Meet the inspiring recipients and how the Rose Nolan Scholarship Fund has helped them further their education and how post-secondary education is helping them achieve their goals.
Samantha Pine, Garden River, studying Fine Arts at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
“This support makes it possible to buy extra supplies and continue my practice throughout the summer. And as a young mother of two it helps to ease the burden of financial stress. “
Kayla Skye, Six Nations of the Grand River, studying Arts and Culture at Six Nations Polytechnic
“I applied for a Cayuga language program. I’ve decided to learn because it’s important to me, my people, and our future generations.”
Courtney Skye, Six Nations of the Grand River, studying Cayuga Language at Six Nations Polytechnic
“In the past, I struggled with racism, sexism, and lack of support in the university I previously attended. Going to a community-based university has been a significant change in community and the level of support I receive. I think that returning to school after a number of years has provided me with perspective on my experiences and made me more tolerant to the challenges I encountered in the past.”
Shannon Courchene, Biigitogong Nishnaabeg (Ojibways of Pic River), studying Social Services at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
“My recent experiences since attending post-secondary schooling is realizing how many of our people don’t know their history. Having this understanding, feeling and knowledge lightens my heart; that I want my people to feel and learn for a successful future.”
Shalon Adams, Big Grassy, studying Social Services at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
“Initially, I attempted Nursing. I attended a Native Nurses Entry Program and failed Chemistry. This destroyed what little self-esteem I had. In 2018, I finally received my Grade 12 diploma which lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders. Achieving this milestone reinvigorated my motivation. I chose a different path, Social Work and I believe this is where I am meant to be”
Stefanie Lickers, Six Nations of the Grand River, studying Accounting at Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre
“I decided to pursue my current certificate in order to diversify my resume, in hopes of finding stable employment. I am planning on building an established career, and also hope to build a forever home for me and my children on the land I currently own on-reserve. I feel that I have learned from past mistakes, and want to motivate my children to achieve the same level of success that I do.”
Jessica Aguonie, Sheguiandah, studying Trades at Kenjgewin Teg
“I have decided to get into the trades because I was basically born into it. I’m a daddy’s girl, and he always had me helping around the house when needed. He taught me a lot of my knowledge in the trades. I worked a year in an office setting and learned that it wasn’t for me, I need to be hands on building or fixing things to keep me happy and satisfied. I’ve always had a strong interest in the trades.”
Teiosakentison Elijah, Mohawks of Akwesasne, studying Mental Health and Wellness at Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education & Training Institute
“I started out as wanting to be a child and Youth worker when I was 12 years old so wanting to help and heal was always a part of me. I grew up in a disadvantage community so I know first hand the struggling experiences and witnessing individuals and families suffer with substance abuse, of addictions, poverty, negative impacts of the residential school, lack or resources for like housing and jobs the people. I wanted to learn as much as I could so I could help my people.”
Melanie Hill-Jackson, Oneida of the Thames, studying Social Services at Anishinabek Educational Institute
“I want to work with mental health, addictions and homelessness, I want to share my knowledge and be a helper to our people. In this society addictions, mental health and homelessness is increasing at a rapid rate in indigenous and non indigenous populations. I want to help people to help themselves to heal and to find alternative ways to cope and live as best they can. I dedicate my life and knowledge to helping all people where ever I go as much as possible. The world needs more caring non judgmental helpers and sometimes all a person needs is just one person to believe in them. I can be that person.”
Kayla Jacobs, Moravian of the Thames, studying Personal Support Work at Anishinabek Educational Institute
“I choose this field [personal support work] because a lot of our community members who need the help and taken care of aren’t getting it & I want to improve those odds and make a difference for people who truly need it.”
