How FAAY will use proceeds from Equity Through Education
 Background
 FAAY Programs
 FAAY Results
 About Program Recipients – 2007 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients
 About Program Recipients – 2006 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients

How FAAY will use proceeds from Equity Through Education

Funds contributed by Equity Through Education™ are applied to post-secondary scholarships for Aboriginal students, and to enhance FAAY’s endowment fund.

Background

• Federal funding for Aboriginal education programs declined for over a decade, although recent years have seen modest increases.
• Funding is only available for First Nations students who live on reserves - approximately 70% of Aboriginal Canadians do not qualify for government “Indian” funding programs.
• FAAY funding is available to all Aboriginal - First Nations, on- and off-reserve, Status and non-Status, Métis and Inuit - full-time students attending any accredited Canadian institution.
• Children aged 14 and under represented one-third of the Aboriginal population in 2001, far higher than the corresponding share of 19% in the non-Aboriginal population.
• Although the Aboriginal population accounted for only 3.3% of Canada's total population, Aboriginal children represented 5.6% of all children in Canada.

FAAY Programs

• Bursary programs for high school students to help them stay in school. Bursaries are $750 each, and are generally used to purchase computer equipment to enable students with their studies.
• University/college scholarships start from $2,500 each annually, and are granted to both undergraduate and graduate students.
• BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education scholarships are $4,000 each annually. To date, 104 Equity Through Education scholarships have been granted to FAAY students.

FAAY Results

• In 2007 FAAY disbursed $344,500 to 145 recipients across the country.
• FAAY has distributed $1.5 million to over 1,000 aboriginal students since the program began in 1994.
• This is the only program that funds both high school and post-secondary students.

About Program Recipients – 2007 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients

Following are profiles of several of the thirty-eight 2007 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients.

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn is a 26 year old status Tsimshian from the Kitsumkalum First Nation in Terrace, B.C. who is in the first year of a master’s program in economics at Concordia University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and anthropology. A talented entrepreneur, she is also an accomplished seamstress and wood carver. One of her professors calls her hard-working and very intelligent. Her sponsor says her membership in Concordia’s Garnet Key society helped maintain the school’s reputation for academic excellence and social responsibility. After graduation, Carolyn plans to follow in the footsteps of her inspiration, Dr. Mohammed Yunus, and carry out economic research to adapt and develop a realistic and culture-specific program.

Madora Day

Madora is an 18 year old status Cree from the Keewaywin First Nation in Ontario who is in the first year of a business administration program at Lakehead University. Madora recently experienced a personal family loss and a health crisis for herself and her mother. With the help of her family and friends and her own perseverance she was able to maintain her honour roll standing. One of her teachers describes her as bright, thoughtful, creative, conscientious, resourceful, and reliable. Her sponsors say her skill and ability would be an asset in any environment. Madora’s personal experience with diabetes has inspired her plans to work with the Canadian Diabetes Association in educating Aboriginal people on the disease.

Amanda Issac

Amanda is a 25 year old status Mi’kmaq from the Listuguj First Nation in Québec who is in the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing (post-RN) program at the University of Ottawa. She is a graduate of the Dawson College nursing program. Her decision to pursue a nursing career was made after working at a summer camp for the handicapped. The joy she felt in helping the campers made her realize her purpose in life. One of her teachers lauds her critical thinking skills and openness to improvement. Her sponsor praises her incredible energy and positive attitude. Once she completes her work experience, Amanda plans to complete a master’s degree with a nurse practitioner option.

Janice Makokis

Janice is a 28 year old status Cree from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law at the University of Ottawa while simultaneously completing an MA in indigenous governance at the University of Victoria. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta. Janice was inspired to pursue law after discovering how important the oil and gas industry will be to Saddle Lake’s prosperity. One of her professors speaks of her leadership and research strengths and her excellent writing abilities. Her sponsor tells of her personal and intellectual growth during her post-secondary education experience. Janice plans to practice Aboriginal, environmental, and oil and gas law.

