Post Secondary Education

The Birdtail Sioux Post-Secondary Education Program supports the participation and success of students in their pursuit of post-secondary education, by investing in their education for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and community.

Post-Secondary Education (PSE) is considered to be increasingly essential in today’s fast-paced knowledge economy. As a Birdtail Sioux First Nation member, you can apply for funding to gain access to post secondary education to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career, personal self actualization, and economic self-sufficiency.

Funding is intended to alleviate the most common barriers to post-secondary education that students face such as, insufficient income, transportation issues, child-care difficulties, and other challenges associated with going to school.

The Post-Secondary Education Program has two distinct areas of assistance:

1. Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP): The program objective is to improve the employability of eligible BSFN students by providing them with funding to access education and skills development at the post-secondary level. The financial support provided will assist students to undergo their academic aspirations.
2. University/College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP): The program objective is to provide financial support to eligible BSFN students who are enrolled in university or college entrance preparation programs offered in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The support provided will enable them to obtain the academic level required for entrance into a college or university credit program.

The Post-Secondary Education Unit receives funding from the Department of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to financially support BSFN students. The funding provided from Indigenous Services Canada is formula driven, meaning Birdtail Sioux First Nation receives a set amount for the academic year, regardless of the number of applications for post-secondary education funding assistance program.

Sponsorship Eligibility:

1. You must be a member from BSFN #284.
2. You must provide proof of acceptance to an eligible educational facility (e.g. college, university). For the list of eligible institutions, please visit: https://www.sacisc.gc.ca/eng/1429541743524/1531402273996
3. You must enroll in an eligible institution that leads to a recognized certificate, diploma, degree or journeyman.
4. You must not owe BSFN funds for any debt or previous sponsorship. If you are in arrears with BSFN, you will be required to make payment arrangements to pay this debt before being considered for further sponsorship funding.
5. You must maintain satisfactory academic standing (C, 60-64 % equivalency).
6. You must submit the completed sponsorship application and supporting documents by the deadlines listed below. Failure to meet these deadlines set out below will result in your application being deferred.

Deadlines