordinator: Pam Hill
- Phone: 250-559-8104
- Toll-Free: 1-800-663-2388 or 1-877-559-8883
- Email: pam.hill@gwaiitrust.com
Hagwilget Village Council deadlines:
- May 30th for September start
Education Department: Shannon Ridsdale
- Phone: 250-842-6258, ext. 204
- Fax: 250-842-6924
- Email: education@hagwilget.com
Haida Gwaii: Please see either Skidegate, Old Massett, and/or Gwaii Trust
Haisla First Nations (Kitimaat Village) deadlines:
- 3rd Friday of May for September start
- 3rd Friday of November for January start
Education Coordinator: Kim McKenzie [Interim]
- Phone: 250-632-6151 ext. 231
- Toll Free: 1-800-485-1272
- Fax: 250-632-6973
- Email: KMcKenzie@haisla.ca
Hartley Bay: Please see Gitga'at First Nation
Hazelton: Please see Gitanmaax or Hagwilget
Iskut Band deadlines:
- Apply 6 months to 1 year in advance of program start date
- April 30th for September semester start
- December 15th if funding is still available
Education Coordinator: Norma Louie
- Phone: 250-234-3331
- Fax: 250-234-2300
- Email: norma.louie@iskut.org
Kincolith: Please see Gingolx Village Government
Kitasoo Community School (Klemtu) deadlines:
- January 1st for letter asking for funding before an application will be sent
- May 1st deadline for application submission
Education Coordinator: Edna Mason
- Phone: 250-839-2300
- Fax: 250-839-2303
- Email: ejessiemason@pacificcoast.net
Kitkatla: Please see Gitxaala First Nation
Kitwancool: Please see Gitanyow Independent School
Kitwanga: Please see Gitwangak Education Society
Kispiox: Please see Anspayaxw
Kitimaat Village: Please see Haisla First Nation
Kitsumkalum deadlines:
- May 20th for September semester start
Education Coordinator: Marian Laval
- Phone: 250-635-6177 extension 104
- Fax: 250-635-4622
- Email: education@kitsumkalum.com
Kitselas deadlines:
- June 21st for all applications
Education Coordinators: Debbie Moore and/or Jericho Collison
- Phone: 250-635-5084 extension 231
- Toll-free: 1-877-77-2837
- Fax: 250-635-5335
- Email: education@kitselas.com
Klemtu: Please see Kitasoo
Kyah Wiget Education Society (Witset/Moricetown) deadlines:
- Call to access applications
- March 31st overall deadline
Education Coordinator: Priscilla Michell
- Phone: 250-847-2244 extension: 317
- Fax: 250-847-3813
- Email: Priscilla.michell@kyahwes.ca
Lax Kw'alaams (Port Simpson) deadlines:
- June 30th for September start
- October 30th for September start
- February 28th for Spring/Summer semesters
Education Coordinator: Christina Fodor
- Phone: (672) 647-0008
- Toll-Free: 1-877-725-3293
- Fax: 250-625-3246
- Email: ed_coordinator@laxband.com
Laxgalts'ap Village Government (Greenville) deadlines:
- June 15th for September semester start
- October 15th for January semester start
- March 15th for May semesters start
Education Coordinator: Phyllis Clark
- Direct: (250) 621-3212
- Fax: (250) 621-3320
- Toll-free: (877) 447-0077
- Email: phyllis.clark@laxgaltsap.ca
Metis Employment & Training - Northwest Region deadlines:
Please note, we will begin accepting applications for programs starting on or after April 1st, 2024 on February 1st, 2024
online application for all funding requests found here
Senior Program Manager Employment and Post Secondary (STEPS): Brianna Gibson
- Toll-Free: 1-877-638-4776
- Phone: 250-615-0035
- Fax: 250-615-0036
- #102 4650 Lazelle Ave Terrace, BC V8G 1S6
- Email: bgibson@mnbc.ca
- https://www.mnbc.ca/STEPS
Metlakatla deadlines:
- June 30th for all applications
Education coordinator: Nick Persaud
- Phone: 250-628-3234
- Fax: 250-628-9205
- Email: postsecondary@metlakatla.ca
Moricetown: Please see Kyah Wiget Education Society
New Aiyansh: Please see Gitlaxt'aamiks Village Government
Nisga'a Nation: Please see Gingolx, Gitlaxt'aamiks, Gitwinksihlkw, or Laxgalts'ap Village Government
Old Massett Village deadlines:
- May 15th for September semester start
Education Coordinator: Gwen Brown
- Toll free: 1-888-399-2299 or 1-877-626-5630
- Phone: 250-626-5110
- Fax: 250-626-5630
- Gwen: omvced@mhtv.ca
Port Simpson: Please see Lax Kw'alaams
Sik-e-dakh (Glen Vowell) deadlines:
- May 31st for September and January semester starts
- March 1st for Summer semesters
Education Coordinator: Johanna Sessford
- Phone: 250-842-5241 extension 205
- Toll-Free: 1-877-653-8833
- Fax: 250-842-5601
- Email: education@glenvowell.ca
Skidegate deadlines:
- May 15th for Fall Semester (September start)
- September 15th for Winter semester (January start)
- February 15th for Spring/Summer semesters
Education Coordinator: Marci Piercey
- Phone: 250-559-4496
- Fax:250-559-8247
- Email: education@skidegate.ca
