Meet the 2024 Recipients of the FNIGC National Student Bursary

Press Release

The First Nations Information Centre (FNIGC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 14th annual National Student Bursary, a program that supports exceptional First Nations students in health, social sciences, and applied sciences programs, or studying issues related to First Nations data sovereignty.

The recipients for the 2024 FNIGC Student Bursary are Jorden Hendry, Palmer Spence, April Quill, and Damien Rodriquez, each of whom received a $2,500 monetary prize, a complimentary registration to FNIGC’s The Fundamentals of OCAP®  online course, and a mentorship opportunity with FNIGC’s First Nations Data Centre.

“Pursuing a post-secondary education has never been more challenging for students, as they face rising tuition and expenses, increased costs of living, and greater competition.” said FNIGC CEO Jonathan Dewar, PhD. “By persevering and completing their studies, these students are not only earning a diploma or a degree, they are also positioning themselves to make meaningful contributions to the future for First Nations across Canada and I’m delighted to offer my congratulations on behalf of FNIGC and its Board of Directors. We are honoured to support your academic endeavours and recognize your accomplishments to date.”

FNIGC received a record number of applications from 158 First Nation students, and we would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work they have put towards their studies.

The FNIGC National Student Bursary program was established in 2011 and has since awarded more than $80,000 to 35 outstanding First Nations post-secondary students. For 2024, four students were selected by a committee established by FNIGC’s Board of Directors.

THE 2024 FNIGC NATIONAL STUDENT BURSARY RECIPIENTS

Jorden Hendry

Jorden Hendry (she/her) is Tsimshian/settler and a member of the Lax Kw’alaams band. Her work is dedicated to promoting the rights and health of Indigenous Peoples by actively working to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism within public health.

Jorden holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Masters of Public Health (MPH) from the University of British Columbia, where she is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which examines health system transformation, focusing on colonial structures and their role in perpetuating racism and health inequities. Her academic work is characterized by a commitment to incorporating anti-racism and Indigenous ways of knowing into multiple levels of governance in the education and health systems.

April Quill

April Quill is a Swampy Cree woman from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation with ties to Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation in Manitoba. Currently a fourth-year Statistics major with a minor in Mathematics at the University of Manitoba, April has tutored for various statistics courses and has also served as a teaching assistant. She is also a math tutor for Indigenous high school students and volunteers for Math Mania, where she engages elementary school children with fun math puzzles.

Beyond mathematics, April is deeply involved in her community and serves as a mentor for the Neechiwaken Peer Mentor Program and as Director of Finance for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the Nellie McClung Trailblazer Award in 2023 and the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award in the Academic Senior category in 2022.

April is currently a research assistant for Dr. Jennifer Protudjer at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, where she applies her statistical skills to allergy studies in children. She has also received the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Indigenous Research Award (2025) and will spend summer 2025 developing new statistical methods in research.

Her future aspirations include pursuing and obtaining a Master’s in Biostatistics and exploring data sovereignty in Indigenous health by using statistics to promote self-determination and improve health outcomes.

Damien Rodriquez

Damien Rodriquez is a proud Moose Cree First Nation member and an intergenerational Indian Residential School Survivor who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie University with support from the Future Generations Foundation (FG Foundation) bursary. As a single father and a passionate advocate for social justice, Damien is working toward becoming a social worker dedicated to serving Indigenous communities.

Growing up in Nova Scotia, Damien witnessed systemic injustices that fueled his drive to create meaningful change. At Dalhousie he is actively involved in leadership programs and workshops that enhance his skills in advocacy, community engagement, and cultural resilience. He also volunteers with the Native Council of Nova Scotia and the Tribal Boxing Club in Dartmouth NS, where he provides mentorship and resources to Indigenous youth.

Balancing parenthood, part-time work and full-time studies, Damien faces many barriers that impact his ability to fully focus on his education. With support from the FG Foundation, he has overcome the financial challenges and continues his path towards empowering families through culturally informed social work. Damien’s journey reflects strength, purpose, and a deep commitment to his community’s future.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-rodriquez-1033a922a/

Instagram: @jaerodriquez902

Palmer Spence

Palmer Spence is a Cree student from Saskatchewan and a recent graduate of the Interactive Design and Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

He grew up in a creative family and has always been drawn to storytelling, visual design and building things that make a difference. His home community of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and cultural background are a strong influence in his work, which includes his culminating project that focuses on designing a language learning app to help young children engage with Indigenous languages in fun and meaningful ways.

Palmer is passionate about user experience (UX), accessibility, and inclusive design. He has maintained a GPA that places him in the upper 4th percentile of his class, has spoken at school events to support and encourage other Indigenous students, and strives to be a positive Indigenous role model through his academic and creative work. Looking ahead, Palmer hopes to keep using design to support culture, creativity, and connection. Outside of school, he enjoys lifting weights, cooking, and experimenting with digital media. He credits his family, instructors, and mentors for helping him grow into the designer and person he is today.

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