Awarded annually, on the recommendation of the leadership of the Indigenous Enriched Support Program (IESP,) to an Indigenous student in demonstrated financial need who is entering the Indigenous Enriched Support Program. Preference will be given to students entering the program from Manitoba. Endowed in 2021 by C. Robert Kelly and family.

Established through the generosity of Bob Kelly, an insatiable learner with a passion for giving back that led him to volunteer in a number of countries including Rwanda, Afghanistan, Peru, Mexico and Costa Rica. Bob credits Carleton for providing him with life-changing education and personal connections, which was the impetus behind the Kelly Family Award for Indigenous Students in support of the IESP program. Bob hopes that this award will inspire Indigenous youth to reach their aspirations, by reducing financial barriers to pursue higher education.