Submitted by Rob Klea
Sources of Knowledge (SOK) is known for organizing and holding an annual Forum in North Bruce covering environmental/cultural/heritage themes. However, many don’t realize that SOK also administers an annual bursary award program on behalf of Parks Canada.
Each year we seek secondary school students and students in post-secondary studies with an interest in the environment and outdoors who are pursuing areas of study that could lead to employment opportunities with Parks Canada. We manage $4,000.00 in total bursary funds provided each year by Parks Canada.
The purpose of the award is:
1) To provide financial support to qualifying secondary students for post-secondary study in fields related to the environment or conservation or other field related to a prospective career with Parks Canada.
2) Thereby, to assist Parks Canada in meeting its obligation for local employment under clauses 15 and 16 of Appendix A of the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to Establish a National Park and a National Marine Park in the Township of St. Edmunds dated July 20, 1987.
3) To further the stated goal of the Sources of Knowledge Forum to “encourage and enable youth to be stewards of this remarkable place.”
To be eligible, candidates must be “local” meaning from the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula or a member of the Saugeen Ojibway Nations. They must have a good academic standing and demonstrate an interest in a career in conservation or a related field. Their applications must include a 500-word essay outlining their interests, a summary of past activities related to the environment and outdoors, and have a demonstrated involvement in community service. The application must also include an academic and community reference and proof of acceptance at a post-secondary school institution including program of study.
We received 3 strong applications again this year and the selection committee approved all three, awarding each a bursary. SOK is very pleased to see continued interest within our communities and, along with Parks Canada, are happy to assist these students in their future studies.
We are pleased to present the SOK Bursary award recipients for 2026:
• Mady Raney will be attending University of Guelph for Wildlife Biology and Conservation,
• Bronwyn Stanton will be attending Western University studying Sociology, and
• Chloe Cameron will be continuing her studies at Western University in the areas of English and History.
Congratulations to all 3 students. We are pleased to see such great academic achievement in our communities.
SOK is a registered charity and accepts donations for our Student Bursary Program. Please visit www.sourcesofknowledge.ca to donate or you can e-transfer to info@sourcesofknowledge.ca.
