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The University of Sudbury celebrates Indigenous recipients of substantial scholarships

Press Release

During a ceremony held at the University of Sudbury on Thursday, October 18th at 10 a.m., three Indigenous students were recognized and were officially awarded their substantial scholarships.

A total sum of $18,000 was recently awarded in scholarships to deserving students of the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Sudbury. The recipients recognized this year were: Erin Fairbairn, who received the continuing $7,000 Dr. Constance Elaine Jayne Williams and Charles L. Williams Educational Trust Scholarship; Bneshiinh McLeod, who received the $4,000 Maple Grove United Church Scholarship; and Sonnie Debassige, who received the continuing $7,000 Rotary Aboriginal Scholarship Fund.

Erin Fairbairn is from Wikemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. She is a full-time student currently in her third year of the Indigenous Studies program, while concurrently working towards her Bachelor of Education. Working hard at balancing academics and her home life, as she has a family of her own, Erin says that she has dreamt of becoming a teacher of Indigenous Studies for as long as she can remember and that she looks forward to doing her part in the decolonization of education

Bneshiinh McLeod is an Anishinaabekwe from Mississauga First Nation, and a full-time student working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. She is currently the Vice-President of the Indigenous Students Circle, where she provides outreach and support to the Indigenous student population of the Laurentian Federation.

Sonnie Debassige, from M’Chigeeng First Nation, is a full-time student who is also working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and hopes to pursue her studies in that field at the doctoral level. Sonnie is very involved in offering cultural teachings within the Laurentian Federation, which she indicates can contribute to the reconciliation efforts.

The University is pleased to be able to offer such scholarships with the help of its donors, to assist these dedicated individuals in their studies and help foster their success as they continue their academic journeys and careers. We extend our most sincere congratulations to these recipients, who will surely use their knowledge and experience to make a difference.

About the Maple Grove United Church Scholarship
The Maple Grove United Church Scholarship was established in 2014 to assist Indigenous students in meeting their financial needs during the course of their full-time studies within the Laurentian Federation.

About the Dr. Constance Elaine Jayne Williams and Charles L. Williams Educational Trust Scholarship
Established in 2017, this scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student pursuing full-time studies in the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Sudbury, from any of the following Ojibway bands: M’Chigeeng First Nation, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Wikemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Sheguiandah First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation. This is a continuing scholarship, meaning that the recipients will continue to receive the annual amount until completion of their degree, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and remain in good academic standing.

About the Rotary Aboriginal Scholarship Fund
Established in 2016, the Rotary Indigenous Scholarship was established at the University of Sudbury due to the generous donation of the Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar. This scholarship is meant to assist Indigenous students in meeting their financial needs during the course of their full-time studies within the Laurentian Federation. This is a continuing scholarship, meaning that the recipients will continue to receive the annual amount until completion of their degree, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and remain in good academic standing.

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