The Shannen’s Dream scholarship recognizes students making a difference through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community leadership

TORONTO – September 9, 2026 – Three First Nations students pursuing post-secondary education are being recognized for their academic achievements and commitment to strengthening their communities as recipients of the 2026 Shannen’s Dream Scholarship. Presented by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society with Top Hat as lead sponsor, this year’s scholarships provide $20,000 in financial support to help recipients continue their education and build on the impact they are already making.

From advancing Indigenous health to supporting youth wellbeing through culturally grounded education, the 2026 recipients are using their studies in pharmacy, statistics, social work, and education to make a difference in their communities.

“What’s so inspiring about this year’s recipients is how much they have already accomplished, not only in their studies, but in their service to others,” said Maggie Leen, CEO of Top Hat. “They remind us of the incredible power of education to create opportunity and strengthen communities, and we’re incredibly excited to see where their passion and determination take them next.”

The scholarship carries forward the legacy of Shannen Koostachin, a young leader from Attawapiskat First Nation whose call for equitable education for First Nations children sparked a national movement. Through its “pay-it-forward” commitment, recipients extend that legacy by giving back to First Nations youth and communities. Previous recipients have committed to mentoring aspiring medical students, leading youth art workshops, and developing resources to help young people advocate for change.

“Shannen understood that young people have the power to create meaningful change, and we see that same spirit in this year’s recipients,” said Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. “Through their leadership and commitment to service in their communities, they are carrying Shannen’s vision forward and creating new possibilities for the young people who follow.”

Meet the 2026 Shannen’s Dream Scholarship recipients

An image of Natasha Big Smoke Woitte is shown.

Natasha Big Smoke Woitte, from the Piikani Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, is entering her third year of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of British Columbia. Through her leadership and research, she is helping advance Indigenous health and culturally safe pharmacy education, with aspirations to become a clinical pharmacist and advocate for health equity.

April Quill, from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation with ties to Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Statistics at the University of Manitoba. She applies her skills to research on health inequities while tutoring and mentoring Indigenous students and helping create greater opportunities for representation in science and mathematics.

Drea Sinclair headshot

Drea Sinclair, from Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation, will begin a Master of Social Work at Lakehead University in Fall 2026 after graduating with first-class standing from its Honours Bachelor of Social Work program. Her work supporting Indigenous youth has inspired plans to research how access to culture and knowledge can promote youth mental wellbeing.

About the Shannen’s Dream Scholarship

The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship was established to assist First Nations youth with the financial burdens of post-secondary education. The scholarship honors Shannen Koostachin, whose advocacy for safe and comfortable schools for First Nations students ignited a nationwide movement. This scholarship aims to continue her legacy by empowering First Nations students to achieve their educational aspirations. To learn more, please visit www.fncaringsociety.com.

About Top Hat

As the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, Top Hat enables educators to employ proven student-centered teaching practices through interactive content and tools enhanced by AI, and activities in in-person, online, and hybrid classroom environments. To accelerate student impact and return on investment, the company provides a range of change management services, including faculty training and instructional design support, integration and data management services, and digital content customization. Thousands of faculty at more than 900 North American colleges and universities use Top Hat to create meaningful, engaging, and accessible learning experiences for students before, during, and after class.