Nellie Makokis Carlson Commemorative Student Award

The Nellie Makokis Carlson Commemorative Student Award honours Indigenous activist, Nellie Makois Carlson, and all she has done for Indigenous rights. We celebrate her memory by awarding three hard-working mothers and/or primary caregivers working toward making a better future for their children.

Three successful applicants will be chosen, for an award of $1,000.00 each.

Criteria

• Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary studies (open to all fields of studies).
• Award is intended for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people, who are single parents.
• Open to all age groups.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

2022 Winners

Carmen Poitras

My Name is Carmen Poitras, and I am a single parent with 3 children. I am a second year Master’s student in distance education. Modern technology is allowing Indigenous students to remain in their community while obtaining a post secondary education.

Going back to school was a big decision for me and my family, it meant we would have to make sacrifices and change the way we lived. Whine I was accepted into the program I was excited but at the same time I was worried about finances so I stared applying for scholarships to offset costs.

People don’t really think about the emotional aspect of education, to be stressed out, worry about finances especially when you do not have support from your community due to budget restraints. I want my children to be involved in extracurricular activities but it is hard when my money is going to tuition and books. Without financial support my kids will watch me struggle. I want to be their role model, not a reason to worry.

I want to thank the Native Womens Association of Canada for listening to my vision to develop an equitable society in which Indigenous voices are heard on every level. On behalf of me and my three children, Hiy Hiy.

Serenity Saphire Moar

I am very grateful to be accepting this award my name is Serenity Moar I am a 22 year old Ojibway woman from O-Chi-Chak Ko Sipi. I am pursing a career in the electrical field, I am currently doing my level one. Myself and my two boys are vey grateful for this award. This will help me pursue my career and schooling thank you for choosing me for Nellie Makokis Carlson Student Award for 2022.

Sierra Ettawacappo

Tansi, my name is Sierra, I am from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House), and Ditibineya-ziibiing First Nation (Rolling River). I am a 4^th year undergrad student with a major in Native Studies and minor in Gender Women Studies. I am the single mother of 2 kids, a 4-year-old and 11-month-old, and despite how wild they can be I could not have asked for more beautiful, smart, funny, and kind children! I am also the descendant of Residential School and 60's Scoop survivors. When I graduate, I hope to work with Indigenous people who have found themselves involved with the Canadian Criminal Justice System.

Thank you so much for selecting me to be a recipient of this award, it truly gives me the confidence boost and acknowledgement any student craves during their studies!

Kinanawskomitin/Miigwetch

Previous winners:

2021 winners:

• Amelia Fox
• Charisma Castle
• Lori Deets