About Our Work
The FNHA works to support the development of a culturally safe workforce for First Nations people. This includes increasing the number of First Nations people in health careers.
We provide province-wide guidance to support the development of health human resources strategies and plans within the FNHA regions.
Our work includes:
- investing in scholarships and bursaries for first nations people in health programs
- investing in health career promotion activities
- partnering with post-secondary institutions, including in planning and advisory roles, providing practicums and internships at FNHA and collaborating on research initiatives
- partnering with health organizations in the signing of a Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility in health services delivery for First Nations people in BC
- planning initiatives with the BC Ministry of Health, the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and other health partners
Health Careers Guidebook
Scholarships and Bursaries
Tip: Connect with and research the websites of the professional college, association or union related to your specific health field of study such as registered nursing as they may offer support for their students and members.
Scholarships
New Relationship Trust Foundation – Scholarship and bursary program administered by the New Relationship Trust Foundation on behalf of the First Nations Health Authority, which provides financial support to current post-secondary students pursuing health related studies.
Indspire – Indspire is the largest supporter of Indigenous education outside the federal government. To date Indspire has awarded more than $54 million in scholarships and bursaries to 16,000 First Nation, Inuit and Métis recipients nationwide.
Health Sciences Association – HSA provides two $1000 bursaries to Aboriginal students from BC who are continuing or proceeding in any HSA-related field.
Funding
Aboriginal Learning Links – Aboriginal Learning Links provides organized links to other websites that can help you find information on Financial Support, Child Care, Housing and Career Planning.
First Citizens Fund Student Bursary – The First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program provides funding to students of Aboriginal ance stry to help support their post-secondary education. It's funded by the Province of British Columbia and delivered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) – The Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool is a searchable list of 760 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada.
Irving K. Barber Indigenous Award – The BC Aboriginal Student Award was established in 2008 as part of the provincial government's strategy to improve Aboriginal access to and achievement in education. Its purpose is to support Aboriginal people in pursuing post-secondary education by reducing financial barriers.
Scholarship and Bursary Databases
Create a profile on each of the following databases as they not only house a huge amount of financial aid opportunities that you can search but will also send you matching awards based on the information you provide in your profile directly to your inbox on a recurring basis.
First Nations Education Steering Committee
This committee is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia. FNESC has a mandate to support First Nations students and advance First Nations education in BC.
