Carolyn Brown0

Dear Ms. Hansell,

It has been an honour for me to receive the Rose Nolan Scholarship. As a member of the Tsimshian nation of Kitsumkalum, from the northwest coast of British Columbia, I am strongly committed to making a contribution to the economic and social success of the First Nations communities in Canada. The Rose Nolan Scholarship allowed me to pursue my ambitions at university to the fullest extent of my abilities.

I am currently attending Concordia University, finishing the last year of my Master’s degree in Economics.  When I received the Rose Nolan scholarship in the summer of 2008, I was able to give up part-time restaurant employment and focus on my studies. I cannot express the relief this was to me; finally, my school semesters could be spent on school. As a result, the scholarship helped me to remain in good standing academically. I was able to undertake economics-related employment such as working part-time as a teaching assistant in undergraduate Economics courses.

As I near the completion of my academic program, I am finding more opportunities to use my training as an economist to pursue my goal of researching poverty and health in Canadian First Nations communities. In my Master’s thesis, I will be exploring determinants of pursuing post secondary education for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. I also intend to examine the socio-economic factors that influence Aboriginal health. I have recently completed a research proposal on the prevalence of childhood obesity on First Nations reserves. Also, for the last three months I have been completing a Co-op work semester at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada in the Learning Policy Directorate in Ottawa, acting as a research assistant. Coming from a First Nations background, I believe I am in a position to make value contributions to this field of research. My experiences have taught me the value of my social and cultural roots, as well as the importance of economic integration and informed initiative.

As I begin my career, I reflect with gratitude on the Rose Nolan scholarship and all it has meant to me. The benefits have extended beyond academics and have touched all aspects of my life. It has given credibility to my resume. It has allowed me to develop personally in terms of health and fitness. It has provided me with the freedom and determination to train for the Ottawa half marathon in May 2009. This gruelling, yet rewarding experience I owe to the independence afforded me by the scholarship.

Again, I am honoured to have received this support, and I am deeply grateful for all that it has brought me. I hope everyone at the Ted Nolan Foundation and in the Nolan family understand the genuine difference the scholarship makes. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Brown