2020 Recipient Stories

Jarrod Thompson – Seabird Island Band

Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation | University of the Fraser Valley
Keegan Combes Memorial Bursary Award Recipient

My name is Jarrod Thompson. I’m from Seabird Island Band. I finished my Dogwood in three months so that I could get into the Heavy Duty Mechanic program at the University of the Fraser Valley. I chose the career of being a Heavy Duty Mechanic to be able to help people when their equipment or trucks are broken down, either on side of the highway or on the job site. I love being able to fix problems with the proper tools and knowledge, as I love problem solving and working with my hands. This is a great opportunity in my life for a change and to have a career.

“I’m very thankful for the bursary. It will help out while I’m going to school. Every thing helps, especially for me and my family. Thanks.”

Niki Watts – Saddle Lake Cree Nation

Master of Arts – Counselling Psychology | Yorkville University
Indigenous Early Years Masters Award Recipient

Niki Watts is a Cree artist from Bella Coola, BC. She was given the Cree name “Happy Cheerful Woman” by her late Mosom (Grandfather) and is also an adopted member of the Nuxalk Nation, her Nuxalk name is “Little Fawn”. Watts is an award-winning artist receiving national recognition through art contests and awards. Watts is finishing her first year of Yorkville University’s Master of Arts Counselling Psychology Program and plans on opening a counselling practice in her community which incorporates counselling, art therapy, and Indigenous healing. Her counselling practice will specialize in working with the young people of Bella Coola.

“I would like to thank New Relationship Trust Foundation for their financial support through their Early Years Scholarship program. I am an Indigenous woman who does not receive sponsorship from my band, since my band is from Alberta, I am not eligible for most scholarships or funding opportunities in BC, as most scholarships are reserved for BC First Nations students only. I am grateful that NRTF offers scholarships to Indigenous students like myself who are from different bands outside of BC but are residents of BC. Finally, a scholarship we can apply for! Thank you for supporting Indigenous students like myself, trying to make a positive difference in our communities!”

Joseph Ledo – Musqueam Indian Band

Doctor of Medicine | McMaster University
First Nations Health Authority Doctorate Award Recipient

Before starting medical school at McMaster University in 2017, Joseph completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of the Fraser Valley in BC. Prior to his degree, he worked as a long-haul truck driver in British Columbia. Joseph wants to complete special training at UBC to practice Indigenous family medicine. He is passionate about social determinants of health and aspires to focus his practice in preventative medicine for the First Nations community. Joseph is from the Musqueam Indian Band in Vancouver, BC.

“I am forever grateful and humbled the support I’ve received from the NRT Foundation for my education. Thank you for the thoughtful contributions and hard work you do to support us first nations learners. Hay čxʷ q̓ə.”

Gage Sippel – Seabird Island Band

Bachelor of Music – Advanced Performance | University of British Columbia
New Relationship Trust Foundation Undergraduate Award Recipient

My name is Gage Sippel and I was raised on Seabird Island First Nation and graduated from Agassiz Elementary Secondary School. I am currently in my third year of my Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Performance at the University of British Columbia. After completion of my degree I intend to pursue a Master’s Degree in Music to further my education in the subject matter. I eventually aspire to have a career as a musician in an orchestra or as faculty with a post-secondary institution.

Kashtin Apsassin – Blueberry River First Nations

Master of Global Business | University of Victoria
Canfor Masters Award Recipient

Born of two worlds, in between both, and carving my own path. I am a young Dane-Zaa professional seeking out the world and everything I can learn from it. I have a passion for intercultural experiences, and finding common ground among different worlds. I am pursuing a Master of Global Business at the University of Victoria, driven by my interest in marketing, international trade, geopolitics, and new cultures and languages. I am positioning myself to be a professional of the future – deeply interconnected to worldly affairs, and intensely sensitive to the nuance of other cultures, whilst seeking to explore my own.

“The NRT has been critical in supporting my journey, self-discovery, and professional development. It is because of this support that I am directly able to succeed in what I put my mind to. To all involved: a sincere thank you. Thank you for everything. “

Melissa McKay – Laxgalts’ap Village Government

Community Economic Development | Simon Fraser University
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph Reconciliation Leaders Bursary Award Recipient

Born of two worlds, in between both, and carving my own path. I am a young Dane-Zaa professional seeking out the world and everything I can learn from it. I have a passion for intercultural experiences, and finding common ground among different worlds. I am pursuing a Master of Global Business at the University of Victoria, driven by my interest in marketing, international trade, geopolitics, and new cultures and languages. I am positioning myself to be a professional of the future – deeply interconnected to worldly affairs, and intensely sensitive to the nuance of other cultures, whilst seeking to explore my own.

“The NRT has been critical in supporting my journey, self-discovery, and professional development. It is because of this support that I am directly able to succeed in what I put my mind to. To all involved: a sincere thank you. Thank you for everything. “

Cole Shackelly – Nooaitch First Nation

Electrical Foundations | British Columbia Institute of Technology
Drillwell Enterprise Bursary Award Recipient

My name is Cole Shackelly and I was born and raised in Merritt British Columbia. I grew up on a small family ranch where I would help look after a small variety of animals such as horses, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys and dogs. I have gained knowledge and skills doing electrical, carpentry, mechanics, hunting, fishing, gathering berries, cultural events, traveling, cooking and baking. I have traveled to the city of Burnaby to pursue a Red Seal Electrical Certificate and eventually hold a business of my own.

Sabrina Stevens – Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government

Computerized Accounting and Automated Office | Canadian Vocational Training Centre
Peace Hills Trust Bursary Award Recipient

My name is Sabrina Stevens and I come from the village of Gitlax’taamiks but currently live in Terrace to attend the program I am enrolled in. I consider myself a reliable, hardworking, and well-respected person. The past two months into my program have been such a good change for my life and I like that I chose to go back to school. My goal is to complete these certificate courses and look into accounting to further my education.