Halifax's Mount Saint Vincent University has announced a massive new investment in supports for Indigenous students.

Philanthropists Scott McCain and Leslie McLean donated $500,000 to establish the L'nu Student Success Bursary Fund — a renewable bursary for full-time Indigenous students pursuing any program at the university. MSVU matched the donation, bringing the total to $1 million.

Financial support for Indigenous students

The renewable bursaries — along with the L'nu Emergency Fund — will go to Indigenous students who need financial help to afford a university education.

Because they're renewable, the awards will continue to be available for up to four years, which means a lot of the stress and uncertainty around financing are gone. Eligible students will continue to receive funds in second, third, and fourth year.

The L'nu Emergency Fund will help students with unexpected circumstances, like sudden travel, child care, and temporary housing.

MSVU's commitment to Indigenous learners

This new bursary fund is just one part of MSVU's ongoing efforts to atone for its part in Canada's residential schools system. In 2021, MSVU formally apologized, and has focused on improving outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous students.

"We are deeply grateful to Scott and Leslie for their very generous gift in support of Indigenous students," said MSVU Vice-Chancellor Ramona Lumpkin. "Theirs is a deep commitment to removing barriers to education, in particular for Indigenous students. And it's a commitment that aligns well with MSVU's dedication to ensuring opportunity and a supportive experience for Indigenous students."

MSVU offers other financial supports for Indigenous students, too, along with a wider scholarship and bursary program. MSVU also hosts a variety of Indigenous resources for those looking to learn more about Indigenous history.

Bursaries and other efforts like these are steps on the path to reconciliation, so kudos to MSVU and its generous donors for making this new Indigenous bursary possible.