We are pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of our bursary programs. This year, we awarded bursaries to 34 youth! Read more about each recipient below.
BC Orca Bursary Program
Samira – New Westminster
Douglas College – Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, Forensic Psychology
Samira will be completing their Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology at Douglas College with a minor in Criminology. Their goal after school is to work specifically as a substance abuse counsellor with youth through a trauma-centered, culturally respectful, and harm reduction approach. Despite personal challenges and growing up in care, Samira is on the Dean’s List and Honour Roll. Samira plans to pursue a master’s degree in counselling in the future.
Travis – Kamloops
Thompson Rivers University – Bachelor of Science
This recipient chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science at Thompson Rivers University because it is a prerequisite for BCIT’s Sonography program. After school, they want to relocate to a rural community and practice there, providing much-needed services to people who often fall through the cracks in the medical system due to not living in a big city.
Calvin – Victoria
University of Victoria – Bachelor of Science, Double Major in Biology and Environmental Studies
This recipient is entering their final year of a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria. They chose this program to prepare for a career in biology or ecology, with a focus on supporting Indigenous-led conservation and land stewardship. Their studies and work experiences have been intentionally shaped to integrate ecological science with Indigenous knowledge and governance.
Brodie – Sechelt
Simon Fraser University – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
Brodie plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science at Simon Fraser University, focusing on biology, chemistry, anatomy, and health sciences to build a strong foundation for a future in medicine. They chose this path with the goal of becoming a surgeon, driven by a deep interest in the human body and a desire to combine a medical career with meaningful community involvement. Brodie’s vision is to live a life that blends purpose, family, and service to others.
Ali – Vancouver
University of British Columbia – Manufacturing Engineering
This recipient is completing a degree in Manufacturing Engineering with future plans to get their master’s in Mechanical Engineering. They chose this path to build a strong foundation for a career in the electric vehicle industry, with a focus on sustainable manufacturing, battery technology, and green energy integration. Their long-term goal is to help make EVs more accessible and environmentally friendly. Ali is driven by a desire to create lasting impact despite personal and academic challenges.
Soren – Castlegar
Selkirk College – Rural Pre-Medicine
Soren is studying at Selkirk College, where they are building a strong foundation for a future in medicine. They chose Selkirk College’s specialized Rural Pre-Medicine Program because it offers a unique and supportive environment that is ideal for their academic and personal growth as they transition from youth in care to more self-sufficiency in post-secondary. Selkirk College’s Rural Pre-Medicine Program stands out for its focus on rural health, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address healthcare challenges in underserved areas. Motivated by personal experience with chronic kidney disease and inspired by time spent at the Calgary Children’s Hospital, they are pursuing a long-time goal of becoming a doctor. Their studies focus on understanding health disparities, particularly those affecting Indigenous communities, with the long-term aim of opening a kidney health clinic in northern Canada and serving as a family physician.
Stefanie – Penticton
Thompson Rivers University – Human Services Diploma
Stefanie has started her Human Services Diploma at Thompson Rivers University and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia and eventually attend medical school. Inspired by personal experiences and a deep commitment to helping others, Stefanie’s overall goal is to become an emergency doctor. Stefanie’s own healing journey has sparked a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals and children who have faced challenges.
Darcy – Nanaimo
Vancouver Island University – Bachelor of Social Work
Callie – Victoria
University of British Columbia – Bachelor of Science
This recipient is pursuing a Bachelor of Science to attend medical school and become a doctor. Growing up in Northern BC without consistent access to healthcare, they were motivated by firsthand experiences of long wait times and lack of family doctors, especially for families like theirs navigating complex medical and mental health needs. They are passionate about giving back by improving access to care in rural and northern communities and making healthcare more approachable and supportive for all.
Jordynn – Nanaimo
Vancouver Island University – Bachelor of Social Work
This recipient is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program with a minor in sociology. They were recently accepted into a Bachelor of Social Work program. After gaining experience they intend to further their education with a Master of Social Work or a Master of Special Education to make a meaningful impact.
Saffirean – Kamloops
Thompson Rivers University – Bachelors of Arts
Saffirean is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program and wants to double major in social work and psychology. They hope to ultimately pursue a master’s degree, and possibly a PhD. Their career goal is to specialize in art or drama therapy for children, focusing on its long-term benefits, or to establish an organization that provides art therapy to children who have experienced trauma.
Justin – Surrey
University of British Columbia – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The individual is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology. Their goal is to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. They aim to help people with developmental delays, trauma-related communication challenges, and speech impairments, empowering others to find their voices and improve their quality of life.
Christian – Burnaby
Douglas College – Associate of Arts in Psychology
Christian plans to complete a two-year Associate of Arts in Psychology Pre-Bachelor’s program to build a strong foundation in human behaviour and mental health. They intend to transfer into a full Bachelor of Arts in Psychology to become a licensed counselor or therapist. They aim to support people, especially youth and those from challenging backgrounds, who have experienced trauma or mental health difficulties, helping them heal and grow.
Grateful Ukrainian Engineering Student – North Vancouver
Capilano University – Bachelor of Engineering
This recipient is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering at Capilano University. After graduation, they plan to work in an engineering role that supports permanent residency through Express Entry. Their long-term goals include specializing in energy systems, automation, or data-driven solutions, possibly pursuing a master’s degree, and achieving financial independence through a stable engineering career.
