“This year’s incoming scholars really impressed the panelists in their interviews, showing incredible potential to lead, inspire, and make a difference — both here at UM and wherever their paths take them,” says Jane Lastra, Associate Registrar and Director, Financial Aid & Awards.

“We are proud to support each and every one of these deserving scholars and future leaders.”

This year, the Indigenous scholarship program celebrates 10 years. UM is committed, with the help of partners like BMO Financial Group, to fostering the development of the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

“This program has been empowering Indigenous students for a decade now,” notes Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, Director of Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations.

“It’s been very exciting and rewarding to see these new scholars coming into the program each year and as they move through their studies and on to careers. The ongoing success of Indigenous students is key to the strength and vitality of our province and the world,” she says.

These three deserving students are recipients of a BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship: Presley Barnbrook (Westwood Collegiate); Brandt Cochrane (Fisher Branch Collegiate); and Sophie Piché (Gray Academy of Jewish Education).

Six deserving students also have been awarded a BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship: Talia Kagan (Gray Academy of Jewish Education); Nathan Jay de Guzman (École Secondaire Sisler High School); Fareedah Folakemi Ibitoye (Dakota Collegiate); Sabrina Mehmood Batla (St. Mary’s Academy); Verina Ibrahim (St. Maurice High School); Mark Nashed (St. Paul’s High School).

Meet four of the recipients, the next generation of scholars who will shape our world’s future.

Brandt Cochrane.

Brandt Cochrane (BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship), a proud Cree student from Fisher Branch, Manitoba, is graduating from Fisher Branch Collegiate and will be pursuing Civil Engineering at UM. He is eager to use engineering to address real challenges in Indigenous communities, such as clean water access, housing and sustainable infrastructure. “I want to design solutions that improve lives while respecting the land and our traditions,” he says.

Cochrane embraces both his Cree identity and the Ukrainian heritage of his community, participating in Ukrainian folk dancing as a celebration of both cultures. He is deeply committed to community, having served as a youth director in the provincial government and as president of his high school where he led food hamper drives and fundraisers. He also has a passion for athletics, coaching various youth teams and playing for the Peguis Juniors, a Junior B team. “Hockey has taught me resilience,” he says, reflecting on overcoming racism on the ice with dignity and determination. “Coaching gave me the chance to mentor young players and encourage teamwork and provides a healthy outlet for their energy,” he adds. His experiences have taught him that “leadership is not just about taking charge but about listening, understanding and acting with compassion.”

Inspired by his great-grandmother, who taught him piano, Cochrane developed a love for music and the arts. He credits his mother and grandmother as the strongest influences in his life, guiding him through personal hardships with strength and love. He says that his biggest goal is to make them proud.

Cochrane looks forward to joining a university that values inclusivity and Indigenous success. He says, “I want to be part of a place that respects everyone and helps students like me return home and lift up our communities.”

Presley Barnbrook.

Presley Barnbrook (BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) is a proud Métis student graduating from Westwood Collegiate in Winnipeg, who previously attended Abbotsford Senior Secondary School in BC. Having lived in both provinces, she says Manitoba’s warmth and sense of community drew her to the University of Manitoba, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Barnbrook is an enthusiastic leader and advocate. As a member of the Indigenous Youth Council for her school division, she collaborated with peers to strengthen cultural programming and increase student engagement. “We aimed to improve access to Indigenous support and increase involvement in Indigenous traditions,” she says. She also led her school’s Youth in Philanthropy committee, helping direct grants to local charities, and served on student council, where she organized events that build school spirit and supported various causes. These experiences have shown her the power of community and the importance of giving back.

Barnbrook has a passion for dance and the arts and has been a competitive dancer for over 11 years, participating in advanced ensembles and mentoring younger dancers. Dance has taught her discipline, teamwork and how to express emotion through movement — and the “importance of challenging myself in order to see growth.”

