MANITOULIN—Two Manitoulin Island Anishinabek are among 25 recipients of the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples. This inaugural roster of successful applicants includes students from communities across Canada.
Among the years recipients is Jaden McGregor of Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) and Taylor Campbell of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT). They are among 25 persons announced on July 24 for the scholarship, which provides $10,000 per year for up to four years to cover tuition costs and an additional $5,000 per year for up to four years to cover living expenses. Recipients are also offered summer internship opportunities with TD to gain valuable work experience aligned with their career aspirations.
“We are proud to support students on their journey towards achieving their academic goals for their chosen career path,” said Doris Bear, vice president of Indigenous Banking at TD Bank Group. “The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples provides students from Indigenous communities with financial support to explore the benefits of a post-secondary education as well as summer work experience offers.”
The scholarship program, which launched in November 22, is managed by AFOA Canada, a not-for-profit led by Indigenous Peoples.
“We believe the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples will be transformational in the lives of the students,” said Terry Goodtrack, president and CEO of AFOA Canada. “It can help set them up for success towards achieving their academic goals for their chosen career path.”
Mr. McGregor is in his third year of geography and aviation studies at the University of Waterloo. Half of his studies are dedicated to becoming a pilot. He currently has a private pilot licence and is working on his commercial pilot license. “My short-term goal is becoming a flight instructor. One of the big things I want to do is focus on representation and supporting Indigenous students to become pilots and join the aviation sector,” he told Anishinabek News.
Ms. Campbell is in her third year of criminal justice studies at University of Winnipeg. She told Anishinabek News she is now planning to study at a law school next year after completing her three-year criminal justice degree.
