Onion Lake Cree Nation woman earns TD scholarship – Saskatoon

One of the recipients of this year’s 25 TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples is from Onion Lake Cree Nation.

“The fact that TD recognized the value of the work I’m doing to award me this scholarship is incredibly meaningful,” Dante Carter said on Friday.

Carter is part of a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission response team for the prairie region and serves as a mentor to Indigenous students. Her goal is to create safe spaces for Indigenous individuals to express themselves freely.

“My grandfather was a survivor of a residential school, and he passed away before there was acceptance of celebrating Indigenous identity,” she explained. “My focus is on making a difference for a future where Indigenous peoples can embrace their identity.”

She is pursuing an interdisciplinary master’s degree specializing in Indigenous knowledge at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her plan is to dedicate the upcoming academic year to writing her thesis on economic abuse and then pursue a PhD.

“This scholarship has had a significant impact, reducing both emotional and financial stress levels,” Carter shared. “I have been advised not to work while writing my thesis starting in September, and this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies without the need for a full-time job.”

Each recipient receives $15,000 per year for up to four years to cover tuition and living expenses. They also have the opportunity for internships with TD and potential job offers upon completing their studies.

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Carter currently works for TD’s Environmental, Social, Governance strategy team and aspires to continue in a similar role after completing her education.

“I want to remain in a position where I can directly impact the well-being and economic success of Indigenous people,” she stated.

The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples program was launched in November 2022 in partnership with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) Canada. It is open to students who are members or citizens of a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community in Canada.

Pheroz Austin, Associate Vice President of Eastern Canada with TD Indigenous Banking Group, mentioned that over 1,200 individuals applied for the scholarship this year.

“The significant increase in applications year-over-year is a true testament to the importance of this program,” Austin commented. “It also reflects TD Bank’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation’s call to action.”

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