At university, Barnbrook looks forward to participating in ceremonies like the Sweat Lodge and continuing to grow in her Métis identity. Her goals include completing a degree in four years, tutoring fellow students and helping others feel empowered in their academic journeys. “I’m excited to see what I can achieve by continuing to push myself every day,” she says.

Fareedah Ibitoye.

Fareedah Folakemi Ibitoye (BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) is an accomplished, driven graduate of Winnipeg’s Dakota Collegiate with a long-term goal of becoming a gynecologist. To start, she will major in biological sciences at UM,  inspired by Professor Ayush Kumar’s research on Gram-negative bacteria and their antibiotic resistance. “His work made me want to embark on my own research journey with a focus on the female body,” she says.

She chose UM because of its flexibility and available resources, and, she adds, “I’m eager to be a part of a community that understands the importance of diversity.”

As vice-president of the Healthy Muslim Families Youth Club, she has helped lead initiatives such as publishing a simplified Islamic history book, curating a halal map of Winnipeg and organizing cultural events for Muslim youth. She also hosts a community-focused show in collaboration with U-Multicultural Studios and hopes to expand it independently.

In her spare time, Ibitoye enjoys baking and researching the science behind it, and a future goal is to create a cookbook that’s a fusion of Western and Nigerian baked goods. Inspired by her love of baking and her own childhood experience, where cake was a luxury, she also volunteers with Cakes for Kids. “It lets me make an impact on other people’s lives so they can have happier birthdays like everyone deserves,” she says. Ibitoye is involved in other volunteer work as well, including working as a gift shop attendant and way finder at Victoria Hospital.

“I want to be someone other people like me can look up to,” says Ibitoye. “And I will continue to break stereotypes of being a black Muslim girl by trying my best to make groundbreaking achievements and continuing my passion for public speaking, for equity and for a world free of stereotyping and discrimination.”

Nathan de Guzman.

Nathan de Guzman (BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) graduated this June from École Secondaire Sisler High School and plans to pursue studies in dentistry. As an accomplished and high-achieving student in academics and athletics, de Guzman has a passion for the mysteries of science — but his pursuit of a medical career is rooted in his desire to help people. “Out of all its uses, my favourite use of science is its ability to help people both physically and mentally,” he says.

Previously enrolled in a dual-credit course with the university, de Guzman has already experienced campus life and values the opportunity to meet more like-minded people in a community that helps him grow in both character and knowledge. He sees UM as the best combination of the necessary academics and an encouraging student environment that will feed his strong desire to improve, learn and explore.

Art has been a lifelong pursuit for de Guzman, leading him to enhance and expand his skills with different tools and new mediums. He especially appreciates the flexibility and self-healing aspect of art. As an extension of his creativity and interest in art, he volunteers with St. Boniface Hospital’s Art at the Bedside Program, offering patients the same creative outlet.

de Guzman enjoys opportunities to give back to community. He has been a co-leader of INSPIRE, a student group focused on literacy and educational equity, and a volunteer with Harvest Manitoba, preparing food for families in need.

For him, leadership goes beyond the ability to give instructions. Rather, it is based in service: “Leadership is one’s ability to thrive under pressure, remain calm in the face of conflict and guide others in a way that tends to their individual needs and brings about the best in each person,” he says.

He looks forward to continuing his academic and creative journey at the University of Manitoba.

Become a BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow

Visit Financial Aid and Awards for more information on the BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow scholarships and the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarships.

Nine remarkable and well-rounded students who demonstrate strong leadership, community involvement and high academic achievement have been selected as BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow and BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow. Each scholarship is valued at $16,000 over four years of study.

“Incoming scholars impressed our interview panels with their potential to inspire and lead both in academia and beyond, promising to be influential role models at UM and in their future endeavors,” says Jane Lastra, Associate Registrar and Director, Financial Aid & Awards.

