Supporting Education, Honouring Commitment

October 10, 2025

Division Bursary Program

At Commissionaires Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division, we believe that investing in the future is one of the greatest acts of service. Our Division Bursary Program exists to do just that – to support the academic dreams of commissionaires and their families.

This bursary is more than financial assistance. It is an expression of our values – recognizing service, encouraging growth and empowering individuals to pursue their goals. By helping ease the burden of tuition and associated educational costs, we aim to open pathways for students to pursue their goals with fewer financial barriers.

Within our division, this bursary offers a tangible way to say, “we see you, we believe in you, and we are committed to supporting your success.” Each year, recipients are selected not only for their scholastic promise but for their character, leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. They may be serving commissionaires, their children, grandchildren or other eligible family members pursuing post‑secondary education in a wide range of fields. In 2025, we awarded $2000 bursaries to seven deserving individuals.

Our Recipients

Abigail Lawes – Bachelor of Science, MacEwan University

A dedicated volunteer and lifelong Girl Guide, Abigail has always believed in giving back. Her numerous Guiding awards – including the Canada Cord and Gold Trailblazer Award – reflect her deep commitment to community service. Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Abigail hopes to translate her passion for medical sciences into a meaningful career that drives change. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school and continue making a difference both locally and globally.

Aubrianna Snow – Master of Education, University of Alberta

Aubrianna is a writer, podcast host and community advocate pursuing her Master’s in Educational Policy Studies. She brings a strong Indigenous lens to her work in gender-based violence prevention and culturally grounded sexual health education. Her passion for community care extends beyond the classroom through her leadership in youth-focused arts and storytelling spaces. Aubrianna is committed to advancing equity and safety through education and advocacy rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems.

Erica Chen – South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy

Erica is currently working toward her Massage Therapy Certificate, having recently completed the first level of a nine-level program. Her passion for massage began as a child when she discovered the comfort and care she could offer loved ones through touch. Today, that early curiosity has grown into a calling. Building a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology and therapeutic techniques, Erica is dedicated to supporting others in healing and wellness through the power of massage.

Erica Lonsdale – Bachelor of Arts – Psychology, Athabasca University

Following a life-altering car accident that resulted in chronic pain, Erica made the courageous decision to change career paths and focus on mental health. Her experience sparked a deep understanding of the importance of psychological support for healing and health. Erica is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with the goal of completing a master’s and contributing meaningfully to her community by supporting others in their mental health journeys.

Ethan Gillis – Environment & Natural Resource Technology Diploma, Aurora College

Ethan, from Salt River First Nation, learned traditional, land-based skills from his grandfather and has been active in environmental stewardship since childhood. He has worked as a Land Guardian conducting water and fish sampling, served as a Renewable Resource Officer addressing wildlife concerns, and shared the land-based knowledge passed down to him. Now in his second year in Aurora College’s Environment and Natural Resource Technology program, Ethan is preparing for a career as a wildlife officer, dedicated to preserving cultural traditions and teaching future generations about life on the land.

Hannah Baker – Future Online Studies

Hannah’s first year in Prairie College’s Outdoor Leadership program sparked a passion for helping youth discover themselves through experiential learning. Although her original program was cancelled, she remains committed to developing her leadership and facilitation skills through future online studies. Her goal is to use her education to be a supportive, positive influence in the lives of youth and teenagers, working with underprivileged youth, encouraging confidence, responsibility and personal growth through outdoor education and mentorship.

Layla Perrin – Bachelor of Science – Psychology, University of Calgary

Layla’s passion for psychology stems from a lifelong curiosity about human behavior. Now studying psychology at the University of Calgary, she is already looking ahead to a master’s in School and Applied Child Psychology. Her goal is to become a developmental psychologist working with children, intervening early to improve long-term outcomes. Layla is driven by a passion to help people and the belief that supporting mental wellness early in life can make a lasting impact.