Ontario student receives 2007 RBC Aboriginal Scholarship

Melissa Elliott, a Lower Mohawk from Ohsweken, is one of eight aboriginal students from across Canada to receive a scholarship from RBC this year.

All winners of the 13th annual RBC Aboriginal Student Awards program receive $4,000 annually for their education expenses for a maximum of four years at university or two years at college.

“Investing in the bright future of these individuals is an investment in the future of their communities,” said Harry Wilmot, senior manager, Aboriginal Business Development. “Melissa has demonstrated a capacity for leadership, community involvement and creativity that RBC is proud to recognize.”

Ms. Elliott has been accepted into York University to study International Studies - an area that has interested her since participating in the 2004 Elders and Youth Summit on Six Nations. She was also involved in negotiations with the federal and provincial governments over the former Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia.

The RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program is offered to students currently enrolled in post-secondary studies. Recipients who are interested in pursuing careers in the financial services industry are also considered for summer and post-graduate employment opportunities with RBC. Selections are made by an independent committee of academics from the aboriginal community, and are based on personal and academic achievements as well as individual financial need. To date, RBC has awarded 69 scholarships totalling $834,000 to Aboriginal students in Canada.

RBC has a long-standing relationship with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples and in 2006 donated over $950,000 to support Aboriginal causes. In addition to the Aboriginal Student Awards Program, RBC also supports the Historica Foundation’s heritage programs for Aboriginal students and donated funds to the Dominion Institute to support its Aboriginal Youth Writing Challenge.