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Scholarship Overview

From coast to coast, McElhanney acknowledges the Indigenous Territories we work and reside on. We strive to be trusted partners with Indigenous communities across Western Canada.

With an ongoing commitment to honour, respect, and hear the voices of Indigenous Peoples, our mission is to partner with Indigenous individuals who are considering a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Business Support Services (HR, marketing, communications, finance, IT, etc.), or Administration Services (administrative support). The McElhanney Indigenous Peoples Scholarship provides intergenerational community members with the option of completing or upgrading their education while engaging in hands-on training to support their long-term career goals.

We welcome applications from Indigenous students of all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and other equity-deserving groups.

Selected recipients, currently enrolled in an education program, will receive up to $5,000 to help cover tuition, textbooks, supplies, and living expenses (including on-campus housing), along with a direct internship opportunity. Alternatively, intergenerational community members who choose to focus on hands-on career experience (forgo education option) with McElhanney will be awarded the same amount to use towards career training or as a donation to an Indigenous-owned business, charity, or cause within their local community.

In Honour of Angus Cockney

McElhanney has named the Indigenous Peoples Scholarship in honour of Angus Cockney, in recognition of his professional achievements and his outstanding, positive impact in his Indigenous community.

Angus Cockney is an Indigenous community member and a residential school survivor, born in Tuktoyaktuk, NT. As a young child, Angus was taken to the Inuvik Roman Catholic Residential School, where he spent 13 years of his life. While in the residential school system, Angus took up the sport of cross-country skiing, becoming a national champion skier, and was chosen to accompany the 1989 Robert Swan “Icewalk” expedition to the North Pole as the Canadian member of an international team. Angus is also an accomplished artist. He began creating art based on his culture, his concern for the environment, and his desire to be an educator and spokesperson supporting the Inuit art world and northern peoples. In addition to Angus’ outstanding accomplishments above, Angus has been a land surveyor with McElhanney since 2013. Currently working part-time, Angus spends his other time working at the Bowden Institution penitentiary counselling Indigenous inmates.

How to Apply

Step 1: Select Your Entry Pathway

The McElhanney Indigenous Peoples Scholarship is offered to individuals at various stages of their education and career journey. In your application, please select your scholarship pathway:

  1. Indigenous High School Student – This pathway offers graduating high school students the ability to receive tuition support towards a certificate, diploma, or degree program in STEM, Business, or Administration Services. Recipients will also receive an internship opportunity that aligns with their education program.
  2. Indigenous Academic – This pathway offers current post-secondary students who are looking to continue with or switch into a certificate, diploma, or degree program in STEM, Business, or Administrative Services. Recipients will also receive an internship opportunity that aligns with their education program.
  3. Intergenerational Community Member – This pathway offers experienced community members with the opportunity to grow or switch their profession to STEM, Business, or Administrative Services. Recipients may choose to upgrade their skills through formal education, or simply through career training with McElhanney. Recipients who forego the education component will have the opportunity to donate the award amount to an Indigenous owned business, cause, or charity within their local community.

Step 2: Select Your Career Path

Hands-on career training will be made available through full-time or co-op opportunities, and reserved for individuals who have an interest in one or more of the following career paths. In your application, please select your career path of interest.

Hands-on career training will be made available through full-time or intern opportunities which are reserved for individuals who have an interest in one or more of the following career paths:

Career Path Option 1 – STEM Services:

This career path includes Civil Engineering, Geomatics Engineering and Land Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, or GIS & Remote Sensing.

Career Path 2 – Business Support Services

Career Path Option 2 – Business Support Services:

This career path includes Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Health Safety, Environmental, Finance and Accounting, Business Information Technology or Digital Business.

Career Path Option 3 – Administrative Services:

This career path includes Reception, Project Administration, or Project Coordination.

Click here for more information about our services

Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify for this scholarship, please ensure you meet the following criteria:
  1. You identify as Indigenous / Aboriginal Peoples of Canada (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis).
  2. As a high school student or academic, you showcase proof of enrollment in a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree program at an accredited post-secondary Canadian institution.
  3. As an intergenerational community member, you have an interest in receiving hands-on training in STEM, Business Support Services, or Administration Services.
  4. You have an interest in being employed in a STEM, Business Support Services, or Administration Services career with McElhanney.
McElhanney helmet held in front of indigenous motifs mural

Step 4: Application Instructions

Submit a complete application during one of the two intake periods:

  • September 15th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025
  • January 3rd, 2026 – March 22nd, 2026

Include the following documents to be considered:

  • A resume that summarizes your experience.
  • A cover letter including a personal statement of 1-2 pages that addresses the following questions:
  • Details on your Entry Pathway (Indigenous High School Student, Indigenous Academic, or Intergenerational Community Member).
  • Career Path Option (STEM, business support services, or administration services).
  • Why should you be selected as the recipient of this scholarship?
  • How would this scholarship support your career plans?
APPLY HERE

What We Offer

As the recipient of McElhanney’s Indigenous Peoples Scholarship, you will receive:

Financial Support:

Receive up to $5,000 towards the completion of your education program. Experienced professionals who bypass tuition support will be given the option to donate the funds to their local community.

Mentorship

Industry Mentorship Opportunity:

Be paired up with a McElhanney industry mentor who will support you in achieving your career goals. Together, you will discuss training and career paths that may interest you.

Real-world Experience:

Hands-on Training for Intergenerational Community Members:

Gain hands-on training that you can apply to a career at McElhanney.

Internship Opportunity for Students:

Receive a paid internship that aligns with your career plans and McElhanney’s hiring needs. All scholarship applicants will also be considered for current and upcoming career opportunities, and are encouraged to apply directly at www.mcelhanney.com/careers.

Recognition

Recognition:

We will share your efforts and accomplishments on McElhanney’s website and social media channels (great for your resume or portfolio).