Priority System

Refer to our priority list to see how applicants are selected.

Due to limited funding allocated by the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to the Samson Cree Nation for the post secondary education program, the Nipisihkopahk Education Authority has found it necessary to impose restrictions and develop a priority system for sponsorship of students attending post secondary institutions. It is the position of the Samson Cree Nation that the Government of Canada, through its Department of Indian Affairs, has violated and breached its treaty, trust, fiduciary and other obligations to the Samson Cree Nation and its members by limiting and capping post secondary funding.


Applicants will be selected using the priority system listed below. For more information, please contact us.
  1. Priority 1: Continuing Student- A continuing student is a student who is presently enrolled and had successfully completed an academic year in his/her present program for the next academic year or a student who withdrew from their educational institution due to a medical reason which is documented by a valid written medical certificate will be considered a Priority 1 when they re-apply. Priority 1 includes recent high school graduates
  2. Priority 2: Deferred Applicant- Are applicants who were denied funding from Nipisihkopahk Education Authority’s post secondary education for the previous academic year due to lack of allocated funding and who have met all the requirements and deadlines for the current academic year
  3. Priority 3: Returning Student- post secondary student wishing to return to a program of studies after a break in studies and was previously funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada or Samson Cree Nation OR Nipisihkopahk Education Authority’s post secondary education Program.
  4. Priority 4: Mature Student- University and College preparation program or other educational programs deemed as Priority 4 by the Nipisihkopahk Education Authority. Priority 4 will also be assessed to individuals who do not possess their high school diploma and are entering into their first year of a post secondary program.
  5. Priority 5: Probation- Students who have withdrawn or failed fifty (50%) percent or more of their courses in an academic year (for other than medical reasons) or discontinued in their program of study will automatically be placed on probation for two (2) academic years before re-applying for sponsorship.

LATE APPLICANTS


Late applicants will be reviewed by date and will only be considered if funding is available.

For any other questions, please write us at postsecondary@scnea.com or call us at (780) 585-2211.