$100K in bursaries available to N.W.T. students impacted by COVID-19

A new bursary is offering $5,000 to Northwest Territories students whose post-secondary education has been negativelyimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In total, the Hot ts'eeda research support unit will be awarding $100,000 in bursaries, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

Hot ts'eeda is a research support unit funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. It's hosted by the Tch Government and governed primarily by Northwest Territories Indigenous governments.

The Eets'ts'eed bursary is intended for students whose studies are related to health and wellness, which aligns with Hot ts'eeda's mandate to foster research and training in health and wellness.

"Eets'ts'eed" means "support each other" in the Tch language.

Students will need to explain how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their ability to continue their studies and how the bursary would help them continue.

'We want to help if we can'

John B. Zoe, Hot ts'eeda's governing council chair, said in thenews release that there are many different ways the pandemic has impacted students, including accessing technology for distance learning or challenges with child care.

"We do not know all the barriers students may face, but we want to help if we can," Zoe said in the release. "We need to ensure that N.W.T. students can continue their educational path. It is important to the future of the territory."

To get the full $5,000, the applicants need to show they're registered in both fall and winter semesters. Students with children will be able to access an additional amount up to $2,000.

Eligible applicants must:

• Provide proof they are an N.W.T. resident. (Though they can be attending school anywhere.)

• Provide proof of full-time enrolment at a designated post-secondary educational institution or program.

• Be in a program that leads to a licence, certificate, diploma, or degree that fulfils Hot ts'eeda's mandate of fostering research or training in health and wellness.

• Demonstrate that they have been negatively financially impacted by theCOVID-19 pandemic.

The release said priority will be given to Indigenous residents; applicants who identify as First Nation, Inuvialuit, or Mtis must provide proof of membership.

Students can apply online or submit an application through email.