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Applications NOW OPEN for the Building a Better Future Bursary!

May 6th, 2025

The Building a Better Future Bursary is an initiative by the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) aimed at supporting Syilx Okanagan Nation members in their educational pursuits. Established in 2009, this program offers financial assistance to both high school graduates and post-secondary students who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and community involvement.

High School Bursaries (2024/25)

For students graduating in the 2024–2025 academic year, the following awards are available:

  • Syilx Siya Awards – $1,000 each

    • Two awards sponsored by EMB Management Ltd.

    • One award sponsored by FortisBC.

    • These bursaries recognize high school graduates who have demonstrated a willingness to dream big for themselves, their Nation, their community, and/or their family, emphasizing service, leadership, and community involvement.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be attached by ancestry, identity, and community to the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

  • Must have graduated high school in the 2024–2025 academic year.

Application Requirements:

  • Completed application form.

  • Copy of status card or a letter from a member community confirming Syilx Okanagan ancestry.

  • Personal narrative (written or video) addressing specified prompts.

  • Unofficial high school transcripts.

  • Two reference letters highlighting service, leadership, and community involvement.

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: May 23, 2025
  • Award Announcement: Late June 2025
  • Payments: July 2025

Post-Secondary Bursaries (2024/25)

For Syilx Okanagan Nation members enrolled in post-secondary education between September 2024 and April 2025, the following bursaries are available:

  • Education for Life Award – $1,500 each (2 available)

    • Sponsored by FortisBC.

    • For students demonstrating commitment to bettering their community and aptitude in their chosen field.

  • EMB Engineering Scholarship – $3,500

    • For students pursuing full-time engineering programs.

  • EMB Surveying, Mapping, or Geomatics Bursary – $1,500

    • For undergraduates in these specific fields.

  • EMB Business Bursary – $1,500

    • For students enrolled in business-related programs.

  • EMB Walking My Learning Forward Award – $1,500

    • Recognizes dedication to community and commitment to chosen career paths.

  • Progressive Fence Syilx Bursary – $1,500

    • For students demonstrating excellence in community involvement, sports, arts, culture, or their field of study.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be attached by ancestry, identity, and community to the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

  • Enrolled or accepted into a full-time post-secondary program between September 2024 and April 2025

Application Requirements:

  • Completed application form.

  • Proof of enrollment or acceptance into an accredited institution.

  • Personal narrative (written or video) addressing specified prompts.

  • Additional documents as specified for each bursary

Important Dates:

  • Application deadline: Applications to open until June 15, 2025.
  • Award Announcement: July 2025
  • Payments: September 2025

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted electronically in a single email, including all required documents.

Submit Applications to:

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

Mailing Address:

Okanagan Nation Alliance
#101, 3535 Old Okanagan Hwy
Westbank, BC V4T 3L7