Colin Sproat

Colin is a 21 year old Métis who is a member of the Eastern Woodlands Nation of Nova Scotia. He is in the fourth year of an actuarial science program at the University of Alberta. University life has taught him the benefit of being a “balanced man,” paying attention to all areas of life rather than focusing relentlessly on one aspect such as career. One of his instructors says he thirsts for knowledge and strives for excellence. His sponsor says Colin is fair, caring and respectful of others. Colin plans to continue his studies to achieve the Chartered Entrepreneurial Risk Analyst designation and construct models for financial instruments.

Jada Yee

Jada is 28 year old status Lakota Sioux from the Wood Mountain First Nation in Saskatchewan who is in the third year of a business administration program at the First Nations University of Canada. A happily married father of two, he has combined full time employment with the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation with full time study at university. One of his professors calls him an outstanding student with a passion for learning and a drive to help younger students. His sponsor says he is a man with high integrity and honesty and is a loyal and dedicated manager. After he graduates Jada plans to remain in the gaming industry and one day start a business of his own.

Following are profiles of several of the thirty-two 2006 Equity Through Education Scholarship Recipients.

Brock Campbell

Brock is a 25-year-old Métis from Winnipeg who is in the second year of a civil engineering program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He and his wife have two children. A talented football player in high school, he has volunteered as a tutor for other Aboriginal students since entering university. One of his professors says he is genuinely motivated to become an engineer and is doing very well academically. His sponsor says Brock has shown incredible determination in successfully returning to university after going to work after high school. Brock’s goal is to build a good life for his family by making a career as a consulting engineer.

Jenny Kay Dupuis

Jenny is a 28-year-old Métis from North Bay, Ontario who is in the final year of a master’s of education in special education at Brandon University in Manitoba. She is also completing two certificate programs in learning strategies and assistive technologies. Jenny holds a BA and a BEd and taught high school for several years. Throughout her university career Jenny worked full-time to help pay for her education. One of her professors says she is able to engage and encourage students of diverse abilities. Her sponsor speaks of her demonstrated positive leadership skills and self-determination. After graduation, Jenny plans to work in the area of special education at the post-secondary level.

Kristin Filiatrault

Kristin is a 20-year-old status Mohawk from Kahnawake, Quebec who is in the first year of an international development program at McGill University in Montreal. This is her second FAAY award. An honours student, Kristin is a talented synchronized swimmer and figure skater who is helping to pay her way at school by working as a lifeguard and swimming coach. One of her professors says she has an infectious work ethic that inspires her colleagues. Her sponsor speaks of her friendly, sincere and respectful approach and says she made an enthusiastic contribution. Kristin hopes to work in international development and conservation with an NGO after she graduates.

Melanie Fontaine

Melanie is a 19-year-old Métis member of the East Coast First People from Richibucto, New Brunswick who is in the first year of a business management program at New Brunswick Community College in Dieppe, N.B. Her busy schedule of sports and extra-curricular activities in high school did not detract from her school work. One of her teachers says Melanie is a hard worker who never gives up and that one of her greatest qualities is her warmth of character. Her sponsor says it was a pleasure to have Melanie around and calls her a team player. After she finishes school, Melanie hopes to study esthetics and one day have her own business selling cosmetic products.

Micah Smith

Micah is a 23-year-old non-status Okanagan from the Upper Similkameen First Nation in B.C. who is in the second year of an engineering program at the University of Guelph in Ontario. He traveled and volunteered in Latin America and Africa before returning to Canada to take up his studies. One of his professors tells us that his first year average was 17 points higher than his high school average, which he feels is exceptional and speaks for his innate intelligence and ability to achieve when he is motivated. His sponsor calls him a hard working, dedicated, outgoing young man who is a natural leader. After he qualifies as an engineer, Micah wants to make a positive contribution to his community.

Johnny Van Camp

Johnny is a 26-year-old status Tli-Cho from the Dogrib Rae First Nation in the Northwest Territories who is in the second year of law school at the University of Victoria. He is a graduate of the management program of the University of Lethbridge. This is his third FAAY award. Johnny was a successful entrepreneur in his home town of Fort Smith before he returned to school. One of his professors has been deeply impressed by his keen mind and his dedication to justice. His sponsor speaks of his exemplary work ethic and his many contributions to the community. Johnny intends to help meld the principles and spirit of Aboriginal law with traditional Western precepts in his practice of the law.