Maskwacis Cultural College student Jolene Gopher is one of nine 2025 recipients of the Alberta Blue Cross Indigenous Scholarship program.
Gopher is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Cree Language program.
"She is active in her community and helps making skirts and traditional attire," states the April 24 press release.
"Jolene is also a water keeper and wants to use her education to protect and reclaim her language and identity. Her goal is to develop workshops or language resources for her community."
Other recipients include Leeander Young, who is studying the Indigenous Social Work diploma at Yellowhead Tribal College, and Courtney Weber, who is in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at NAIT.
Young grew up in a care facility and wants to help youth and adults who are struggling with their mental health.
Weber is a full-time student athlete and coached the team Alberta Beach Volleyball team in the North American Indigenous Games. She wants to use her degree to host youth volleyball camps and build a volleyball program for Indigenous Youth to compete.
Alberta Blue Cross has been awarding scholarships to Indigenous post secondary students for over 25 years.
The Indigenous Scholarship program provides scholarships of $1,500 that are awarded based on personal goals, financial need and community involvement.
In 2025, the program received a total of 120 applications — 47 more than the 73 applications submitted in 2024. Alberta Blue Cross will begin accepting applications for the 2026 program in September.
