Balsam L’nu Scholarship Fund

Supporting Indigenous youth striving for excellence in academics

Building a Path for Young Indigenous Professionals to Enter a More Indigenized Workplace

In partnership with the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation, Balsam has established the Balsam L’nu Scholarship Fund. This initiative is part of Balsam’s commitment to supporting Indigenous communities through capacity building, mentorship, and education.

How We Contribute:

For every organization that successfully completes training or engages Balsam for support, 5% of the associated revenues are donated to the Balsam L’nu Scholarship Fund. This fund is dedicated to empowering Indigenous students pursuing academic studies or those making significant efforts in advancing their communities, education, or cultural preservation.

How is the Fund Managed?

The Balsam Scholarship Fund is managed in partnership with the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation. Ulnooweg operates as an extension of the communities, uniquely stewarding their needs and supporting their business leaders and entrepreneurs. We are all one team working together towards a vision of self-sustaining, healthy communities.

The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation is a registered charity that will help strengthen the relationships between Canada’s philanthropic sector and the First Nations communities of Atlantic Canada.

Canada’s philanthropic sector – registered charities and individual and corporate donors – plays a critical role in the success and vitality of the country. The sector is involved in essential and innovative work in a wide range of fields, including health, education, environmental protection, community economic development, infrastructure, and the arts.

Donate to the Balsam Scholarship Fund

Beyond the 5% of profits that is directly donated to the scholarship fund from Balsam, all organizations have the opportunity and are invited to donate additional support to the Balsam fund. Regardless if an organization has been hired, partnered or worked with Balsam, the Partners encourage all businesses to donate and support Indigenous students in accessing quality education. Where appropriate, the Foundation will issue official tax receipts, valid for income tax purposes. 

Discover our Scholarships

Balsam L’nu Scholarship

Balsam invite all currently enrolled Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary (college or university) education to apply for the ITP Scholarship. Preference will be given to those who:

  1. Are Mi’kmaw, studying locally or abroad; or,

  2. Are Indigenous and attending an Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institution.

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500

  • Deadline: January 17, 2025

    Award Date: January 31, 2025

EfficiencyOne Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

This scholarship is open to part and full-time students who will be enrolling in their first year of post-secondary education (university or college) in engineering or environmental-science related programs, including Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) programs such as Electrical Technician, Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering Technology, and other energy-related or business administration programs focusing on finance, marketing, human resources, or similar fields.

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500

  • Deadline: August 16, 2025

  • Award Date: September 6th, 2025

Barrington Consulting Scholarship

Barrington Consulting and the Indigenous Treaty Partners invite all currently enrolled Indigenous students in Atlantic Canada pursuing post-secondary (college or university) to apply for this Scholarship valued at $2,500.

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500

    Deadline: October 1, 2024

    Award Date: October 20, 2024

Health Association Nova Scotia Scholarship

Health Association Nova Scotia and the Indigenous Treaty Partners invite all currently enrolled Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary (college or university) to apply for this Scholarship valued at $2,500.

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500

    Deadline: October 25, 2024

    Award Date: November 17, 2024

KBRS Emerging Indigenous Leaders Scholarship

KBRS, in partnership with Indigenous Treaty Partners, invite Indigenous students who are currently enrolled in post-secondary education to apply for this scholarship valued at $2,500. Preference will be given to candidates who are:

  1. First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

  2. Enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary (college or university) education institution either part-time or full-time

  3. Have demonstrated leadership within their Nation or community

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500

    Deadline: February 17, 2025

    Award Date: February 28, 2025

Energize a Sustainable World Scholarship

Ameresco, in partnership with Indigenous Treaty Partners, is offering a $5,000 scholarship opportunity. This scholarship is open to Indigenous students who are currently enrolled in post-secondary education, such as college or university, and are intrested in studying engineering or science. Preference will be given to applicants who meet certain criteria.

  1. Are First Nations, Inuit or Métis studying locally or abroad,

  2. Enrolled in engineering or science-related faculty; and,

  3. Show an interest in clean energy.

  • Scholarship Amount: $5,000

    Deadline: March 15, 2025

    Award Date: March 31, 2025

Meet our Scholars

  • Mitchell Souliere-Lamb

    Mitchell, a third-year Ojibwe mechanical engineering student at the University of Toronto, is passionate about applying his love for math and science to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions. Committed to hands-on change, he's leading a clean energy project for a solar-powered boat to inspire his community's youth and advance Indigenous representation in STEM. Mitchell is determined to make a significant impact in the sustainable energy sector post-graduation.

  • Andrea Paul

    Registered Nurse from Natoaganeg First Nation and a Master's student at Dalhousie University, is forging a path in healthcare with a focus on integrating traditional practices and modern medicine in her community. Advocating for accessible healthcare, she's leveraging her extensive ER experience towards her goal of opening a family practice and walk-in clinic. Andrea is a respected voice for Indigenous health, balancing critical care nursing with volunteering and empowering the youth in Natoaganeg.

  • Mercedes Stemm

    Proud Mi'kmaw woman, born and raised in Natoaganeg First Nation in New Brunswick. Her spirit name is Woman Who Stands Strong, and she is from the bear clan. Mercedes is currently attending medical school at the University of Manitoba, located in Treaty 1 territory. Mercedes is deeply passionate about giving back to her community and has a strong desire to work with Indigenous populations in the Maritimes. She aspires to return home to her community to serve and contribute to the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

  • Noah Nochasak

    Noah aims to merge his Inuit heritage with healthcare by pursuing a master's in Physiotherapy or a doctorate. His transformative work with the Nunatsiavut Government's Kajak Revival Program reflects his commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment. Amidst the rigors of university, Noah aspires to alleviate the financial pressures through scholarship, enabling him to focus on becoming a healthcare professional and an entrepreneurial leader in adventure tourism within his northern community.

  • Mercedes Sandy

    A prospective architecture student at Athabasca University, is driven by her commitment to providing safe and affordable housing for Indigenous peoples. Mercedes is determined to make a significant impact within the housing and energy sectors, focusing on supporting Indigenous communities by addressing their unique needs and promoting sustainable development.

  • Avery Buckle

    Avery Buckle, currently in the second year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland, is a proud member of the Nunatukavut territory of Labrador. This semester, Avery was honored to receive the Barrington Consultant Scholarship. Grateful for the financial support and the encouragement from a supportive network, Avery expressed deep appreciation for the assistance provided in achieving academic success.