Five-year agreement expands Indigenous access to post-secondary education by providing tuition bursaries and supporting culturally informed pathways
Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk (CORNER BROOK, NL), November 4, 2026 – Yorkville University, Toronto Film School and Qalipu First Nation (QFN) have formalized a new partnership to expand access to post-secondary education and support the educational success of QFN members.
Yorkville University President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes and Qalipu First Nation Vice-Chief Charlie White signed the five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through the partnership, Yorkville University will provide a 25 per cent tuition bursary to QFN members enrolled in eligible programs at Yorkville University or Toronto Film School. Yorkville will also provide a 15 per cent tuition bursary to QFN employees and their spouses and dependents enrolled in eligible programs. The application fee will also be waived for QFN members.
The agreement is intended to support more than access to financial assistance. Yorkville University and QFN will work together to identify and develop strategies to increase post-secondary and graduate educational recruitment, retention and graduation rates for Indigenous students at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, as well as contribute to broader efforts to support Indigenous student success across the Canadian post-secondary environment.
“This partnership is about more than removing financial barriers – it is about building meaningful relationships, listening to community priorities and working together to create pathways that support Indigenous students throughout their educational journeys,” said Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President and Vice Chancellor of Yorkville University. “We look forward to learning from Qalipu First Nation and building on this partnership in the years ahead.”
The partnership also provides QFN members enrolled at Yorkville University or Toronto Film School with the opportunity to apply to join the institutions’ Indigenous Student Advisory Council (ISAC). Jessica Gruchy, Yorkville University’s Manager, Indigenous and Partnership Engagement, will serve as the designated contact for QFN.
As part of its commitment to culturally informed and respectful engagement, Yorkville will collaborate with QFN in accordance with QFN’s cultural and ethical protocols, including those relating to research, data sovereignty, engagement with Elders and Knowledge Holders, and land stewardship.
QFN will support the partnership by sharing information about the educational opportunities and bursaries with its members, making Yorkville University and Toronto Film School program materials available through its offices and centres, and inviting QFN members to quarterly Yorkville University and Toronto Film School program information sessions.
“Partnerships like this are important because they help create opportunities for our members. Access to education can make a real difference for individuals, families and communities. We appreciate Yorkville University and Toronto Film School working with us to make these opportunities more accessible and support the success of our members,” said Chief Jenny Brake of Qalipu First Nation.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment by Yorkville University and Qalipu First Nation to creating accessible, supportive and culturally informed pathways to post-secondary education.
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About Qalipu First Nation
Qalipu First Nation (QFN) is a proud member of the Mi’kmaq Nation, whose territory—Mi’kma’ki—stretches from Maine to Quebec, through the Maritime provinces, and into Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). Through six offices serving communities across the province, QFN supports initiatives in health, education and training, environmental stewardship, tourism, small business support, culture, and economic development. Committed to preserving Mi’kmaq traditions while fostering innovation and growth, QFN builds strong, resilient communities and ensures a thriving future for its members.
About Yorkville University
Yorkville University began with a bold vision: to offer flexible, rigorous, and career-focused programs that transform lives. Since 2004, Yorkville University has expanded to campuses across Canada, offering both online and on-campus learning modalities. Our graduates have advanced their careers through programs in the behavioural sciences, social sciences, nursing, business, education, design and the creative arts. Yorkville University’s student-centred, practitioner-oriented approach equips graduates with skills that employers value, making us one of Canada’s largest private universities. Learn more at https://www.yorkvilleu.ca/.
Media Contacts:
Kellie Clark
Communications Manager
Qalipu First Nation
709-634-8035
communications@qalipu.ca
Alyson Musial
Director of Communications
Yorkville University & Toronto Film School
amusial@yorkvilleu.ca