2024 BMO FINANCIAL GROUP LEADER OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Feliciaa Baldner (École Secondaire Kelvin High School), Celina Casiano, (Fort Richmond Collegiate), Larry Denisiuk (Springfield Collegiate), Kultaj Kaur (Miles Macdonell Collegiate), Aliyah Ogunfowora (Kildonan East Collegiate), Hargun Uppal (Maples Collegiate Institute)

Larry Denisiuk

Larry Denisiuk is graduating from Springfield Collegiate in Oakbank, MB, where his natural curiosity led him to an interest in Morse code and microscopes. While Morse code is more of a hobby, his interest in microscopy is leading him to pursue a career in the field of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, with the first step working towards his Bachelor of Science (Honours) with the Co-op option in Microbiology.

He’s excited to come to UM and grateful for receiving the scholarship.

“The Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship provides major support for me financially… allowing me to focus more on my studies,” says Denisiuk. “In addition, it serves as an inspiration for me to challenge myself and dream big.”

Honing his diplomatic skills in his high school’s Youth Parliament, Denisiuk has learned it’s important to make all participants feel included when discussing the issues of the day.

Denisiuk spent a summer as an intern at the Experimental Lakes area, learning about the emerging issues affecting lakes and this summer he is interning at Selkirk Hospital.

He also tutors fellow students in math and science, teaches percussion at his high school band camp, takes part in his school’s “Halloween for Hunger” food drive and volunteers at the Oakbank Animal Hospital. He enjoys playing badminton and hockey.

Aliyah Ogunfowora

For Aliyah Ogunfowora, the University of Manitoba’s interdisciplinary health program from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Arts seems like a natural fit. With an enthusiasm for the sciences and the humanities, she is confident this program will allow her to pursue both her interests. She is also excited about taking advantage of the research opportunities available at UM.

“This scholarship means a lot to me. It would not only alleviate financial barriers but also empower me to further contribute to my academic and community pursuits,” says Ogunfowora.

Graduating from Kildonan East Collegiate, Ogunfowora has been active in her high school as a grade representative for four years, a student organizer for the Black History Month committee, and as the leader of a delegation for the Model United Nations in her school.

She has a love of literature, language and theatre, and is intrigued by the way these can promote understanding between cultures.

She has participated in Youth for Community, fundraised for winter essentials for the Main Street Project, and raised money and wrote letters in support of Ukrainian families that were affected by the war. She also volunteers at Concordia Hospital.

“I look forward to using this opportunity to pursue my goals and contribute to my community,” she says.

2024 BMO FINANCIAL GROUP INDIGENOUS LEADER OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Mackaila Bruce-Tapley (Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard), Ava Kriskovic (Collège Garden City Collegiate), Ethan Temmerman (Collège Churchill)

Mackaila Bruce-Tapley

Mackaila Bruce-Tapley is a proud member of the Red River Métis from St. Laurent, Manitoba. She is graduating from Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard.

Bruce-Tapley says her involvement in the Sun Dance ceremony, as well as other sacred ceremonies, has inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. “My goal is to braid together Western medicine with my traditional teachings,” she says.

Bruce-Tapley has been active in her school community. She led the creation of an Indigenous student art gallery in her school, developed a presentation to educate elementary school children about the numbered treaties between Canada and Indigenous peoples, and led smudging and drumming ceremonies to support health and wellness.

An avid athlete, Bruce-Tapley plays box lacrosse, serving as assistant captain for Manitoba’s North American Indigenous Games U19 female team, as well as playing for Manitoba’s provincial U22 box lacrosse team. She also plays, and refs, hockey.

Outside of school, she is a youth representative in the Manitoba Métis Federation and participates in Manitoba’s Student Advisory Council.

“I am excited to meet many more Indigenous people like me who have the same goals and passions that I do,” she says. “I’m also excited to be able to celebrate my culture through the immense selection of ceremonies the University of Manitoba has to offer, such as sweat lodges, smudging ceremonies, as well as learning lessons from the elders and the aunties at Migizii Agamik.”

