About
The Ministry of Skills Training, Employment, and Post Secondary (STEPS) offers grants, bursaries, and scholarships to support eligible MNBC Citizens in their employment and education journeys.
Coverage Amount(s)
- Fraser Health Grant: The amount is determined according to each MNBC Citizen’s specific needs.
- Nursing Bursary: This funding is in addition to the 52-week $12,500 allotment and other supports. It may be considered taxable income but does not count toward the recipient’s lifetime maximum. The number and value of scholarships awarded will be based on number of applications received.
- K-12 Métis Teacher Initiative: $2,500.
- STEPS Scholarship Program: Individual awards range from $2,000 to $3,500. The number of recipients and award values depend on the applications received.
Eligibility
Applicants must be MNBC Citizens. Not yet a Citizen? Visit the Apply for Citizenship page to learn more and start your application.
Availability and Deadline
Fraser Health Grant: Currently closed.
Nursing Bursary: Application open October 15, 2026 – November 27, 2026
K-12 Métis Teacher Initiative, and STEPS Scholarship Program: Applications open October 15, 2026 – January 15, 2027
See below for full details.
How to Apply
Grants, Bursaries, and Scholarships
Fraser Health Grant
The intent of this grant remains to attract and retain future employees to the Fraser Health Region, supporting the development of a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce. This grant is in partnership with Fraser Health.
Find your health authority by community name: Search regional health authorities.
Grant amount to be determined for specific MNBC Citizen’s needs.
Eligibility
- Eligibility criteria have been updated to include individuals who are studying and/or residing within the Fraser Health Region.
- Applicants must be studying in a healthcare field.
Applications for this funding are currently closed.
Nursing Bursary
British Columbia, like many regions across Canada, is facing a growing demand for skilled nurses to address the healthcare needs of its population. This need is particularly urgent in Métis communities, where culturally competent care can significantly impact health outcomes.
Having more Métis nurses in the healthcare system ensures that Métis patients receive care from professionals who understand their cultural background and unique needs. It also provides greater visibility and representation within the healthcare workforce, fostering trust and improving communication between patients and providers.
At the heart of this effort is the concept of kaa wiichihitooyahk, meaning “we take care of each other” in Michif. Through initiatives like the Nursing Bursary, MNBC strives to create opportunities for Métis Citizens to thrive, ensuring access to quality education and supporting the growth of a diverse and culturally aware healthcare workforce. By investing in Métis students, MNBC is working toward a future where Métis communities and individuals achieve strong socio-economic outcomes and are connected to their rich culture, heritage, and languages.
Who Can Apply?
MNBC Citizens currently enrolled in Graduate, Undergraduate, or Licensed Practical Nursing programs.
Bursary Value: The number and value of scholarships awarded in each educational stream will be based on the number of application received. MNBC reserves the right to adjust the number of recipients and/or value of the scholarships disbursed.
Eligibility:
- MNBC Citizenship (proof required)
- B.C. residency proof (e.g., B.C. driver’s license)
- Enrollment proof for the current academic year in a B.C. Nursing program
Additional Info
This bursary is in addition to the 52-week $12,500 allotment and other supports. It may be considered taxable income but does not count toward your lifetime maximum.
Applications open: October 15, 2026.
Applications close: November 27, 2026.
K-12 Métis Teacher Initiative
B.C.’s Ministries of Education and Child Care and Post-Secondary and Future Skills have provided funding to MNBC’s Ministries of Education and STEPS to support the recruitment and retention of Métis K-12 teachers.
Direct financial support in the form of bursaries are available to students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program through an approved institution. Students must be currently enrolled in an Education program that would qualify them to apply for a Certificate of Qualification in B.C.
More information is available on the Government of B.C. website. Those enrolled in a Masters or Doctorate education program must be a current educator in the K-12 education system.
Bursary Value: $2,500
Eligibility:
- Must be a MNBC Citizen
- Must be a B.C. resident
- Must be currently enrolled in an Education program that would qualify them to apply for a Certificate of Qualification in BC.
Applications open: October 15, 2026.
Applications close: January 15, 2027.
STEPS Scholarship Program
STEPS will disburse scholarships, with the following educational streams being prioritized in the 2026-2027 fiscal year:
- Trades
- Early Childhood Education
- Counselling/Social Work
The number and value of scholarships awarded in each educational stream will be based on the number of applications received. MNBC reserves the right to adjust the number of recipients and/or value of the scholarships disbursed, as long as individual awards are not less than $2,000 or exceed $3,500.
To apply for a scholarship, individuals must:
- Be a MNBC Citizen and B.C. resident.
- Write an essay (500 words maximum) outlining how they incorporate Métis knowledge, history, and/or culture within their field of study, school, or community.
- Provide one reference letter (300 words maximum) from someone who is unrelated and who can speak to their Métis identity, educational and/or professional background, along with their involvement and community impact. This could include an Elder, Community Leader, Volunteer organization (Chartered Community), professor / teacher, etc.
- Provide proof of registration/enrollment in a certificate, diploma, or degree program, as outlined in the program eligibility list for that fiscal year, at a public post-secondary institution within British Columbia.
- A scholarship adjudication committee made up of MNBC representatives will determine successful recipients based on various criteria including community involvement and cultural impact inferred from the essay and reference letters provided.
Applications open: October 15, 2026.
Applications close: January 15, 2027.
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Educators (ECE) play a critical role in shaping young children’s growth, learning, and development. By investing in Métis ECEs we can strengthen culturally grounded early learning and helps build brighter futures for Métis children, families, and communities.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a recognized ECE certificate, diploma, bachelors, or Masters program in B.C.
Browse Recognized Early Childhood Education Institutions and Programs in B.C.
Trades
Skilled trades are the backbone of strong, resilient communities and a growing economy. Supporting Métis students pursuing careers in the trades helps strengthen British Columbia’s workforce and build brighter futures for Métis individuals, families, and communities.
Eligiblity: Currently enrolled in a program aligned with Skilled Trades BC.
Social Work
Counsellors and social workers make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families by promoting wellness, resilience, and connection. Supporting Métis students in these fields helps expand access to culturally relevant services and strengthen the well-being of Métis individuals, families, and communities.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work, Counselling, or Psychology, leading to a career in social work or professional counselling.