Helen Bassett Commemorative Student Award

Every year the NWAC Youth Department and Youth Council coordinate the Helen Bassett youth award given to four young Aboriginal women in the amount of $1,000 each. The awards are made possible by the generous donation of Helen Bassett.

We presently offer awards only to youth 30 years old or younger as one of the Youth Council projects. NWAC recognizes the need for scholarships for women over 30 and is trying to acquire additional resources to expand our award program in the future.

Information about 2010/11 student awards will be available in Spring 2010

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be pursuing post-secondary studies
• You must be 30 years old or younger
• You must demonstrate financial need
• You must demonstrate commitment to improving the situation of Aboriginal women and youth in Canada politically, culturally, economically or otherwise
• Former Youth Council members are not eligible to apply

Documentation Required for Applying

• Application Form
• Proof of age
• Proof of Aboriginal descent
• Proof of attending post-secondary studies: acceptance letter from a post-secondary institution
• Proof of community involvement/interest and dedication in working on aboriginal women’s issues: one reference letter of support from a local community organization, or school, or any relevant organization/person
• Short essay of 1-2 pages stating the following:
  • Goals following the completion of your studies
  • Brief description of how you intend to contribute to either the socio-economic, legal, or cultural well-being of Aboriginal women
  • Have you been active in a Local, Provincial or Territorial Native Women’s Association affiliated with NWAC? If so, how?
  • What other relevant courses or studies have you participated in?
• Statement of financial need in a letter, plus monthly or yearly budget and a list of other funding sources and scholarships

For more information

Please contact Community Development Coordinator - Youth, Carey Calder, at 613.722.3033 ext. 230 or toll free at 1.800.461.4043.

List of winners 2009/2010

Helen Bassett Biography