Ava Kriscovic

Ava Kriskovic plays clarinet in the Collège Garden City Collegiate Institute’s high school band. She is excited to come to UM to start her studies in biology and connect with members of the Indigenous community at UM.

“I am half Ojibway and half Croatian,” says Kriskovic, “both of my cultural identities are extremely crucial to me.”

Every summer, Kriskovic is involved in helping organize her home community of Skownan First Nation’s Treaty Days activities. She has also been learning how to bead and was asked to make a beaded set for someone’s regalia.

Kriskovic also participates in the Croatian pavilion in Folklorama and is a science, English and clarinet tutor to other students in her school.

“When I learned that I was selected for the award, I was extremely happy and proud of how far I have come,” says Kriskovic. “This scholarship will help with my future plans by allowing me to focus on my academics, instead of worrying about the costs of school.”

One of her goals is to become the first person in her family to complete university, while maintaining her cultural values.

“I continue to reach these goals by recognizing that it requires more than having a willingness to complete things,” says Kriskovic. “You need practice and self-discipline which I have taught myself over the years.”

Ethan Temmerman

Ethan Temmerman is graduating from Collège Churchill in Winnipeg, where he was the captain of the football team, and played hockey and basketball. He will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba.

“I want to attend the University of Manitoba for its science related research programs,” says Temmerman who has toured the Bannatyne and Fort Garry Campuses, learning more about Ongomiizwin – Education and Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge.

A band member of Ebb and Flow First Nation, one of Temmerman’s goals is to “learn more about my culture and heritage through learning, growing and connecting with my community and through Indigenous Teachings.”

In addition to his participation in sports, which he says has “helped me grow as an athlete and a person, teaching me work ethic, commitment, accountability and teamwork,” Temmerman has a keen interest in animals – especially reptiles and amphibians and has volunteered at a pet store and a veterinary office.

Temmerman has also volunteered at his local community centre and was part of a project that planted over a thousand trees along the riverbank in his community.

“I feel honoured to be chosen as an Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow and plan to continue to develop my leadership abilities at the University of Manitoba,” he says. “One of my goals is to one day mentor others to support and benefit them in accomplishing their goals.”

Become a BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow

Visit Financial Aid and Awards for more information on the BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow scholarships and the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarships.

UM student, Willow Allen, has been amplifying Inuit voices and culture for years from her home in Inuvik, NWT, to her huge following on TikTok.  She’s shared everything from how her Inuit family prepares beluga whale meat—or muktuk—to what it feels like to be on a sunny beach at midnight.

You can read more about Willow Allen in UM Today Magazine feature, A Northern Light.

“Each and every student interviewed is worthy of recognition,” says Jane Lastra, associate registrar and director, Financial Aid & Awards. “Amidst all the challenges brought on by the pandemic during their high school years, they showed resilience and drive. There is no doubt that these scholars will continue to thrive and achieve all their academic hopes and dreams.”

John MacAulay, Regional President, Prairies Central Region at BMO says, “I commend all the recipients for their vision and commitment to transform their communities through excellence in academics. We are proud to support these future leaders in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future through our long-standing partnership with University of Manitoba.” 

Meet five individuals in the next generation of scholars to lead the charge, fight for change and shape our world’s future.

2023 BMO FINANCIAL GROUP INDIGENOUS LEADER OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Aliyhia Bushie (Garden City Collegiate), Cody McDonald (Murdoch MacKay Collegiate), and Elle Marie Wood (St. Mary’s Academy).

Cody McDonald

Cody McDonald is the first male member of his family to attend university. In 2023, he graduates from Murdoch MacKay Collegiate as an Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow, taking the first step towards his career goal of becoming a fully-designated actuary.

After completing a bachelor of science focusing on actuarial mathematics, he hopes to one day combine his education and Indigenous knowledge to start a company while staying true to his heritage. His work will focus on preserving and creating products highlighting Indigenous languages.

