We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our prestigious First Nations Scholarship for 2024! Now in its second year, this scholarship program is dedicated to supporting and empowering First Nations people in their pursuit of professional development and community empowerment.
The three recipients, selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, have demonstrated exceptional personal achievements, leadership qualities, and a commitment to their communities. The scholarship provides them with financial assistance through a $2,500 fund, mentorship, and opportunities to further their education and career aspirations.
“At ETC, we shine a light on the barriers to success and financial hardships experienced by First Nations People in our community. The ETC First Nations Scholarship seeks to raise awareness of this issue while uplifting the young leaders of our communities, bringing us closer to Closing the Gap,” said ETC’s Indigenous Services Manager, Ceharnie Martin.
Jacob – From Buderim, land of the Gubbi Gubbi People, Jacob is currently excelling in Year 11 at his local high school. His dedication to the local First Nations community through leadership activities, both as the Indigenous School Captain and as a representative of QLD on a state level as part of the Murri team, sets him apart as a leader and role model.
Jacob aspires to become an engineer in an industry that promotes and supports sustainability, a cause close to his heart. Through this scholarship, Jacob plans to take on a summer internship with Arcadis, alleviating the financial costs of being away from home and allowing him to focus on his studies.
Cienna – A resident of Ipswich, land of the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul Peoples, Cienna is enrolled in a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance while completing her Year 12 High School Certificate. As a school leader, her passion for First Nations activism drives her ambition to pursue a legal degree at university to increase Indigenous representation in the legal industry.
Cienna actively participates in community activities, including traditional dancing ceremonies, honouring the rich cultural traditions of First Nations People. She will use her scholarship to purchase study materials and ease the financial strains of her degree.
Tawny – Living in Paddington, land of the Turrbal People, Tawny is working towards a career in the Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) industry. This field is crucial for First Nations peoples for the cataloguing and repatriation of culturally significant artifacts and remains, yet First Nations people continue to be underrepresented.
Tawny hopes to change that. Their involvement in the local town’s harvest festival, debate teams, and community gatherings showcases their dedication to uplifting their community. Tawny will use the scholarship to cover the early costs of starting their studies in the GLAM field, reducing the need to take on additional work and allowing them to focus on their education.
ETC’s First Nations Scholarship program is part of the our broader commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and educational opportunities for First Nations students. By supporting these talented individuals, ETC aims to contribute to the development of future leaders who will drive positive change within their communities and beyond.
“ETC is committed to the education and success of all First Nations Peoples, and we hold ourselves accountable to this commitment through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Now more than ever, since the results of last year’s referendum, we remain firm about working together with First Nations communities to end the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians,” said ETC CEO, Damon Munt.
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