Omar – Vancouver
Langara College – General Studies (Arts)/Kinesiology
Omar is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology as they have a strong passion for farming, and their goal is to combine their education and hands-on farm experience across Canada to become a licensed farmer, providing food for their community. In the long term, they hope to build a community with affordable housing and a cooperative approach to living, blending farming, teaching, and innovative community projects.
Camilla – Surrey
Douglas College – Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources
This recipient is enrolled at Douglas College, taking a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Human Resources. They have a passion for working with people and helping them achieve their career goals. They also hope to one day be able to manage their own business.
Nicole – Nanaimo
Vancouver Island University – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This recipient is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. After obtaining their nursing license, they aim to work as a registered nurse in clinical settings. Long-term goals include specializing in areas like pediatric or critical care nursing, pursuing advanced certifications or a master’s degree, and taking on leadership roles to advocate for better patient care and influence healthcare policy.
Htet Htet – Wai Vancouver
Langara College – Social Service Worker Diploma
Htet Htet is currently studying Humanities and Social Sciences at Langara College. They plan to transfer to the University of British Columbia to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work. Their career goal is to work in social services and give back to the community that once supported them. They are passionate about social work and want to support local communities, especially youth, immigrants, and refugees.
Katrina – Kamloops
Thompson Rivers University – Bachelor of Social Work
This recipient is pursuing their Bachelor’s of Social Work and strives to ensure that the system is built in a way that empowers youth, especially Indigenous youth, who are in care. They have many roles in the community advocating for and with young people from care.
Alyssa – Victoria
Camosun College – Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma
This recipient plans to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma at Camosun College. They have a strong interest in biomedical engineering, attributed to previous schooling that focused on neurobiology. They also have interests in aerospace and marine fields. They value the diverse opportunities within engineering and remain open-minded, seeking challenging and dynamic roles.
Meghan – Victoria
Yorkville University – Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Meghan plans to build on their Bachelor of Child and Youth Care by pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). Their long-term goal is to provide counselling services for children and youth within their community. After earning their master’s degree, they hope to work with the counselling team at their current workplace to gain practical experience, clinical supervision, and ongoing support during the early stages of their practice.
Austin – Port Coquitlam
University of British Columbia – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
This recipient plans to complete their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and then pursue a master’s in therapy or psychology. Their long-term goal is to become a school counsellor or therapist specializing in trauma and child welfare, motivated by personal experience and a passion for creating safe, empowering spaces for youth.
Nazanin – Surrey
Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Bachelor of Health Science
Nazanin chose the Health Sciences undergraduate program as a step toward their long-term goal of attending medical school and becoming a physician. This program offers a strong base in biomedical sciences and public health, helping them understand the broader factors influencing health. It also provides opportunities to develop academic knowledge, research experience, and critical thinking skills essential for a future in medicine and making a meaningful impact in healthcare. Their long-term goal is to work in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare, and to contribute to global health efforts, including supporting communities in their home country of Afghanistan when possible.
Daniel – Vancouver
University of British Columbia – Juris Doctor program of the Peter A. Allard School of Law
Mary-Anna – Comox
North Island College – Bachelor of Fine Arts
Krista – Victoria
University of Victoria – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
This recipient chose the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program not only because they find psychology interesting, but it also aligns with their future aspirations. After completing an undergrad degree, they intend to pursue a Masters of Counselling and then work as an accredited counsellor.
Jacob – Maple Ridge
Douglas College – General Studies/Food Sciences
Jacob is passionate about cooking and is working towards a degree in food sciences at Douglas College. Jacob is interested in being a chef at a school and teaching other students. His love for cooking started at a young age and despite challenges growing up, Jacob has persevered and is looking forward to advancing his career.
Read more about the BC Orca Bursary Program.
Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary
Brody – Surrey
University of British Columbia – Indigenous Teacher Education Program
Kieanna – Vernon
University of British Columbia – Bachelor of Science Degree
Kieanna plans to return to UBC Okanagan in the fall to complete their Bachelor of Science degree, where they plan to undertake an Indigenous Studies Capstone Project, focusing on Indigenous perspectives on health and land-based healing. Kieanna ultimately wants to become a doctor and give back to the community.
Savanna – Sechelt
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Sam – Port Moody
University of Alberta – Bachelors in Engineering
Sam plans to complete a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering at the University of Alberta. Their long-term goal is to establish a consulting firm focused on ethical and sustainable mining practices. They are committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities to ensure these communities have a meaningful voice and economic participation in resource projects. Beyond education, they aim to lead initiatives that integrate modern engineering techniques with traditional knowledge.
Tessa – Grand Forks
Simon Fraser University – Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
This recipient is deeply passionate about the science and history of sexuality and its place in our modern day. They plan to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University.
Araya – Victoria
Camosun College – Dental Hygiene Diploma
Araya aims to complete a Dental Hygiene Program at Camosun College and return to northern British Columbia to serve Indigenous communities. They plan to deepen their expertise in preventive care, periodontal therapy, and community health initiatives. Their long-term goal is to help integrate Indigenous perspectives into dental care and education, ensuring future dental hygienists are prepared to provide equitable care.
Read more about the Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary.
Joy MacPhail Bursary
Kathleen – Vancouver
University of British Columbia – Bachelor of Arts
Kathleen plans to attend the University of British Columbia to pursue a Bachelor of Arts and focus on courses related to social justice before continuing into a Social Work program. Kathleen is interested in this area of education because they enjoy helping people. Kathleen is driven by personal experiences with adoption to become someone who can positively contribute to the community.
