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Scholarship & Awards

Our scholarship and awards are given to honour the hard work and dedication of people who support Indigenous children and their families in BC.

Annual Scholarship

Mary Thomas Memorial ECE Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honour and in fond memory of a highly respected Neskonlith Elder, Mary Thomas. Each year, the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) offers one $1000 scholarship for eligible Basic ECE students and one $1500 scholarship for eligible Post-Basic ECE students.

Scholarships are awarded after students have completed either a Basic or Post-Basic ECE Certificate or Diploma program (including all practicum requirements). We encourage all Indigenous educators who have completed a program during the 2021/2022 school year to apply. These scholarships are available for full-time and part-time ECE students who meet the eligibility requirements.

The scholarship is now open and will close at the end of July. Find out how to apply.

Who has received this scholarship in the past?

Who was Elder Mary Thomas?

The Mary Thomas Memorial ECE Scholarship is presented by the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society thanks to the support of the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

Annual Awards

We recognize and appreciate the work of all early childhood educators, especially those who are supporting Indigenous children and their families. We honour those who strive to provide high quality education and care that reflects the culture, history and traditions of our children. We respect the commitment of those who advocate for the rights of Indigenous children and families.

That’s why each year, at the BCACCS Annual Training Conference, we present the Perry Shawana Award and the Aboriginal Child Care Recognition Awards. This is our chance to honour special individuals and groups whose dedication and passion make positive contributions to the field of Indigenous early learning and child care.

Perry Shawana Award

Perry Shawana was an attorney who specialized in Aboriginal issues in the law. An Anishnawbe from the Serpent River First Nation in Northern Ontario, Perry worked tirelessly to advance Aboriginal self-determination and community-based child care programs. Perry played a key role in the founding of the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society in 1995.

Each year, as a tribute to Perry, our Board of Directors presents the Perry Shawana Award to an individual who, through volunteerism, advocacy, policy-making, or research, has contributed to and advanced the notion of the need for safe, nurturing, and high quality child care and early learning services for BC’s Indigenous children.

Who has received this award in the past?

Child Care Recognition Award

Each year, we ask child care professionals to nominate colleagues who are deserving of this special recognition. Our Child Care Recognition Awards aim to honour exceptional role models working in the Indigenous early learning and child care field throughout BC. These inspiring individuals are the champions of our communities. Traditional First Nations and/or Métis language, culture, and practice are celebrated through their passion, dedication, and hard work.

Winners are announced publicly at our annual conference Child Care Award Ceremony in the fall.

Nominations open in June and close in September. Nominate someone today; find out more.

Who has received this award in the past?

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