Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts:
The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards (BBMAs) provide $1,000 to $10,000 per year to support Métis Albertans pursuing post-secondary education. The annual application deadline is March 31. Priority is given to first-year students, but non-first-year students are also eligible. You must be a citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government or a member of a Métis Settlement.
The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards (BBMAs) are one of the largest non-governmental sources of student funding for Métis students in Canada. Established in 2001 by Orval Belcourt, Dr. Herb Belcourt, and Georges Brosseau QC — directors of the Canative Housing Corporation — the fund was created to help Métis Albertans realize self-sufficiency through post-secondary education and skills development.
The awards are administered by the Edmonton Community Foundation and cover a portion of education-related costs such as tuition and fees. Award funding is paid directly to your institution — not to you personally — upon receipt of an invoice from your school.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (previously known as the Métis Nation of Alberta) or a member of a Métis Settlement of Alberta. If you are in the process of applying for citizenship or membership, a letter from either organization confirming your application will also be accepted.
- Be a Canadian citizen and a resident of Alberta. You must have resided in the province for at least 12 consecutive months before commencing post-secondary studies, or one of your parents, guardians, or your spouse must be a resident of Alberta.
- Be enrolled or intending to enrol in a full-time post-secondary program at a college or university. Eligible programs include certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, undergraduate programs, academic upgrading, and professional or graduate degree programs. Note that graduate and professional programs must lead to a designated profession or improved employment opportunities.
- Demonstrate financial need — your income or your family’s income must fall below the threshold set for this award.
- Have a demonstrated connection to the Métis community through volunteering, community involvement, or organizational participation.
Priority is given to students entering their first year of post-secondary studies, but students in subsequent years are still eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
An awards panel reviews all applications to ensure the award criteria are met. In addition to eligibility, the panel considers:
- Community involvement — volunteering or active participation in Métis community organizations such as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Settlements, Michif Cultural Connections, Métis Child and Family Services, and others
- Financial need — a clearly demonstrated need for the funding to pursue post-secondary education
- Leadership and resilience — demonstrated leadership skills or the ability to overcome hardship
- Employment potential — whether the program you are enrolled in leads to meaningful employment or advancement for yourself and the Métis community
How Much Can You Get?
Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 per academic year. The exact amount is determined by the awards panel based on your assessed financial need and the strength of your application. The number of awards varies each year.
Funding covers education-related costs such as tuition and fees. It cannot be used for travel or general living expenses. Upon selection, an arrangement is made directly with your institution — the funds are transferred to the school upon receipt of an invoice, not paid to you directly.
Pro Tip:
The deadline is March 31 each year and successful recipients are notified by email in July. Apply as early as possible and ensure your reference form and marks are ready well before the deadline — a complete application gives you the best chance of being selected.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Edmonton Community Foundation online portal. Before applying, gather the following:
- Proof of Métis citizenship or membership — your Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizenship card, your Alberta Métis Settlement membership card, or a letter from either organization confirming you have applied for membership
- A copy of your most recent marks — grades from your MyPass Alberta account are accepted; an official transcript is not required
- One completed BBMA Reference Form — from a teacher, employer, volunteer contact, or community member who can speak to your community involvement, leadership, or character. Additional reference forms may be submitted but are optional
- A budget — a clear outline of your education-related costs and other funding sources you have secured or applied for, demonstrating your financial need
Your application should also include a personal statement or responses explaining how you are connected to the Métis community, how you will contribute to its advancement, and how this award will help you reach your educational and career goals.
The annual application deadline is March 31. Selected recipients are notified by email in July.
Other Alberta Student Aid Options
The BBMAs are one piece of a broader funding picture available to Métis students in Alberta. You may also be eligible for:
- Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy — federal non-repayable funding through the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
- Alberta Student Grant for Full-Time Students — up to $425/month in provincial non-repayable funding based on financial need
- Alberta Student Loans — provincial loans to help cover tuition, books, and living costs
- Canada Student Grants — federal non-repayable grants assessed through your Alberta Student Aid application
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
