New Dalhousie scholarship for First Nations and Black students

November 23, 2004

New Dalhousie scholarship for First Nations and Black students

by Dawn Morrison

	Dr. David Divine announced the new scholarships at a recent invited speech at the Black Cultural Centre.

Dalhousie University has announced a significant new scholarship program for Black and First Nations students from the Maritimes.

Beginning in the fall of 2005, the Halifax University will offer 10 renewable scholarships, each valued at $3,000 annually, to academically gifted students who begin study in any of Dalhousie's 182 degree programs.

"Dalhousie is determined to accurately reflect the community we serve.  We have a tradition of promoting diversity across the university community, and recognizing that diversity enriches student life and the academic experience for everyone," said Dalhousie University President Tom Traves.       

Dalhousie has operated a program to attract Indigenous Blacks and Mi'kmaq to its Law School since 1989, and the University's transition year program, designed to help students from those communities participate in and succeed at the university is 34 years old.

Professor David Divine, Dalhousie's James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies publicly announced the creation of the scholarships, on Dr. Traves' behalf, during an event recognizing the 21st anniversary of the Black CulturalCentre.

"I was proud and happy to make the announcement at a very appropriate venue," said Professor Divine.  "The Black Cultural Centre celebrates the immense contribution the Black community has made, and continues to make to this region. These scholarships celebrate the leadership and contribution people from both the Black and Native communities will offer to this region and the world for years to come."

The scholarships are open to students from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island who enter Dalhousie from high school, or from another post secondary institution. The awards will go to academically strong First Nations and Black students who have a demonstrated financial need. Details on the application process will be released early in the New Year.