The MNBC Ministry of STEPS (Skills Training, Employment & Post Secondary) has the funding resources needed to help you take the next step in your employment or education journey.
Please find information below on the Grants, Bursaries, and Scholarships that are available through the Ministry of STEPS, that you may be eligible for:
Nursing Bursary
MNBC Citizens currently enrolled in Graduate, Undergraduate, or Licensed Practical Nursing programs can apply for the MNBC Nursing Bursary to receive support during their training.
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. According to a British Columbia Institute of Technology report, nurses are the No. 1 in-demand healthcare job in the province. The MNBC Nursing Bursary, now in its second year of availability, continues to support Métis nurses in the healthcare sector to ensure that Métis patients receive care from professionals who understand their cultural background and unique needs. 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. This value emphasizes the importance of mutual support and community care, aligning with MNBC’s mission to represent the rights, recognition, and well-being of Métis Citizens across British Columbia. 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.
Eligibility:
- MNBC Citizenship (proof required)
- B.C. residency proof (e.g., B.C. driver’s license, BCID)
- 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: January 15, 2027.
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.
K-12 Métis Teacher Initiative
BC's Ministries of Education and Child Care and Post-Secondary and Future Skills have provided funding to MNBC's Ministries of Education and STEPS (Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary Education) to support the recruitment and retention of Métis K-12 teachers. Direct financial support for students pursuing teaching as a career is available in the form of a bursary. Bursaries are available to students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program at Approved teacher education programs - Province of British Columbia. Must be currently enrolled in an Education program that would qualify them to apply for a Certificate of Qualification in BC. More information here. 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:
- MNBC Citizenship (proof required)
- B.C. residency proof (e.g., B.C. driver’s license, BCID)
- Enrolled in a Bachelor of Education Program
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 2026-27 fiscal year:
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 in accordance with MNBC guidelines
- 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.
Additional Info:
Any of these bursaries, scholarships, or grants are 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.