‘Passionate’ local grad earns prestigious scholarship for Indigenous students

A local student is among three in the province awarded a prestigious scholarship designed to support and empower Indigenous students as they begin their post-secondary schooling.

Now in its fourth year, the Don McBain Memorial Award honours the legacy of the former executive director of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS).

The local recipient of the $5,000 scholarship is Eve Matthews, a Métis student who graduated from Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School and was part of the Northern Indigenous Youth Council, promoting culture in her school, and was integral to the new culture room on campus.

"She excels academically and continues to show leadership skills, with her teachers praising her resilience," a news release says. "She also has a passion for the culinary arts, partaking in co-op education and volunteering at events by making a variety of foods. Inspired by her Papa, Eve will be attending Sault College for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technician - Process Automation and Trades. She’s passionate about contributing to safe housing conditions for her community."

The other two recipients are Santina Pallister from Wasauksing First Nation and Noah McLeod from Serpent River First Nation.

Below is the full news release:

Sault Ste. Marie – Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is excited to announce the recipients of this year's Don McBain Memorial Award, an honorable recognition given to Indigenous students entering their first year of post-secondary education. This award is designed to support and empower students as they begin their educational journey. This year, we proudly recognize Santina Pallister, Eve Matthews, and Noah McLeod.

Santina Pallister, from Wasauksing First Nation, and granddaughter to residential school survivor Adam W. King, graduated R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate and Vocational Institute. She excelled as an active member of the Indigenous Student Circle, and is a multi-talented artist, from curating sketches and drawing using paint and pencils, to 3D sculptures. Her most recent creation, “Mandarin Koi”, a colourful and unique work made of natural materials, cast in resin, is currently on display at the R. S. McLaughlin CVI Gallery in Oshawa. Other pieces shown in galleries throughout the Greater Toronto Area are “Creator Saves the People” and “Fake it ‘til you make it”. Santina’s academic path includes pursuing an advanced diploma in Film and Television Production at Humber College. She aspires to become a film director and achieve greater representation in front of and behind the camera for women and minority groups, as well as find more eco-friendly ways to make films and reduce waste on sets. 

Eve Matthews, a Métis student, graduated from Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School. She was part of the Northern Indigenous Youth Council, promoting culture in her school and was integral to the new culture room on campus. She excels academically and continues to show leadership skills, with her teachers praising her resilience. She also has a passion for the culinary arts, partaking in co-op education and volunteering at events by making a variety of foods. Inspired by her Papa, Eve will be attending Sault College for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technician - Process Automation and Trades. She’s passionate about contributing to safe housing conditions for her community. 

Noah McLeod, from Serpent River First Nation, graduated from St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School. His remarkable commitment to being an active student in the Indigenous community is evident in his work. He was the Senior Indigenous Student Representative for his school board and established a Truth and ReconciliAction project with the School Council, influenced by his learning experience in Saskatchewan in 2023, 1 of 22 students on a mission towards reconciliation. He also helped facilitate a partnership with an Indigenous chef to lead workshops at his school where students could have hands-on experience learning how to cook traditional food and teachings. Noah’s hope from his education is to create positive change, through his studies and continued advocacy for Truth and Reconciliation. He will be attending the University of Guelph studying Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics this fall.

Each of these exceptional individuals reflects the spirit of Don McBain as future change-makers and advocates for their community. Each recipient received a $5,000 award to support their education.

OAHS is deeply grateful to all who applied for sharing their inspiring stories, and to their mentors and peers. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our generous sponsors including, CGV Builders, SilverBirch Partners, Two Row Architect, Tache Construction, Maximus Rose Living Benefits, PD Realty, and KRGInsure whose contributions make this award possible.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Don McBain family and committee members for their dedicated efforts in reviewing applications and selecting these exceptional students. 

Stay tuned for the announcement of next year’s award in Spring 2025.