Sharon Morrison Memorial Indigenous Education Fund

Grant
Student Award

Fund History

Quote from Lance Morrision, son of Sharon – “When we moved to Yellowknife 1981, we moved here with no family, no support, and little money. We lived in social housing and for many years, on social assistance. My parents were both high school drop-outs and not a lot of opportunities were available. In 1985, mom decided to make changes. Aurora College was launching a Homecare/Long-Term Care program, and Mom saw her chance to break the cycle of poverty we had always known. After graduating the program, Mom did a placement at Mary Murphy Home, than started at Stanton Regional Hospital’s Extended Care Unit, and after 35 years, she retired from Stanton in 2021. She spent those years teaching generations of nurses that came after her, and inspired many to be the best in compassionate care.“In her later years, she was also passionate about nêhiyawêwin, our ancestral language, and was always excited about Indigenous language and cultural revitalization programs happening in the North. Mom’s traditional name was Red Butterfly Woman and when we look at the lifecycle of the butterfly – from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly – it represents a life of amazing transformation. Therefore, I wanted to ensure those bursaries and grants would also be transformation to their recipients. Mom would be glad her legacy can live on in these recipients for years to come. I have been overwhelmed by the amazing community support that has come from friends and loved-ones over the past few months since the fund was launched. Truly, I am grateful. kinanâskomitin.”

Grants

Activities:

Indigenous language revitalization, cultural revitalization, and reclamation activities

Locations:

NWT

Important Dates

2nd of April 12:01 AM

Application Portal Opens

31st of May, 11:59 PM

Application Portal Closes

2nd of April 12:01 AM

Funds Distributed

This Year's Grant

Amount:

$1,000

Past Grant Recipients

  • 2025: We Always Remember (Healing Workshop and Sharing Circle for Residential School Survivors in Fort Providence)
  • 2024: Dene Nahjo (Hide Camps)

Student Awards

Field of Studies:

Pursuing post-secondary studies in nursing or personal support work

Locations:

Residents of the Northwest Territories for at least 12 consecutive months

Important Dates

2nd of April 12:01 AM

Application Portal Opens

31st of May, 11:59 PM

Application Portal Closes

2nd of April 12:01 AM

Funds Distributed

This Year's Award

Amount:
Recipient:

$2,500

2

 people

Past Award Recipients

  • 2025: Paige Kochon, Victoria Wedzin
  • 2024: Caitlin Seymour, Josephine Martin
  • 2023: Josephine Martin, Patricia Mantla