Jim Bourque Scholarship Grant

The Jim Bourque Scholarship honors the legacy of Hon. James W. Bourque, a prominent Cree and Métis figure. It supports Canadian Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary programs in Education, Environmental Studies, Traditional Knowledge, or Telecommunications. Bourque's contributions include serving as a park warden, founding the Fur Institute of Canada, and co-directing the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People. This scholarship promotes education and recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge and leadership.

This scholarship honours the legacy of the late Hon. James W. Bourque, PC. Born in Wandering River, Alberta, Bourque was of Cree and Métis background. At the age of 18 he was elected president of an association of hunters and trappers in Fort Chipewyan before working as a park warden in Wood Buffalo National Park from 1955 to 1963. He served as president of the Métis Association of the Northwest Territories from 1980 to 1982, was deputy minister of renewable resources for the government of the Northwest Territories from 1982 to 1991 and chairman of the Northwest Territories' Commission for Constitutional Development.
In 1984 he founded the Fur Institute of Canada, serving as its chairman for four years. He was named co-director of policy for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People in 1994. On July 1, 1992 he was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council for Canada.

Eligibility

Must be: Enrolled in post-secondary training in Education, Environmental Studies, Traditional Knowledge or Telecommunications; ANDA Canadian Indigenous student.