Scholarship Value $2,500

Number of Scholarships 1

Brian Nadjiwon Memorial Scholarship — Overview

The Engineering and Geoscience Education Foundation BC has expressed interest in creating the Brian Nadjiwon Memorial Scholarship, a $2,500 award intended for Indigenous undergraduate students studying earth sciences or geoscience at post‑secondary institutions in British Columbia.

Background

The scholarship was put forward by Brent Nadjiwon together with Dr. Leonora King, Geography Instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, in memory of Brent’s brother, Brian Nadjiwon. Brian — originally from Ontario and a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation — passed away in 2020 at age 59. At the time of his death he was pursuing studies in IT and Geography at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Brian was an enthusiastic learner with a deep interest in geoscience and had hoped to continue into graduate research, particularly on large‑scale tectonic and seismic activity in the Pacific Northwest. This award is intended to honor his passion and the research goals he was unable to realize.

Eligibility

• Applicants must self‑identify as Indigenous through their institution’s Indigenous student office.
• Applicants must be enrolled in—or planning to enroll in—a geoscience or earth sciences program at a British Columbia post‑secondary institution.
• Residency outside BC is acceptable provided the student is registered at a BC post‑secondary institution.

Application assessment

Applications will be judged primarily on a written essay (maximum two pages), supported by academic transcripts (required) and optional supporting documentation such as letters of reference. The evaluation breakdown is:

• Essay — 90%: Applicants should address (a) their motivation for choosing geoscience, (b) their education and career objectives and the steps they will take to succeed, and (c) any barriers they have faced and how those have been or will be overcome.
• Transcripts — 10%: Academic records are required but need not demonstrate outstanding grades. If transcripts reflect past academic challenges, applicants are encouraged to explain these issues in the essay or with supporting materials.
• Supporting materials: Optional; can strengthen an application when applicants have significant mitigating circumstances (for example, letters of support).

Selection committee

Applications will be reviewed by a panel that includes at least two professional geoscientists (P.Geo.).