Tahltan Central Government (Dease Lake) deadlines:
- Last business day of June of Current Year for Fall Semester (September - December)
- Last business day of November of Current Year for Spring Semester (January - April)
- Last business day of March of Current Year for Summer Semester (May - August)
Education & Training Director: Stacey Hanik
- Phone: 250-771-3274
- Fax: 250-771-3020
- Cell: 250-979-8566
- Email: educationdirector@tahltan.org
Tahltan Education Department (Telegraph Creek) deadlines:
- June 30th deadline for Fall Semester (Sept - Dec)
- November 30th deadline for Winter semester (Jan - Apr)
- March 31st deadline for Spring/Summer semesters (May-Aug)
Education Coordinator: Isabel Reid
- Phone: 250-235-3151
- Fax: 250-235-3244
- Email: Isabel.reid@tahltan.ca
Telegraph Creek: Please see Tahltan Education Department
Witset (Moricetown): Please see Kyah Wiget Education Society
Out of Northwest Region Communities
As we continue to work with a wide range of peoples from different communities, this section is only updated upon contact with those outside of the Northwest region. We look forward to working with any and all students!
Bridge River Band: Please see Xwisten
Cheslatta Carrier First Nations (Southbank) deadlines:
- June 1st for September semester start
- October 1st for January semester start
- March 1st for Summer semesters
Education Coordinator: L. Maertz
- Phone: 250-694-3334
- Fax: 250-694-3632
- Email: lmaertz@cheslatta.com
Lake Babine Nation deadlines:
- May 15th for all applications
Education Coordinator: Andrew Lolly
- Phone: 250-692-4700
- Toll free number: 1-888-692-3214
- Fax: 250-692-4740
- Email: andrew.lolly@lakebabine.com
Lower Nicola Indian Band deadlines:
- Last Friday of May for September start
- Last Friday of September for January start
- Last Friday of February for Summer/Spring Start
Education Coordinator: Gail la Rochelle
- Phone: 250-378-5157
- Direct: 236-575-2104
- Email: gail.larochelle@lnib.net
Nak'azdli (Fort St. James) deadlines:
- Before End of June for September start
- Before end of November for January start
Education Coordinator: Loretta Moise
- Phone: 250-996-7171
- Fax: 250-996-8010
- Email: edumanager@nakazdliwhuten.ca
Nazko First Nation (Quesnel) deadlines:
- March 31st for September start
Education Coordinator: Stephanie Deneault
- Phone: 250-992-9085 extension: 218
- Email: stephanie@nazkoband.ca
Nuxalk Nation/Nuxalk Acwsalcmalslayc Academy of Learning Society (Bella Coola) deadlines:
- May 20th for all applications
Education Coordinator: Theresa Brook
- Phone: 250-799-5211 extension 211
- Cell: 250-267-2699
- Fax: 250-799-5513
- Email: naalsreception@acwsalcta.ca
Pasqua First Nation deadlines:
- June 30th for September semester start
- November 15th for January semester start
Education Coordinator: Paula Dubois
- Phone: 306-332-5697 extension 248
- Fax: 306-332-5199
- Email: paula.dubois@pasquafn.ca
Stellat'en First Nation deadlines:
- May 15th for all applications
Education Coordinator: Angela Reynolds
- Phone: 250-699-8747
- Fax: 250-699-8747
- Email: education@stellatenfirstnation.ca
Tl'azt'en Nation (Fort St. James) deadlines:
- May 1st for September semester start
- September 1st for January semester start
- April 1st for Summer Sessions (Continuing students only)
Education Coordinator: Georgina Alexis
- Phone: 250-648-3227/250-648-3212
- Fax: 250-648-3288
- Email: georgina.alexis@tlazten.bc.ca
Williams Lake Band deadlines:
- June 1st (on or before) - for September to April Sponsorship of every year (if a student is planning to take Spring and Summer semester courses, they can include this in the June 1 deadline application to avoid repeating an application later in the year)
- October 1st (on or before) - for January to April sponsorship
- March 1st (on or before) - for May to August sponsorship
Senior Manager, Education: Norma Sure
- Toll Free: 1-877-856-3507
- Phone: (250) 296-3507
- Fax: (250) 296-4750
- Email: norma.sure@wlfn.ca
Xwisten (Bridge River Band) deadlines:
- March 31st - or before - for letter of intent
- May 31st - or before - for complete applications
Education Coordinator: Valerie Adrian
- Phone: 250-256-7423 ext.224
- Fax: 250-256-7999
- Email: education@xwisten.ca
More Band Contact Information
- A guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services in British Columbia: The guide gets updated annually by the provincial government:
- A map of BC that shows First Nations by region
Community Based Funding
If you are interested in these funding options, please contact the band and/or coordinator for policies, applications, and due dates.
