CEIH Indigenous Student Awards – Applications are now Open Until April 14th
Supporting Indigenous Health Science Students
The Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health currently has 5 award competitions available to Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) enrolled in health programs at UBC Vancouver. Majority of the awards range from $750 to $2500 with one of the awards being for $10,000. Awards are applied through student services first towards tuition and if a student is completing their degree and has already paid their full tuition, they will be refunded via direct deposit. These awards are open to students of the graduate and undergraduate level.
Eligibility Criteria
- First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Inuit, or Métis
- Currently enrolled as a full-time student (24 credit) at UBC Vancouver in an undergraduate or graduate program
- Meet the specific criteria as stated in each of the award descriptions listed below
How to Apply:
Step 1: Please prepare a letter of intent (400 words maximum), in the letter please be sure to include the following prompts. It is recommended that you save a copy of this letter, as it will be helpful when applying for more than one award:
- Please introduce yourself, your Indigenous community or background and why you have applied for the award. Be sure to self-identify based on individual award criteria (see descriptions above).
- Describe your work, personal, and/or volunteer experience with Indigenous peoples and communities.
- Describe your program of study, how it will assist you in achieving your education and career goals and your interest in improving the health of Indigenous peoples.
Step 2: Please review the criteria of each award below, as each award has specific criteria (as outlined above). In your letter of intent, please self- identify based on these criteria.
Step 3: Fill out the UBC Qualtrics questionnaire, each link is provided at the end of the awards’ criteria section.
- Please use Google Chrome or Safari to complete the Qualtrics, there has been issues with the surveys on Firefox.
- UBC Qualtrics is a top-tier survey tool platform that complies with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to ensure survey data is kept secure and is stored and backed up in Canada.
Step 4: Please note that you will be prompted to attach a screenshot copy of your most recently completed semester of grades (24 credits). If applying to the Vancouver Foundation First Nations Scholarship, two letters of reference will be required (one academic and one professional/community).
OPTIONAL: You can update Indigenous Self-Identification or Gender identity in Workday.
Students can apply to more than one award if you meet more than one award criteria.
Award application deadline is April 14th, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Please note that only successful applicants will be notified. If you have any questions or concerns, please email: ceih.awards@ubc.ca
Criteria for each Award
Harold F. and Anne Bedner Award in Health Sciences:
Endowed through a bequest by Anne Margaret Uphill for female Indigenous students who are pursuing a degree in any area of Health Sciences including Medicine. The awards are open to students in any year of study in either undergraduate or graduate programs.
Cindy Jordan-Orlaw Memorial Award in Health Sciences:
Endowment established by the friends and family of Dr. Cindy Jordan-Orlaw for Indigenous students with young families enrolled in a health sciences program at UBC. Born in Inuvik, NWT, Cindy was one of the first Indigenous women and the first Inuit to graduate from the UBC MD program. Following her graduation in 2002, she went on to practice as a family physician in the North and continued to mentor Indigenous students. During her career, Cindy was president of the Northwest Territories Medical Association and Chief Medical Officer of the NWT. This award is based on academic merit with a minimum of 75% average required on the students’ last 24 credits
Vancouver Island Health Authority Award:
Offered by the Vancouver Island Health Authority for Indigenous students enrolled in one of the following programs: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, Speech Language Pathology, or Pharmacy. The award is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. When possible, preference is given to a First Nation, Metis or Inuit student from Vancouver Island, and in the case that no student from the Island is eligible, to a First Nation, Metis or Inuit student from British Columbia.
Vancouver Foundation First Nations Scholarship:
$10,000 scholarship offered through the Vancouver Foundation and Dr. John H. V. Gilbert, for a First Nations student enrolled in a professional degree program in Health or Human Services. This award is based on academic merit with a minimum of 75% average required on the students’ last 24 credits. This application requires two letters of reference from an academic or professional contact.
Award in Medicine for Indigenous Students:
For Indigenous students who demonstrate interest in improving the health of Indigenous people and are in a health-related program. The award is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
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