The Indigenous Peoples Partnerships Cluster just finished their 2022/2023 bursary program. The IPPC gave out 8 bursaries at $1,000. The Rotary Club of Belleville selected two students.
Kaycie Brant - St. Lawrence College (the bursary was presented by the Rotary Club Cataraqui Kingston on Belleville's behalf, photo included here). Kaycie Brant is a Mohawk from the Tyendinaga reservation. She is a Mature, First-Generation student who has recently finished the Community and Justice Services Program at St. Lawrence College, and has been accepted to the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University.
Kaycie has faced many challenges as a single mother and the primary caregiver for her mother; however, she has shown dedication to her studies and her community. Kaycie attended a global learning opportunity in Ireland and has volunteered with Street Health.
Kaycie's goal with continuing her education is to apply for Queens Law once she has completed her bachelor's degree with Royal Roads University. Kaycie has just been selected as this year's Valedictorian for St. Lawrence College.
Olivia Adams - Lakehead University (the bursary was presented by President Elect Sharon Hollinsworth of the Rotary Club Lakehead on Belleville's behalf)
“It is an honour to be chosen for the Indigenous Professional Development Bursary. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Rotary Club of Belleville for the generous funding. Thanks to the financial support, I am able to continue my education and fulfill my dreams.
This fall, I will be entering my fourth and final year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Lakehead University. Through my studies and experiences at Lakehead University (LU) and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), I have found my passion to make a difference in my community.
At LU, I am a part of the Lakehead University Nursing Association (LUNA) and Lakehead University Scientists (LUS) Club. Firstly, the upcoming school year will be my four consecutive year with LUNA, in which I have recently been elected as a 4th year collaborative representative. My role and responsibilities include advocating for my classmates questions, comments, and concerns, sharing opportunities and resources, and providing support throughout the school year. Secondly, this upcoming school year will be my third consecutive year as a Co-Director for LUS. LUS focuses on the empowerment of self-identifying women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). My role includes assigning executive positions, delegating tasks, and planning events for throughout the school year.
Also, in my current roles with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and LU, as an Infinite Reach Facilitator and Métis Student Liaison, I host and facilitate cultural and informative events to connect students to the local MNO community councils, and to the various programs, services, and events of the MNO and LU.
In addition, at the TBRHSC I volunteer with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) and I am a member on the Volunteer Advisory Council. Firstly, my main responsibility in the HELP program is to assist in preventing delirium in hospitalized seniors by helping maintain cognitive and physical functioning throughout hospitalization. Also, I train and orient new volunteers to the HELP program. I ensure all trainees are comfortable and have all questions answered prior to starting volunteering independently. Secondly, my role as a member of the Volunteer Advisory Council includes providing feedback, current knowledge, assist with needs assessment, and supporting the TBRHSC organization.
I really enjoy being apart of the community and am passionate about volunteering with patients at the TBRHSC, and supporting my fellow Métis and nursing student at Lakehead University.”