BU student awarded $40K TD scholarship

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This article was published 29/05/2024 (847 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon University student Jayna Maytwayashing is one of 25 recipients of the TD Scholarships for Indigenous Peoples.

Maytwayashing said the scholarship will provide her with significant support as she continues her academic and athletic journey.

“I knew it was a slim chance since only 25 participants were selected out of hundreds of applicants,” she told the Sun on Tuesday. “ I was hopeful, but it was still a shock when I got the call that I won $40,000 and I felt very honoured and humbled.”

The support allows her to focus on her education and basketball, something many Indigenous youth don’t get the chance to do, she said.

“Basketball is special in my life, serving as more than just a sport. It’s a healthy outlet and a happy place. It allows me to be a role model for other Indigenous youth.”

Maytwayashing’s motivation for playing basketball stems from her older sister, who played the sport while they were growing up. Attending her sister’s games inspired Jayna to start playing in middle school, and she found enjoyment and encouragement in the activity.

Her six-foot-one height also contributed to her success in the sport.

Jayna’s achievements extend beyond the university. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in leading Team Manitoba’s U19 Ladies Basketball team to a gold medal victory at the North American Indigenous Games. This accomplishment highlights her talent and dedication both on and off the court.

TD spokesperson Doris Bear said the scholarship for Indigenous Peoples is valued at $15,000 per year for up to four years, covering tuition costs and living expenses.

“We are proud to play a role in supporting students from Indigenous communities in their journeys towards achieving their academic and career ambitions,” Bear said. “It is also our privilege to help connect them with employment opportunities under the program, as well as make our terrific network of colleagues and leaders available to them as part of this experience.”

Terry Goodtrack, president of AFOA Canada, which describes itself as “the centre for excellence for Indigenous management, finance and governance,” emphasized the transformative potential of the scholarship.

“The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples can help transform students’ lives and is also an investment in the future of Indigenous communities. This scholarship helps empower the student recipients to pursue a positive future for themselves and their communities,” he said.

Launched in November 2022, the program provides financial support to students from Indigenous communities. Each recipient is eligible to receive up to $60,000 for tuition and living expenses, depending on the number of years they have left in school.

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