2020 Scholarship Award
Each year, OFNTSC gives out two Student Achievement Awards valued at $2,000 each, and three memorial awards which include the Robert Olivier Memorial Award, The Derrick Kamanga Memorial Award, and The Jay Benedict Memorial Award, valued at $2,000 each.
These awards are given to First Nations students in college or university, who are studying in the science or engineering fields and are intended to encourage them to complete their studies.
At OFNTSC, we believe in a future where our First Nations communities are self-reliant when it comes to technical services, and we know that our youth are key to seeing this vision come to fruition.
Student Achievement Awards
Students who are currently enrolled in a program in the field of science and/or technology are encouraged to apply to our Student Scholarship Awards.
Two Student Achievement Awards will be given out valued at $2,000 each and include an invitation to attend a special OFNTSC event (all expenses paid) to accept the award in person.
For more information on eligibility or to apply, please download the application package below.
Derrick Kamanga Memorial Award
This award will recognize a First Nation student that is working towards a career in the field of engineering. The award honours the memory of Derrick Kamanga, B.A.SC., M.Eng. Derrick’s dedication to the field of water and wastewater engineering has made significant impacts on First Nations delivering safe drinking water to their respective communities.
Derrick participated in many projects during his time with the OFNTSC such as the Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP), Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Guideline/Best Practices booklet, Risk Assessment Study of First Nation Water and Wastewater Systems, introduction of the Multi-Barrier Approach for water treatment systems, a seat on the Advisory Council on Drinking Water Quality and Testing Standards set up by the Ontario Government in the aftermath of the Walkerton Crisis, and many more.
The Derrick Kamanga Memorial Award consists of a bursary of $2,000, a plaque commemorating the student’s achievement and an invitation to attend a special OFNTSC event (all expenses paid) to accept the award in person.
Robert Olivier Memorial Award
This award will recognize a First Nations student that is working towards a career in the field of engineering. This award honours the memory of Robert Maurice Olivier and his dedication to the field of water and wastewater engineering, which has made significant impacts on First Nations delivering safe drinking water to their communities.
The Robert Olivier Memorial Award consists of a bursary of $2,000, a plaque commemorating the student’s achievement, and an invitation to attend a special OFNTSC event (all expenses paid) to accept the award in person.
For more information on eligibility or to apply, please download the application package by clicking below.
Jay Benedict Memorial Award
This award will recognize a First Nations student that is working towards a career in the area of architecture/housing. This award honours the memory of Jay Benedict, who was a board member with OFNTSC from 1995 – 2019. Jay was passionate about seeing First Nations achieve quality housing and infrastructure.
The Jay Benedict memorial award consists of a bursary of $2,000, a plaque commemorating the student’s achievement, and an invitation to attend a special OFNTSC event (all expenses paid) to accept the award in person.
For more information on eligibility or to apply, please download the application package by clicking below.
DOWNLOAD 2020 APPLICATION PACKAGE
2019 Scholarship Award Winners
Emily Oulette
Program: Architectural Technology
School: St. Clair College
Community: Moravian of the Thames
Emily Ouellette was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario – about an hour from Moravian Town. Her family is small but has always been able to share and connect through their shared heritage. Emily shares a passion for native art with her uncle and both create Indigenous crafts. In the future, Emily hopes to contribute to First Nations communities by improving housing sustainability for First Nations and incorporating her passion for the environment.
Brandon Lofstrom
Program: Mechanical Engineering
School: Canadore College
Community: Wawa, Ontario
Brandon Lofstrom grew up in Wawa, Ontario with his family. He has participated in First Nations communities by attending pow wows, cultural meetings and workshops available at his school and town, as well as volunteering at local community events. In the future Brandon hopes to design safer, more efficient and overall better performing infrastructure equipment to protect First Nations residents.
Nyland Hall
Program: Building Construction Technician
School: Algonquin College
Community: Fort Albany First Nation
Nyland Hall grew up in Moosonee and is a member of Fort Albany First Nation. Nyland has fond memories of playing with other First Nation youth in sports tournaments and made lasting friendships. He participates in First Nations communities by working at various summer jobs such as the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario and he spent time travelling to First Nation communities across Ontario. In the future, Nyland hopes to contribute by providing job opportunities through construction and believes trades are a good career path for Indigenous youth. Eventually, Nyland wants to own a construction company.
Skylar Manitowabi
Program: Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology
School: McMaster University
Community: Wikwemikong
Skylar Manitowabi is currently enrolled in the Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology program at McMaster University. Within his family, Skylar is the only one in pursuit of a degree in an engineering-related field. His family values education as a strong foundation to stand upon.