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Chief Joe Mathias British Columbia Aboriginal Scholarship Fund

https://chiefjoemathias.ca/

2026 BC First Nations Nursing Application
Opens Mar 11 2026 12:00 AM (PDT)
Deadline Jun 12 2026 12:00 AM (PDT)
Description

PURPOSE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

The Chief Joe Mathias British Columbia Aboriginal Scholarship Fund (the “Fund”) is a nationally registered charity established in memory of the late Chief Joe Mathias to support Chief Mathias’ vision of post-secondary education for all First Nations people. The Fund is an incorporated society under the BC Societies Act and directed by a Board.

The purpose of the Fund’s Nursing Scholarship Program is to advance the education and development of students wishing to pursue a career in nursing, including students enrolled in:

  • Courses towards an academic nursing degree or diploma at an eligible post-secondary educational institution at an undergraduate level; 
  • Post-graduate academic nursing studies at an eligible post-secondary institution; or 
  • A bridging, certificate, or pathway program which will lead into a diploma or degree in nursing.

The goal of the Fund’s Nursing Scholarship Program is to improve the health and well-being of First Nations communities in British Columbia. The Fund will assist with the costs of nursing school and wrap-around costs. All eligible applicants will be considered for a scholarship between $2,000-$10,000. The amount awarded per person will be decided by the Board on a case-by case basis. Please note that we’re considering a program for multi-year funding, and also for the provision of mentors to successful applicants. 

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

The Fund will grant nursing scholarships to people who:

  • Are members or citizens of a British Columbia First Nation; 
  • Have been accepted or are enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited post-secondary nursing program. Programs can include Practical Nursing Diploma, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctorate in Nursing (DN); 
  • Have been accepted or are enrolled into a bridging, certificate, or pathway program that is leading towards a degree or diploma in nursing, at an eligible post-secondary institution; and                                 
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Priority will be given to candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to positively impact on the health and well-being of First Nations communities in British Columbia.

ELIGIBLE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

The scholarships will be provided to eligible recipients for post-secondary studies at a post-secondary educational institution that grants nursing degrees or diplomas, or has an established pathway program leading to a career in health.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Factors to be considered by the nursing selection committee and the Board in the selection of a candidate for a scholarship may include academic achievement, personal qualities and character, clinical experience, interest and participation in post-secondary educational institution and community affairs or volunteer activities.

APPLICATIONS

Applications will be reviewed each year by the nursing selection committee that will make recommendations to the Board. Scholarship Applications must conform with all requirements of the following application form.

Apply

2026 BC First Nations Nursing Application


PURPOSE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

The Chief Joe Mathias British Columbia Aboriginal Scholarship Fund (the “Fund”) is a nationally registered charity established in memory of the late Chief Joe Mathias to support Chief Mathias’ vision of post-secondary education for all First Nations people. The Fund is an incorporated society under the BC Societies Act and directed by a Board.

The purpose of the Fund’s Nursing Scholarship Program is to advance the education and development of students wishing to pursue a career in nursing, including students enrolled in:

  • Courses towards an academic nursing degree or diploma at an eligible post-secondary educational institution at an undergraduate level; 
  • Post-graduate academic nursing studies at an eligible post-secondary institution; or 
  • A bridging, certificate, or pathway program which will lead into a diploma or degree in nursing.

The goal of the Fund’s Nursing Scholarship Program is to improve the health and well-being of First Nations communities in British Columbia. The Fund will assist with the costs of nursing school and wrap-around costs. All eligible applicants will be considered for a scholarship between $2,000-$10,000. The amount awarded per person will be decided by the Board on a case-by case basis. Please note that we’re considering a program for multi-year funding, and also for the provision of mentors to successful applicants. 

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

The Fund will grant nursing scholarships to people who:

  • Are members or citizens of a British Columbia First Nation; 
  • Have been accepted or are enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited post-secondary nursing program. Programs can include Practical Nursing Diploma, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctorate in Nursing (DN); 
  • Have been accepted or are enrolled into a bridging, certificate, or pathway program that is leading towards a degree or diploma in nursing, at an eligible post-secondary institution; and                                 
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Priority will be given to candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to positively impact on the health and well-being of First Nations communities in British Columbia.

ELIGIBLE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

The scholarships will be provided to eligible recipients for post-secondary studies at a post-secondary educational institution that grants nursing degrees or diplomas, or has an established pathway program leading to a career in health.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Factors to be considered by the nursing selection committee and the Board in the selection of a candidate for a scholarship may include academic achievement, personal qualities and character, clinical experience, interest and participation in post-secondary educational institution and community affairs or volunteer activities.

APPLICATIONS

Applications will be reviewed each year by the nursing selection committee that will make recommendations to the Board. Scholarship Applications must conform with all requirements of the following application form.

Apply
Opens
Mar 11 2026 12:00 AM (PDT)
Deadline
Jun 12 2026 12:00 AM (PDT)