Gitanyow Training: The Gitanyow Community Coordinator provides employment and training services for Gitanyow Wilp members, as well as Gitanyow community members.
- Contact: Arvida Wilson
- Phone: 250-849-5372
- Cell: 250-975-0874
- Email: arvida.marsden@gitanyowchiefs.com
Gitxsan Development Corporation: In order to determine interest and dedication, interviews will be held with those that submit their resume by the deadline. Your enrolment package is complete only after we have received: enrolment form completed, copy of status card, cover letter, and resume.
- Phone: 778-641-4725
- Email: info@gitxsanbusiness.com
- Online Application
Lax Kw'alaams Band Education Support Services: Program provides: Long and short-term funding support for post-secondary students; Funding for educational programs in the community (e.g. reading program for pre-school to Grade 10 students); Apply at least 10 days prior to short term courses.
- Education Coordinator: Christina Fodor
- Contact information found above under Lax Kw'alaams
PGNAETA Off-Reserve Funding for Geographical Area: The First Nations geographical region covered by PGNAETA is described as: North to Fort Ware (Kwadacha); East to Valemount Mcbride (BC/Alberta border); West to Fort Babine (Smithers); and South to Hixon, BC.
- Contact: Cheryl LaRocque
- Phone: 250-561-1199
- Toll-Free: 1-800-510-0515
- Email: cheryll@pgnaeta.bc.ca
Nisga'a Employment Skills & Training (N.E.S.T.): We will guide you as you develop your employment plan. We’ll provide you with the one-on-one support that you may need as you prepare for employment. We will support you whether you are seeking your first job, or wanting to improve your skill set at your current job, or are at any point between.
- Contact: Per Region (Follow this LINK)
- Email: info@nisgaaworks.ca
Skilled Trades Employment Program (S.T.E.P.): Cannot be attached to EI, no EI in the last 3 years, or maternity/paternity in the last 5 years, can fund trades and certificate courses that lead to employment.
- Contact: Steven Bernard or Bethany Oakley
- Phone: 250-635-1100
- Toll-Free: 1-833-567-STEP
- Email: steven@bccassn.com or bethany@bccassn.com
Student Financial Assistance: Assist members who are from the Northwest Territories with Post-Secondary Funding
- Contact: Education, Culture, and Employment Income Security Program Division
- Toll-Free: 1-800-661-0793
- Email: nwtsfa@gov.nt.ca
Tribal Resources Investment Corporation (TRICORP): is a First Nations owned lending institution with the goal of supporting and financing local entrepreneurs and small business; economic development initiatives, and skills building for First Nations in Northwestern British Columbia.
- Contact: Dependent on Region (Follow this LINK)
- Tel: 250-624-3535
- Toll Free: 1-800-665-3201
- Fax: 250-624-3883
- Email: tricorp@citywest.ca
Other Funding Sources
For any other funding sources such as: CMTN Financial Aid, Bursaries Search Tools, Provincial Grants, and more. List amended as further sources are located. If you know if any funding sources that would be beneficial to Indigenous students, please share with us at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Aboriginal Learning Links: These resources will help you to understand funding options that are available for Indigenous students in post-secondary education.
Adult Upgrading Grant: AUG is based on financial eligibility and helps with Career and College Preparation (CCP) otherwise known as high school upgrading. Applications available in digital form or paper form at CMTN’s registration desks. Completed application must be handed in to the Education Advisor or Financial Aid Officer.
If eligible, AUG will:
- Pay for Fees (I.E. Student’s Union, Technology Fees, Etc.)
- Allow permission to borrow textbooks from CMTN library instead of purchasing
- Provide a small supplies budget per school year
- Provide a transportation allowance for a bus pass
- Provide a daycare subsidy, if provided appropriate documentation
- Help with equipment needs and/or printing costs
Disability Awards: Your portal to awards and scholarships for students with disabilities. Register to search through an extensive database of scholarships, bursaries and grants. Create a profile and perform tailored searches, save awards, and receive notifications of new awards.
