Indigenous Education

Indigenous Financial Aid

Sponsorship

First Nations Band Sponsorship Guide

  1. Reach Out to Your Band Office: If you believe you may be eligible for Band funding, reach out to your Band office and ask to be connected with the Post-Secondary Counsellor/ Education Coordinator.
  2. Inform Your Counsellor: Let the Counsellor know you’ve applied for a program at RRC Polytech and provide the program’s start date.
  3. Determine Eligibility and Deadlines: Ask about your eligibility for sponsorship, the application process, and if there is a deadline to apply.  Please note that sponsorship availability as well as coverage can vary.
  4. Complete the Application for Band Funding: Request information about the sponsorship application and complete your application. 
  5. Submit Required Documentation: Most Band offices require an Acceptance Letter from the Admissions Officer at RRC Polytech. Be sure to include this with your sponsorship application to the Band. Additional documentation may be required. 
  6. Follow Up: After submitting your application, stay in touch with your Post-Secondary Counsellor to ensure all necessary steps are completed.

Metis Citizen Sponsorship Guide

  1. Contact the Métis Employment & Training (MET) Department: Once you receive an Acceptance Letter from your Admissions Officer at RRC Polytech, reach out to MET to begin the sponsorship application process.
  2. Submit the Client Intake Form: Fill out the Client Intake Form and send it to MET’s Client Services Worker.
  3. Connect with an Employment and Training Counsellor: MET will assign you a Counsellor who will guide you through the sponsorship process and act as your main point of contact.
  4. Gather Necessary Documentation: Be prepared to submit:
    • Acceptance Letter from RRC Polytech
    • Course schedule
    • Official tuition costs
    • Resume
    • Any additional requested documents
  5. Funding Decision: Your Counsellor will present your application to a board for review. If approved, you’ll receive a sponsorship letter detailing the financial support provided.

Eligibility Note: MET typically only funds full-time, in-person programs, including 1-year certificates, two-year diplomas, and the final year of degree programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsorship

How do I know if I qualify for Band or Métis funding?

Contact your Band office or the Metis Employment Training Office to discuss their eligibility criteria. Common requirements include being a registered Band member or a Métis citizen and enrolling in a recognized full-time post-secondary program.

What if I miss my Band’s funding deadline?

Speak to your Post-Secondary Counsellor at the Band office as soon as possible to determine if late applications are accepted. If not, consider alternative funding like bursaries, scholarships, or Manitoba Student Aid.

What should I do if my funding is delayed?

  • Contact your sponsor to inquire about the status of your application.
  • Inform RRC Polytech’s Financial Aid Office at financialaid@rrc.ca about the delay.
  • Explore emergency financial aid options through RRC Polytech or Manitoba Student Aid to cover immediate costs.

What expenses does Band or MET sponsorship typically cover?

Sponsorship availability as well as coverage can vary. You will need to contact your sponsor to ask about possible items that could be covered such as: 

  • Tuition fees
  • Textbooks and required supplies
  • Living allowances 
  • Transportation costs
  • Childcare

Can I apply for sponsorship if I’m in a part-time program?

Most Band and MET sponsorship programs prioritize full-time students. If you’re part-time, you may need to explore alternative funding, but some sponsors may consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

What should I do if I don’t have my Métis citizenship or Status card yet?

Start the application process for your Métis citizenship or Status card as soon as possible. Many sponsorship applications require proof of identity, but MET or Bands may accept confirmation letters if your application is in progress.

What happens if my application for sponsorship is denied?

If denied, ask your Band or MET Counsellor for feedback and clarification. You may appeal the decision if applicable or explore other funding options like bursaries, scholarships, or Manitoba Student Aid.

Manitoba Student Aid

What does Manitoba Student Aid cover?

Manitoba Student Aid offers loans and grants to cover tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes living expenses. Indigenous students may also qualify for additional grants.

How do I apply for Manitoba Student Aid?

Complete the application online on the Manitoba Student Aid website. Ensure you have your program details, financial information, and documents like tax returns ready.

Important: Learn more about Financial Aid at RRC Polytech.

Resources for Awards, Bursaries, Scholarships

Contact Information for Assistance 

Financial Aid Officers

Supports students in navigating and accessing available funding opportunities including Manitoba Student Aid, awards, bursaries, and scholarships.

Email: financialaid@rrc.ca

Navigation Coaches

Navigation Coaches can help future students if they need support and assistance with Band Offices or agencies related to sponsorship or funding.

Learn more about Navigation Coaches ›

Indigenous Admissions Advisor 

Indigenous Admissions Advisor help prospective students explore program options, review admission requirements, navigate the application process, and connect with supports and services at RRC Polytech.

Email: indigenous.advisor@rrc.ca

Sponsorship Form

Note: The information provided is for general information purposes only. Future students are advised to contact relevant agencies or Band Offices directly to determine their sponsorship eligibility, the application process, and the coverage available.

RRC Polytech > Indigenous Education > Free Application for Indigenous Applicants in January 2025 > Indigenous Financial Aid

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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