The First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nurse Education Bursary was created by the RNFBC in 2024 to support the nursing education of students and nurses in the advancement of their educational pursuits, who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Northern Turtle Island (Canada) and reside within the colonial borders of British Columbia.
This bursary supports nursing students and nurses enrolled in LPN, RN, RPN and Masters’ programs. We invite applications from students entering or currently enrolled in such programs at an accredited institution in BC.
A fundamental aim has been to ensure that the eligibility criteria provides easy access and a transparent, supportive, and respectful application process that honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their ancestry. This criteria has been developed through valued guidance provided by nurse educators and clinicians of First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis ancestry and connection.
Applicants are asked to self-declare their Indigenous ancestry and/or citizenship and provide supporting documentation. This may include, but is not limited to, certified status information, Métis citizenship documentation, Inuit enrolment cards, or letters confirming community recognition of belonging or kinship ties (such as a Friendship Centre) to a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community.
In alignment with the RNFBC process, all completed bursary applications are entered into a randomized draw. Following a random draw of the bursary recipients, the applications are reviewed by an Indigenous nurse-led working group to confirm that the eligibility criteria has been met.