Two bursaries valued at $10,000 each to be awarded annually to Ontario First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at the Masters or Doctoral level who are studying in fields such as aboriginal governance, public administration, social work, architecture and environmental studies. Preference will be given to those candidates who have demonstrated a willingness to use their knowledge and skills to benefit First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis communities. These bursaries will be awarded by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs upon the recommendation of a committee representing all graduate fields of study. Eligible recipients must be Canadian Citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and must meet OSAP’s Ontario Residency requirements. Recipients must also demonstrate financial need.

Endowed in 2008 by Joy Harvie Maclaren (BSC `44, LLD `00 McGill University). Joy was born in Calgary in 1922 and was a passionate supporter and advocate of Aboriginal and Inuit peoples. Continuing the legacy of her father, who was given the honorary title of ‘Old Sun’ in 1962 by the Blackfoot nation in Alberta, Joy was given the name ‘New Sun’ by elders from three Aboriginal tribes; the Blackfoot nation in Alberta, the Mohawk nation in Akwasasne, Quebec, and the Ojibway in Ontario. A special naming ceremony was held at Carleton University’s Alumni Park in 1993 to recognize Joy’s commitment to promoting aboriginal culture and education across Canada. By establishing the New Sun bursaries for Canadian First Nations students, Joy continuind her father’s tradition of supporting the further education of Canadian First Nation peoples in universities across Canada.