The funds bring the TL’axsam Memorial Bursary Endowment, held by the NIC Foundation, to more than $113,000.Nearly 150 golfers took part in the tournament this year, raising more than $34,000 for Aboriginal students who are starting or continuing their studies at NIC.
“The long-term goal of this bursary is to not only help Aboriginal students get into NIC, but help support them all the way through their education,” said Dallas Smith, president of the Nanwakolas Council. “It is our hope that this bursary will continue to grow to a point where post-secondary education is a given, as opposed to the exception in First Nations communities.”
The TL’axsam Bursary was established in honour of the late Comox Valley MLA Stan Hagen, who was given the name TL’axsam by the K’ómoks First Nation.
“We are incredibly thankful to Dallas and the Nanwakolas Council for creating and continuing to support this bursary, which provides ongoing support for NIC students,” said Randall Heidt, NIC vice president of strategic initiatives. “The TL’axsam fund is an example of how a legacy gift honours those who are passionate about education and helping young people.”
The Nanwakolas Council is made of six member First Nations with traditional territories on Northern Vancouver Island and BC’s South Central Coast. It supports member First Nations in land and marine resource management and resource-based economic development activities.
The NIC Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth through NIC for more than 25 years. It is dedicated to supporting NIC students through scholarships and bursaries, equipping classrooms with current technology and ensuring the best possible learning facilities are accessible across the region.
To donate to the NIC Foundation, or for more information on how you can create a legacy endowment, visit foundation.nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5247.
