Are you eligible for a Belcourt Brosseau Métis Award?

You should apply for an award if you can fulfill the next four criteria. If you cannot answer yes to the following four criteria you are not eligible for a BBMA Award.

• You are an Alberta Métis citizen (Proof of Métis heritage must be provided before any award is confirmed but does not have to be submitted with the application. However, proof of application for Alberta Métis citizenship must be submitted with the BBMA application. Visit the Métis Nation of Alberta for more information.)
• You are an Alberta resident
• You plan to attend a program of post-secondary study leading to a recognized certificate, diploma, undergraduate or professional degree in Alberta (Some exceptions for post-secondary funding for studies outside of Alberta but within Canada will be considered. For details see “What schools and programs are eligible?” below)
• You are a Canadian citizen

Primary consideration will be given to applicants demonstrating:

• Connection to and involvement with your Métis community
• Financial need
• That your program of study will lead to gainful employment
• That you will be studying full-time
• That you are entering your first year of post-secondary studies or beginning a transition program at an approved post-secondary institution (See Alberta Learning Information Service)

Consideration will also be given to students:

• Involved in volunteering or leadership
• Who have overcome personal challenges

Important Information for Applicants:

• The application deadline is March 31st at 11:59 pm.
• To apply, students must complete and submit the online application which will be available three months prior to the deadline. We encourage you to submit your application well in advance of March 31st if possible.
• A completed application must include two references that are not older than one year (references must be completed using the BBMA reference template), a copy of the applicant’s most recent marks, and proof of Metis citizenship or proof of application. (See the “Supporting Documents” section in the application.)
• A limited number of awards are available to Graduate students in professional programs. Graduate programs which are primarily academic in nature are not eligible for funding. Second or subsequent degrees are not considered a priority for awards (For more details see “What schools and programs are eligible?” below)
• If you are entering the final two semesters of your studies you are eligible for funding through The Rupertsland institute. Qualifying for Rupertsland funding may affect your ability to accept a BBMA. (Métis Skills Development funding from the Rupertsland Institute).
• Applicants will be advised whether or not they have been successful in receiving a BBMA by email in late June of each year. Edmonton Community Foundation will notify accepting post-secondary institutions of any Belcourt Brosseau Métis Award recipients once all award conditions have been fulfilled by the applicant. Awards are normally paid directly to the institution for tuition and fees.
• In general, eligible programs of study should not start before August 1st. No part of any award issued by the Edmonton Community Foundation can be applied to amounts owing from previous years. Applicants may re-apply in subsequent years, but each application is for a single school year only.

Who is an Alberta resident?

Awards are only open to Alberta Métis who are residents of Alberta. Where residency may be unclear, the awards panel may consider time lived in Alberta, demonstration of connection to Alberta, and stated intent to remain in or return to Alberta.

What schools and programs are eligible?

Awards can be used at any public university, college, or technical institute in Alberta, as well at any private institution or vocational school accredited by Alberta Learning Information Service . Awards may be provided to students attending school outside Alberta (but within Canada) when circumstances warrant (e.g. when a program is not offered in Alberta); applicants should clearly address why they have selected their school of choice. For schools outside Alberta, institutions must be equivalently accredited.

An applicant’s program of study must lead to a recognized undergraduate degree, applied degree, diploma, or certificate.

A limited number of awards are available to Graduate students in professional programs. Professional programs refer to Graduate programs that are required in order to obtain certification in a particular field, including but not limited to Law, Medicine, Speech Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Graduate programs which are primarily academic in nature OR where employment can be obtained with an undergraduate degree (e.g. education, nursing) are not eligible for funding. Second or subsequent degrees are not considered a priority for awards.

Academic upgrading, bridging, or college preparation programs are eligible. Students must indicate how completion of study will help them gain admission to a post-secondary program or lead to future gainful employment.

How will awards be paid?

Awards are intended to assist recipients with mandatory costs such as tuition and fees. The awards will not provide a living allowance or technology items such as computers, software, upgrades, internet fees or related equipment.

In general, awards for tuition and fees will be paid directly to the institution upon receipt of invoice. Awards to institutions will not be confirmed until conditions are met.

It is the responsibility of the award recipient to ensure that all the conditions for an award are met in advance of the institution fee deadline. Failure to do so will result in the award not being confirmed with the institution by the fee deadline and may result in the award being revoked.