Bursary Description

As part of the ongoing journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and ensuring Every Child Matters, the Guiding Spirit Bursary for Indigenous Youth is administered through the Angel Foundation for Learning and co-sponsored with the Indigenous Education Department to help defray the cost of post-secondary education. Two (2) bursaries each of $2,500 are available to graduating First Nations, Inuit or Métis registered students in the Toronto Catholic District School Board who require financial assistance to pursue post-secondary studies at a college or university.  Applicants should demonstrate originality and creativity in artistic or literary pursuits and share evidence of their contributions to their school community in their application form.

 

Selection of the successful candidate will be based on the following criteria:

• Self-identification as First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Inuit or Métis
• Attendance and registration in a TCDSB secondary school
• Demonstration of academic proficiency, and potential for post-secondary success
• Evidence of excellence and passion in artistic or creative pursuits
• Description of financial need and/or personal challenges;
• Confirmation/evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution
• Is not a dependent of an AFL employee.

 

Application Process

Application must be completed with all the following criteria for consideration of this bursary:

• Completed and signed application form;
• A personal cover letter, which outlines your creative pursuits, and contributions to the school and community; states the nature of the financial need; includes as much detail as appropriate.
• A submission of a piece of creative work that demonstrates originality, and reflects your identity, values, or cultural perspective. This may include writing, visual art, music, or other forms of creative expression (It can be part of a personal project or be taken from a previous school assignment).
• Letters of recommendation from any 1 of the following: the school principal or designate, employer, coach, department head, chaplain, support staff, teacher, community leader; Elder/Knowledge Keeper or an Indigenous organization. The letters should outline contributions to the school and community, and state the nature of the financial need;
• Confirmation/evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution.

 

Selection Process:

The successful candidate will be approved by the Board of Directors of The Angel Foundation for Learning, upon the recommendation of the review committee. This review committee to review candidates will include members of the Indigenous Education Department, Indigenous Education Advisory Committee and an Elder/Knowledge Keeper and the Angel Foundation for Learning. The successful candidate will be notified in early June.

Please note the cheque for the successful applicant will be written to the university, college or program, which the student will be attending.

Contact Person:

Email any questions to Iris Martinez at iris.martinez@tcdsb.org 

Application Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026

The names, photos and other personal information of successful students may be shared on print and electronic media, including both internal and external publications and social media/web sites.

Requirements:

In order to be considered for this bursary include:

• Completed and signed application form;
• A personal cover letter, which outlines your creative pursuits, and contributions to the school and community; states the nature of the financial need; includes as much detail as appropriate.
• A submission of a piece of creative work that demonstrates originality, and reflects your identity, values, or cultural perspective. This may include writing, visual art, music, or other forms of creative expression (It can be part of a personal project or be taken from a previous school assignment).
• Letters of recommendation from any 1 of the following: the school principal or designate, employer, coach, department head, chaplain, support staff, teacher, community leader; Elder/Knowledge Keeper or an Indigenous organization. The letters should outline contributions to the school and community, and state the nature of the financial need;
• Confirmation/evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution.

 

Please submit all files in one pdf document

Application Deadline: Friday May 29, 2026