The College’s first full-ride Indigenous scholarship supports a professional pathway for an Indigenous learner
CALGARY — Bow Valley College is pleased to announce the establishment of a full-ride scholarship for an Indigenous student enrolled in BVC's Legal Assistant Diploma program. This scholarship is made possible with support from Fasken, a premier law firm with over 900 lawyers worldwide, through its Alberta region. This is the first scholarship of its kind in the college's history and a significant step toward greater Indigenous representation in Alberta's legal workforce.
The opportunity is valued at up to $17,000, the Fasken Indigenous Legal Assistant Scholarship covers full tuition, books, and a $750professional wardrobe allowance for an Indigenous student demonstrating financial need. The recipient will also have the opportunity to complete their work-integrated learning practicum with Fasken during their studies. Applications are open now and close July 31, 2026.
"This scholarship reflects our commitment to removing barriers and creating genuine pathways for Indigenous learners into professional careers, while supporting and respecting their culture, knowledge, and unique perspectives,” says Dr. Maurice Manyfingers, Director Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at Bow Valley College. “Our Indigenous framework means ‘to do your best’, to lean into life’s challenges. The scholarship will ease the challenges for one qualified student, allowing them to focus on their education and career.”
An investment in our students is an investment in the futureof Alberta.
“Advancing reconciliation requires action, including taking practical steps to support Indigenous students entering the legal profession. This initiative is about doing that here in Alberta by helping open doors and reducing barriers where we can have a direct impact,” said Alex Kotkas, Managing Partner for Alberta at Fasken.
Indigenous peoples remain significantly underrepresented across Canada's legal profession — a gap that affects both access to justice and the cultural competency of legal institutions. By combining full financial support with [a guaranteed practicum placement / a practicum opportunity] atone of Canada's leading law firms, the scholarship is designed to carry a student from enrollment through to their first professional role.
All of the college’s programs have a Work Integrated Learning component and the partnership builds on an established practicum relationship between Fasken’s Alberta offices and Bow Valley College. Indigenous students with financial need and who are enrolled or planning to enroll in the Legal Assistant Diploma program beginning September 2026 are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications are open now and close July 31, 2026.Apply through the BVC Entrance Awards portal at https://bvcawards.awardspring.ca/prospective/signinor contact awards@bowvalleycollege.cafor more information.
