2021 Recipient Stories

Eleanor Abbott – Skwah First Nation

Practical Nursing Diploma | Sprott Shaw College
Keegan Combes Memorial Bursary Award Recipient

I am a 47 year old single mother of one child, working full time to pay for school on my own. I am from Chilliwack, BC and live in my home community of Skwah First Nation. My career goal is to complete the LPN Program, work for a FN community for a few years, then continue on with my education and my final career will be to become a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree. I believe I am never to old to continuously learn and educate myself.

Kristy McLeod – Metis Nation British Columbia

Doctor of Philosophy – Educational Studies | University of Victoria
NIB Trust Doctorate Award Recipient

Taanishi. My name is Kristy McLeod. I am currently in the first year of my PhD in Educational Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Victoria. I am focusing on how to better meet the learning needs of Indigenous students in a variety of learning environments. I am married with three children and two grandchildren. My future aspirations are to work with Indigenous communities and find ways to share and explore Indigenous ways of knowing and learning through curriculum.

“I would like to sincerely to thank NIB Trust Fund and the NRT Foundation Post-Secondary Awards who have supported me in being able to continue my education and strive to reach goals that were once just dreams. Meeting financial demands has been one of the biggest considerations throughout my educational journey. This is the first time that I have the bounty of being able to focus most of my attention on my studies. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Maarsii.”

Elainah Andrew – Líl̓wat Nation

Bachelor of Dental Science | University of British Columbia
First Nations Health Authority Undergraduate Award Recipient

Hi I’m Elainah, I am currently in my fourth and final year of my bachelors degree in dental science at UBC. My current goals are to eventually return to school to become a DMD or to receive my masters. I would really like to thank everyone at New Relationship Trust Foundation and First Nations Health Authority for supporting me throughout my last four years, I would not be where I am today without your generosity.

Chelsea Gladstone – Skidegate Band Council

Juris Doctor | University of British Columbia
New Relationship Trust Foundation Masters Award Recipient

My ancestral name is Xanjuu Gwang which translates as “travelling around” in the Haida language. I am from the Ts’aahl eagle clan and a member of the Haida Nation. In May 2019, I became the first member of my family to graduate from university and I did so with a degree in First Nations and Indigenous Studies, as well as Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice from UBC. I am currently in my first year in law school at Peter A. Allard School of Law where I hope to acquire the necessary skills that I will need to be a strong advocate for Indigenous rights. My community on Haida Gwaii and our needs as a nation to have more representation in the legal field is my primary motivation for pursuing law school. I am committed to learning how to use the law as a tool to transform our society and restore balance for future generations.

Zack Martin – Saik’uz First Nation

Power Engineering Technology | Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Canfor Bursary Award Recipient

My name is Zack Martin. I am a part of Saik’uz First Nation and grew up just outside of Vanderhoof, BC. My current goals are to finish my program in Power Engineering Technology and find a job that has opportunities to grow in or finish a degree in engineering.

Byron Bob – Coldwater Indian Band

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Thompson Rivers University
Drillwell Enterprises Undergraduate Award Recipient

Hello! My name is Byron. I am from Coldwater First Nation and I am currently in my third year of my Bachelor of Arts with a Psychology Major at Thompson Rivers University. I also work as an Education Coordinator Assistant with Skeetchestn Indian Band and I have always wanted to go back to school to finish my degree. I am now on my way to finishing my goals, much thanks to the New Relationship Trust Foundation and Drillwell Enterprises! I strongly believe that it is our job as First Nations People, to go out in the world and achieve your dreams and goals, and bring back what you have learned, to your community and people. DREAM, SET GOALS, & ACHIEVE.

Mackenzie Hall – Skowkale First Nation

Associate of Arts – Commerce & Business | Langara College
Peace Hills Trust Bursary Award Recipient

Hello, my name is Mackenzie Hall and I’m from Skowkale First Nation, located in Chilliwack, BC. My traditional name is Siyamoteniya which is the female version of SIyamolten, my grandfathers name. I will be attending Langara College for 2 years with the Aboriginal Transfer Program, and then I will transfer to UBC Sauder School of Business. My overall plan is to achieve my masters at Sauder and find an adequate job where I can excel as a leader. I want to improve the reserve-governance system by helping Indigenous communities have jurisdiction over their lands and resources through economic development and taxation.