Graduate Student Bursary Program
Gabriel Dumont College (GDC)
Graduate Student Bursary Program
Purpose
The purpose of the GDC Graduate Student Bursary Program is to:
• Provide financial assistance and encourage Saskatchewan Métis to pursue full time graduate studies and conduct research in fields related to Métis people.
• Increase Métis employment in Saskatchewan and internally at Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI). Value & Number of Awards
• The value of the Graduate Student Bursary shall be $10,000, or other amount as determined by the Selection Committee, for each academic year of study at a recognized university in Canada or abroad.
• Graduate Student Bursaries will be awarded each academic year to a maximum of five qualified Métis students who are residents of Saskatchewan.
• The Graduate Student Bursary shall be paid in two equal instalments; the first within 21 days of the decision of the Selection Committee if the student is already engaged in full time graduate studies or within 21 days of program start and official confirmation of acceptance into full time graduate studies being provided, and the second, halfway through the academic year.
• Applicants are eligible for a maximum of two awards, which may be consecutive years or non-consecutive years.
NOTE: Bursary recipients who are undertaking graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan may be able to access office space and equipment at SUNTEP. If qualified,they may also be considered for teaching opportunities with SUNTEP or GDC.
Deadlines:
Complete application packages must be received by the Secretary of the Selection
Committee by April 6 and October 6 annually.
Eligibility
Applicants for the GDC Graduate Student Bursary must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a Saskatchewan Métis.
2. Residency - If you reside outside of Saskatchewan, provide a letter from your Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Local President or Area Director indicating you are an active member in good standing with the Local.
3. Have applied to, been accepted, or are already enrolled in, a full-time graduate degree program at the Masters or Doctorate level, at a recognized university in Canada or abroad.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You may apply and be considered for the GDC Graduate Student Bursary if you have applied to a recognized graduate program, are planning to attend, and are waiting for final acceptance to the program. If you are selected for a bursary award, you will receive it upon presenting official confirmation of acceptance into full-time graduate studies.
4. Planning to undertake, or already engaged, in a major research project or thesis which relates to Métis people*.
5. Be committed to working in a Métis work environment upon the successful completion of their studies.
6. Demonstrate need for financial support during the study period.
7. Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of Métis people.
Application Process
Each applicant must:
1. Complete the application form.
2. If you are waiting for acceptance, or have just been accepted, into your first year of graduate studies:
a) provide a description of the general intent of your research project or thesis, and explain how it relates to the advancement of Métis people*.
b) submit letters from two academic references, from people who are familiar with your research potential or ability to undertake graduate studies.
3. If you are already a graduate student:
a) provide a description of the research project or thesis you are working on, and explain how it relates to the advancement of Métis people*.
b) submit letters from two academic references, one of which must be your research project or thesis supervisor.
4. Submit official transcripts of your most recent two years of post-secondary education.
5. Submit a photocopy of your membership card (or a letter) from your Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Local President or Area Director verifying you are Métis.
6. Submit your application package to the Secretary, Selection Committee – GDC Graduate Student Bursary Program by April 6 or October 6 annually.
* If yours is a course-based program, you must provide evidence of how you will satisfy the research criteria of this bursary.
Selection Process & Criteria
A Selection Committee comprised of five voting members, three of which are from the Gabriel Dumont Institute Board of Governors and two from GDI staff, will review the applications, conduct interviews, and determine which students will receive the awards in April and October of each year. The full-time enrolment of the student will be confirmed prior to the award being issued. The following criteria will be considered by the Selection
Committee in awarding bursaries:
1. Academic achievement and ability to successfully complete graduate studies.
2. Financial need.
3. Service (past and/or projected) to the Saskatchewan Métis community.
4. Expected benefit the graduate work undertaken will provide to GDI and/or the Saskatchewan Métis community.
For More Information:
Secretary, Selection Committee - GDC Graduate Student Bursary Program
c/o Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research
917– 22nd Street West
Saskatoon, SK S7M 0R9
Ph: (306) 242-6070 Fax: (306) 242-0002
Select Application and Financial Declaration forms for download.