Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards

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History

The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Fund was established at Edmonton Community Foundation in 2001 by the directors of the Canative Housing Corporation, Orval Belcourt, Herb Belcourt and Georges Brosseau, to help Métis Albertans realize self-sufficiency through post-secondary education and skills development.

Since 2002, the awards have provided more than $4.5 million related to over 1,000 awards to more than 700 Métis Albertans studying at institutions across Alberta and beyond, making it the largest non-governmental source of student funding for Métis students in Canada.

You can watch the 2011 Founders History video here

Criteria

Melodie-2011Applicants must:

  • be Métis,
  • demonstrate financial need, and
  • intend to pursue a qualified program.

Awards are based on a holistic assessment of financial need, connection to the Métis community, likelihood of improved opportunities, and other circumstances. Awards generally range between $2,000 and $7,000, and cover a portion of education-related costs such as tuition, fees and books. Priority will be given to full-time students entering their first year of post-secondary education.

More information about award criteria and priorities is available in the Application Package which will be available two months prior to the deadline.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications for all students is March 31 of each year; all applications must be received by that date. To apply, students must provide:

  • the completed Application Package which will be available two months prior to the deadline.
  • two completed Reference Forms (PDF) or reference letters, and
  • a copy of their most recent marks.

Proof of Métis heritage must be provided before any award is confirmed but does not have to be submitted with the application. See the application package for a list of accepted ways students can prove their heritage and for other details on the application process.

Here you can read the instructions for how to apply on-line.

Before applying, students are encouraged to read the Tips for Applying for Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards and check out the FAQs. Applicants are also encouraged to seek other sources of funding. Some sources of financial assistance are listed under Other Resources ; some students may be eligible for other scholarships, bursaries and awards provided by Edmonton Community Foundation.

  Donors

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The awards panel and Edmonton Community Foundation gratefully acknowledge those donors who have contributed to endowed funds which support the awards.

Alberta Health Services
A.T. (Alphonse Thomas) Brosseau Family Fund
Chris and Pat Cowden
Elder Marge Friedel Fund
Enbridge Pipelines Inc.
Family of June Virginia Robinson
Rau Family
Syncrude Canada Ltd.

ECF also receives an annual contribution to the BBMA from Alberta Scholarship Programs.

The awards panel is a volunteer committee of Métis Albertans who work with ECF to guide the development of the BBMA program, make award recommendations, and ensure that the awards and other aspects of the program reflect Métis culture and community. ECF appreciates our long collaboration with the awards panel.

               

       

 

Awards Panel

Loraine Steele, Chair
Georges Brosseau, Q.C.
Orval Belcourt
Dr. Herb Belcourt
Kathryn Brosseau
Dr. John Brosseau
Harold Robinson

Many other volunteers, including many award recipients, help raise awareness of the BBMA, evaluate award applications and organize the celebration. The awards panel and ECF greatly appreciate their contributions of time and expertise.

Student Success

Over 700 students have received Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards. Here is a series of videos looking at some of their stories.

Awards Celebration

Each year, past and present recipients, their families, the Métis community and corporate sponsors are invited to a cultural celebration of student success.

The 2013 Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Celebration will be held on September 21 at the Radisson Edmonton South Hotel. For sponsorship opportunities please see our brochure. For ticket information contact Theresa Majeran at 780-977-5515. See pictures or a list of sponsors.

More Information

Theresa Majeran is the Communications Coordinator for the awards. If you would like Theresa to visit your community organization or school to talk about the awards, or if you want more information about the celebration or corporate donations, contact Theresa at: