Building a Better Future Bursary

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Important!
Please check that you are eligible for bursaries before applying.  Read the terms carefully before completing your application and supply relevant supporting documentation. Students are welcome to apply for multiple awards – please see all available awards below:

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• You must be attached by ancestry, identity and community to the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary or vocational institution or display proof of acceptance, in fulltime studies between: September 2026 – April 2027 (unless otherwise noted in the specific award listing).
• Each scholarship, bursary and award have its own set of additional criteria and deadlines.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 at 3 pm
• Award Announcement: July 2026
• Payments: September 2026

Available Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

FortisBC an Education for Life Awards – $3,000

$1500 Education for Life Award (2 available)
The Education for Life Award is awarded to 2 Syilx Okanagan Nation members who have demonstrated their commitment to bettering their community, and who show aptitude for and commitment to their chosen career or area of study. Whether you’re working towards a degree, master’s, or trade certification, this opportunity is designed to provide financial support to help you achieve your educational goals. We recognize the diverse paths and ambitions of students, and we are committed to supporting their journeys towards success.

• Must be pursuing a minimum 2-year program.
• Must be able to showcase commitment to a future career or area of study.

Sponsorship of the Education for Life Award is complimentary of Fortis BC.

EMB Awards for Syilx Students – $8,000

$3500 EMB Engineering Scholarship
With generous financial support, the EMB Engineering Bursary aims to empower aspiring engineers to pursue their academic goals with confidence. Whether you’re fascinated by robotics, environmental sustainability, Biomedics, structures and design or any other engineering discipline, this bursary is open to students studying Engineering in the fall of 2025.

• Planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution on a full-time basis pursuing a full-time (4 course minimum) engineering program.
• Open to high school students who are accepted into an engineering program and/or students continuing their pursuit in an undergrad or graduate program.

$1500 EMB Surveying, Mapping, or Geomatics Bursary
This bursary is open to an undergraduate student studying surveying, mapping, or geomatics in the fall of 2025.

$1500 EMB Business Bursary
This bursary is open to an undergraduate student enrolled in full time studies this upcoming fall of 2025, who intends to study Business, Business Administration, Commerce, Management and/or related fields of study.

$1500 EMB Walking My Learning Forward Award
The EMB Walking My Learning Forward Award, is dedicated to recognizing Syilx Okanagan Nation members who exhibit a strong dedication to community and display both aptitude and commitment to their chosen career or field of study.

• A minimum two-year program, enrolled of full-time studies in the fall of 2025.
• Masters and PHD students are welcome to apply.

Created by Syilx Community Member Buffy Mills 

Women Uplifting Women Leadership Award – $3000 

“I created this award because I want to be the kind of woman who creates the change I wish to see in our community. This award is for Syilx women who lead from the heart—who lift other women up, who walk with courage, and who make space for others to shine. You don’t need a title to be a leader. You just need the fire to rise—and the generosity to take others with you. If that’s you, I see you. I believe in you. This is for you”. – Buffy Mills

• Applications are open to Syilx Women in any stage of their educational journey (diploma, bachelors, masters, PhD) who are enrolled in a full-time program.
• Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities and commitments to uplifting women in their community, family, workplace etc.

Applications

Application package requirements

• Students must ensure all application requirements are met before submitting an application. (see Checklist)
• Students must take responsibility to ensure that all information is up-to-date and included in the submission package.
• Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Include all attachments in one email. We will send you an email notification when your application has been received.
• Criteria for Applications:
  • Provide a thoughtful, planned, and fully developed essay(s) – pertaining to the specific awards you are applying for. Written or video responses are acceptable and answer the Personal Narrative Section.
  • Entire application must be submitted together all in one email and emailed to tmontgomery@syilx.org.

Post Secondary Application Package

2026 ONA Building a Better Future Application_Post Secondary

Read the terms carefully before completing your application and relevant supporting documentation. Students are welcome to apply for multiple awards.

SUBMIT COMPLETED APPLICATIONS:

Email to:  Tara Montgomery tmontgomery@syilx.org

For More Information Contact:
Tara Montgomery, Communications Lead
Phone: (250) 707-0095 ext 120
Email: tmontgomery@syilx.org