Students: Union of Ontario Indians wants your letters

The Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) -- find them on Facebook by searching "Anishinabek Nation" -- is conducting a contest for Anishinabek students interested in winning an autographed framed photo of hockey stars Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin. Here are the details:

The Union of Ontario Indians and the Anishinabek Educational Institute are looking for Anishinabek students who are interested in submitting a letter to the Minister of Indian Affairs Canada indicating: the importance of your post-secondary education; the successes you have achieved; and, the impact that 'lack of funding' has or will have on your future educational endeavours.

Who can submit a letter: Any Anishinabek student attending or will be attending a post-secondary institute (college or university) in September 2010.

The two winning letters will be hand delivered to Minister Strahl. The UOI education director will draw to determine which winner will receive the autographed framed photo of Sidney Crosby, and the autographed framed photo of Alexander Ovechkin. The remaining letters that are submitted will be packaged and forwarded to the minister on your behalf.

More details at the UOI website.

We have LOTS of 'nish students at FNTI so feel free to forward this if you know one!

10 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Winning Scholarships

As a member of the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR), a collection of broadcasters and educators working to increase the contribution and representation of Aboriginal people in the broadcast industry, FNTI participated last week in the adjudication of its annual scholarship. A $5000 award, it is open to any First Nation, Inuit, or Metis Canadian resident working toward a career in journalism or radio/television arts.


It makes the discovery of this blog post a great coincidence. Pay close attention to point #9 on this list: "Put your best effort into your scholarship applications."

Minimal effort brings minimal results. This is your chance to make an impression. Scholarship applications that reflect your effort and pride in your work by carefully following instructions and including well-written essays and strong recommendations, if required, will always rise to the top.

Last week we saw some really great submissions and a few not-so-great submissions. Remember your audience: if it's a need-based scholarship, prove the need; if it's a merit-based scholarship, provide work from your portfolio. Oh, and be passionate!

For more information about scholarships and bursaries available to FNTI learners, click here.