Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at $10,000 awarded annually to an Indigenous student registered full-time in any graduate program at the University of Waterloo, including affiliated and federated institutions. For the purpose of this award, an Indigenous person is one who is a citizen or member of a First Nations community (Status/Non-Status), Métis or Inuit. This fund is made possible by a donation from Dr. Vivek Goel, the University of Waterloo's seventh President and Vice-Chancellor. In 2022, Dr. Goel was given the name 'Ogimaa' by Elder and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and former Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Chief, Myeengun Henry during an Indigenous Commitment Ceremony. The name 'Ogimaa' means leader, and Dr. Goel hopes that this scholarship will help pave the way for new leaders of tomorrow. Selection is based on a combination of academic achievement, demonstrated connection and/or contributions to Indigenous communities through extracurricular and/or volunteer activities, as well as a statement describing what receiving this award would mean to the student in their pursuit of post-secondary studies.