Bearspaw First Nation Education Trust Empowers Young Students

ÎYÂRHE NAKODA — The Ozîja Thiha Education Trust (OTET) is making a significant impact on the educational journeys of Bearspaw First Nation students, as evidenced by the experiences of individuals like Katea Kootenay. After leaving her foster home at the age of 18, Kootenay found herself juggling two full-time jobs alongside her studies in a bid to fulfill her aspiration of becoming a registered counsellor.

Kootenay learned about the scholarships offered by OTET through her cousin, providing her with crucial support during a challenging time. Established by Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon and the council in 2022, the OTET has seen a record number of students, including Kootenay, receiving scholarships for the fall of 2025. “The overall goal for the education trust is to support the Bearspaw Nation members in advancing their educational ventures,” said Rob Shotclose, CEO of Bearspaw First Nation and chairman of OTET. “If they get their education and succeed, they can see the other side of the world.”

The trust disburses funding each spring and fall, providing students with living allowances, travel expenses, and supplies necessary for their studies at accredited institutions. Kootenay described the scholarship as a “blessing,” noting the absence of family support. “The fact that my band supports me with scholarships is amazing, and I’m truly grateful,” she expressed.

Kootenay’s interest in psychology developed while raised in a foster home alongside her brother. After delving into several psychology books, she began to understand the generational trauma that influenced her upbringing. “I realized that my parents’ behaviours stemmed from past traumas,” she stated. This understanding led her to establish her own business, KJ Counseling, in April, coinciding with her studies at Mount Royal University (MRU) in Calgary.

Now in her fourth year at MRU, Kootenay aims to assist other Indigenous students. “It’s just nice to see how Indigenous bands are actually helping other Indigenous students,” she reflected. “When other people help other people, it just creates a ripple effect.”

Another beneficiary of the OTET scholarship, Lonnie Dixon, shared his experiences growing up in Mînî Thnî. He often felt out of place as the only Indigenous student in a non-Indigenous Catholic school. “I had a hard time because I was always treated differently,” Dixon recounted. However, he took his grandparents’ advice to heart, enrolling at the University of Calgary (U of C) to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in international Indigenous studies, a vital step toward his goal of becoming a lawyer.

Dixon emphasized the importance of education, viewing it as a blend of both western and cultural learning. “If I can invest time and energy into a degree, I can do that with my culture too,” he stated. His scholarships from OTET alleviated some financial burdens, allowing him to focus more on his studies rather than worrying about everyday expenses.

He noted that the competition for OTET scholarships is significantly less than that of general scholarships. “This one was specifically made for our community members, which is honestly very beneficial,” he said. Now working as the cultural programs and projects coordinator at the U of C’s Office of Indigenous Engagement, Dixon plans to further his education in law, inspired by his passion for music and social activism.

Dixon aims to empower other Indigenous students to view education as a transformative tool. “When you have that knowledge, your perspectives change for the better,” he explained. “Finally educating myself and learning from elders showed me that we can change our future by embracing both our heritage and the opportunities available to us.”

This year, the OTET distributed a total of $55,700 among 31 students. Most of the funding comes from donations, with additional support from the nation’s investments. “All these companies make a living off of working on our reserves,” Shotclose noted. He emphasized the need for sustainable contributions that truly benefit individuals.

While funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) covers tuition for many First Nation students, Shotclose indicated that this support often falls short due to population growth. “A lot of OTET funding provides help for supplies and living allowances, which is essential,” he explained.

To qualify for the OTET scholarship, applicants must be Bearspaw band members enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution. The trust also extends support to general list members—those with one parent in Bearspaw who are ineligible for ISC funding. “We see a need to help all those connected to Bearspaw,” Shotclose said.

He expressed gratitude to Chief Darcy Dixon and the 2022 council for establishing the trust and recognizing the importance of investing in the education of young band members. “Many leaders may not prioritize such initiatives,” he added. “As we grow, we hope to increase funding for these students.”

For further information or to make a donation, visit: otet.ca. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada, covering the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.