CMTN Financial Aid: Check out CMTN’s Financial Aid page for: Upcoming Bursaries, Awards, and Scholarships; External Bursaries, Awards, and Scholarships; Info on Emergency Funding; Canada Student Loans, and more!
Connect with the Financial Aid Officer if need more information:
- Financial Aid Officer: Allison Conway
- Phone: 250-635-6511 x 5204
- Email: FinancialAid@coastmountaincollege.ca
Employment Insurance (EI) Career Resource Centre (CRC) in Prince Rupert, make an appointment with an employment counselor at the CRC to find out more information.
- Career Counselor, Richard Avis: 250-624-5845
- Transitions: 250-615-3231
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool: A searchable list of 688 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada.
International Scholarships: Choose Canada as your study or research destination and explore the scholarship opportunities available to support the best and brightest to come to Canada. Explore our database by country of origin to find scholarships, fellowships or funding opportunities made available by Global Affairs Canada and other Canadian federal government departments.
SAJE Housing Supports: Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) will be offering a $600-month rental supplement that eligible youth from care ages 19-27 can apply to access for up to 2 years to rent in the private rental market (which includes college dorms). The MCFD Rental Supplement application period will open in fall of 2023. For more details, and to view the application form, please visit the link attached.
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program: The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program waives tuition and eligible fees for B.C students who are current or former youth in care studying full- or part-time at the undergraduate level at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, the Native Education College, or one of the approved union-based trades training providers. There is no age limit for applicants.
- NEW Learning for Future Grant of $3,500 for TWP approved students. This grant is available annually and can be used by students to pay for education costs such as textbooks, computers, supplies, and more. To apply for the Learning for Future Grant, students who have already been approved for the TWP will only be required to sign the Learning for Future Grant - Declaration Form.
- Please reach out to Allison Conway, Financial Aid Coordinator (FinancialAid@coastmountaincollege.ca), for assistance in applying to this program.
PTP ASEP Training Society: Pacific Trails Pipeline Aboriginal Employment Partnership with approved bands: Approved Band List:
Haisla First Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Lax Kw’alaams Band, Lhedli T’enneh Band, Mcleod Lake Indian Band, Metlakatla First Nation, Nadleh Whut’ten First Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Saik’uz First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, Stellat’en First Nation, Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation, Wet’suwet’en First Nation
- Phone: 250-561-1115
- Toll Free: 1-855-497-1115
- Fax: 250-561-1183
- Email: reception@ptpasep.ca
Scholarships Canada: The website lists all relevant scholarships and bursaries free of charge. We endeavour to update each listing on an annual basis. Students are matched to scholarships and bursaries when they create an account.
YCONIC: Offering free scholarship matching & peer-to-peer support for your life as a student.
Youth Education Assistance Fund: For youth who were in the care of the director (foster child) at the time of their 19th birthday. Must be between 19 -23 and taking post-secondary level courses at a designated post-secondary institution. That leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree.
For more information on this fund, you can connect with Student Aid BC @ 1-800-561-1818
Appendix: Checklist of Most Often Requested Information
This section is for those applying for band and/or village government funding. Most applications will ask you for the application along with supporting documents. Here is a checklist that includes commonly asked for information.
- Completed, signed and dated application including: Release of information, Direct deposit (if applicable), etc.
- Check the date on their application; some need the correct year on the application. Remember the academic school year starts in September and ends in April. Some programs end in June – Make sure to check if your band sponsors the spring/summer intersession and if you have to complete another application for those months (May – August)
- Letter of acceptance for the school you are applying to. (Do you know the school’s application due dates?)
- Copy of your most recent transcript (High school report card; transcript from another school, etc.)
- Program details including length of program, tuition, books and supplies list/budget, and education plan (when you plan to take what courses and why)
- Photocopies of Birth Certificates of dependents; Copies of Status Card or Citizenship Card (if applicable)
- Personal letter outlining who you are, how you belong to the band, and your education and career goals.
- Verification of income (pay stub or income tax return, depends what [or if] your band requests)
*This is not a comprehensive list; please refer to your band and/or village government's policies and application for details. *
Please remember that your funding agreement is a contract. Read what your band and/or village government needs from you (obligations and responsibilities) and what their policies are (especially your rights as a student). Some will bill you if you do not live up to your obligations!
If you need any assistance to explore these options, filling out applications, or liaising with your funder, please reach out to the First Nations Access Coordinators at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca. We are here to help!