“In Canada, there are over 70 Indigenous languages. However, only 3 of them are considered to have a sustainable level of speakers according to UNESCO,” says McDonald. “The rest of them are in danger of becoming extinct within this century. I believe that language is a window into the world-view and rich history of a nation.”

McDonald is humbled to have received such a prestigious scholarship and make his loved ones proud. He looks to his inspiration Norman Fleury, a Métis Elder, who is one of the leaders in preserving Métis culture and the Michif language, which has under 2,000 speakers today. He is also excited to represent the hard work of his teachers, family members, and the community around him. “One day, I hope to be able to give back to places and people that have been instrumental to getting me where I am today,” says McDonald.

Aliyhia Bushie

For Aliyhia Bushie, choosing a path to study dentistry after graduating from Garden City Collegiate was a natural choice. She is happy to have gravitated towards a profession that not only uses scientific knowledge, but also draws from artistic and creative skills. Yet she also knows that her future work in the health-care system will be bigger than herself.

Already working within Indigenous communities, Bushie dedicates herself to learning about the injustices that continue to disadvantage Indigenous peoples today. The lack of access to dental care and oral health education in northern Indigenous communities strongly resonates with her and is the greatest reason why Bushie is striving to reach her goal of becoming a dentist for Indigenous communities.

“As a Black and Indigenous person, I recognize the need for diversity in this profession. I want to contribute to the reasons why all people feel welcomed and valued in these spaces,” says Bushie. “Being a recipient of this award makes me feel that the work I have been doing in my community matters and doesn’t go without being recognized and appreciated.”

2023 BMO FINANCIAL GROUP LEADER OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Adrienne Gill (Vincent Massey Collegiate), Heart Martin Delos Santos (Daniel McIntyre Collegiate), Jessica Walker (Shaftesbury High School), Justine Ramos (Maples Met School), Maksym Kisil (Sisler High School), and Nathaniel Casiano (Fort Richmond Collegiate).

Adrienne Gill

Graduating from Vincent Massey Collegiate, Adrienne Gill is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental design. It will be her first step towards a career in environmental design and architecture with an emphasis on sustainable and accessible architecture.

“I intend to combine my values of social justice and climate action into creating spaces that reflect the needs of my community and create a positive impact in the lives of others through the spaces they occupy,” says Gill. Being named a Leader of Tomorrow will provide her with the support and confidence to not only reach her academic goals, but her personal ones as well.

She looks forward to the opportunities that would allow her to develop her leadership potential. “I’m inspired to seek leadership roles within the university, become involved in student organizations and contribute positively to the university community,” Gill adds.

The Faculty of Science will be lucky to have Fort Richmond Collegiate graduate Nathaniel Casiano, who is working towards a career where he can explore the intersection of disease and the environment through discoveries in biotechnology. Having spent last summer working with virologist Dr. Peter Pelka on COVID-19 vaccine development, Casiano is excited to begin his academic research journey.

“I’m interested in helping to develop sustainable environmental technologies that can help fight climate change and keep people healthy,” says Casiano. “I’d really like to help develop solutions that have a real impact on the problems we face today.”

Casiano is grateful for his grandfather for leading by example, teaching him to approach life with a smile and a happy attitude. He works to approach every day with a positive attitude and help others, just as his grandfather does.

Justine Ramos

Justine Ramos, graduating from Maples Met School, is certain that her career lies in addressing social justice issues. She is excited to earn her degree in psychology through the Faculty of Arts, which she hopes to direct towards community-focused action.

She’s especially thrilled to see how being named a Leader of Tomorrow is helping BIPOC communities. Ramos is grateful for the financial support that the scholarship will provide for her while allowing her the freedom to focus her energy on her academic interests. Above all, she is “excited to build connections with previous and fellow winners, and to become part of a like-minded, ambitious and passionate community.”

Become a BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow

Visit Financial Aid and Awards for more information on the BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow scholarships and the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarships.