“Education is really about making yourself employable. The more education you get, the better the job you’re going to get,” says Chief Clarence Louie. Alliance Pipeline has cultivated a strong working relationship with First Nations and strongly believes that a productive and positive relationship with Canada’s Aboriginal People is one of the key components of its long-term business and responsible growth. They also believe the best way to help Aboriginal communities build a bright future is to contribute to the personal growth and education of Aboriginal youth today. That’s why the Alliance Pipeline Aboriginal Student Awards Program provides scholarships to Aboriginal students pursuing post secondary education.
Every year, up to 30 Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education are awarded up to $2,000 to the cost of their tuition. Students must be members of an Aboriginal band from British Columbia, Alberta, or Saskatchewan. They must be already accepted to a technical school, college, or university program. Applicants are chosen based on relevancy of the program to the oil and gas industry, career aspirations, demonstrated community involvement, and academic merit.
Jessie Ramsay is one of the recipients of the Alliance Pipeline Aboriginal Award. She graduated from UBC Law in May 2014. She completed her undergraduate degree at UBC, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology and minoring in First Nations Studies. While at UBC, she held executive positions with the student body at large as well as within the Indigenous Law Student’s Association.
“My long term goals are to connect with the various Aboriginal communities in BC and represent the rights of Aboriginal people through my position in the Justice system,” Jessie said. “As a near future lawyer, I know that within this role I carry great responsibility and have the opportunity to help those that have been historically and currently marginalized, as well as engage in economic development where it is appropriate. I think it is important not only to be aware of the colonial past of Aboriginal people but also to engage in the current and future opportunities available.”
Jessie’s advice to students: “Do what you are passionate about. Also work hard; if it was easy, everyone would do it.” She is also grateful for the assistance she received from Alliance Pipeline. “Receiving the Alliance pipeline Aboriginal Award significantly impacted my ability to attend one of this country’s top institutions for 8 years, that being UBC. Their continual support, not only financially but morally as well, encouraged me to continue moving forward. I owe a lot to Alliance Pipeline.”
Students interested must apply before the deadline which is July 1st. The program application and information are available online at www.alliancepipeline.com.
