October 2026 | Ottawa, ON
The Future Generations Foundation is proud to announce a new investment from The Law Foundation of Ontario in support of First Nations students pursuing law and justice-related studies.
Through a $750,000 grant from The Law Foundation of Ontario’s national Access to Justice Fund, the Future Generations Foundation awarded bursaries to 96 First Nations students enrolled in law, Indigenous justice, legal studies, and related programs during the 2026-2027 academic year. The funding supports The Law Foundation of Ontario’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and improving access to justice education for Indigenous students.
This support comes at a time when demand for educational funding continues to grow. Each year, the Future Generations Foundation receives more bursary requests than available resources can support. This grant helps address this funding gap, enabling more First Nations students to pursue studies that will strengthen First Nations representation and leadership within Canada’s justice system.
“Support from The Law Foundation of Ontario reflects a shared commitment to advancing access to justice and supporting the next generation of First Nations legal leaders,” said Naomi Racette, Executive Director of the Future Generations Foundation. “Across Canada, First Nations students are pursuing careers that will shape more equitable legal systems, advocate for their communities, and advance First Nations self-determination. We are grateful to The Law Foundation of Ontario for helping make these opportunities more accessible.”
For the 96 students receiving support through this funding, the impact extends beyond tuition assistance. Bursaries can help cover housing, transportation, books, childcare, technology, and other educational expenses that often create barriers to post-secondary education.
“Supporting First Nations students to pursue law and justice-related education brings more First Nations perspectives, knowledge, and lived experiences into Canada’s education and legal sectors,” said Noah Aiken-Klar, The Law Foundation of Ontario’s Director of Grants & Programs. “By increasing the number of First Nations legal professionals we can help foster more representative, respectful, and just legal help.”
This grant is part of a larger commitment by the Law Foundation. Similar grants to other Indigenous-led organizations will support bursary programs for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada. Graduates of law and justice-related programs play important roles in advancing First Nations rights, strengthening governance, supporting community-led justice initiatives, and increasing First Nations representation throughout the legal profession. By investing in First Nations learners today, we are helping build a future in which First Nations voices and perspectives are more strongly represented across Canada’s legal and justice systems.
The Future Generations Foundation’s next individual application cycle will open in April 2027. Learn more about how this program is supporting First Nations learners here.
About Future Generations Foundation
The Future Generations Foundation is a First Nations-led organization dedicated to providing comprehensive grant funding for education, cultural and language revitalization, healing, and community-driven initiatives. As stewards of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement funds, the Foundation has supported over 900 First Nation communities and organizations, as well as more than 10,600 individuals from coast to coast to coast, fostering traditional knowledge and self-determination for future generations.
About The Law Foundation of Ontario
The Law Foundation of Ontario has been advancing access to justice since 1974. Through granting and collaboration, the Foundation invests in knowledge and services that help people understand the law and use it to improve their lives. The Foundation also administers the Class Proceedings Fund, which provides cost assistance in class actions. Learn more at www.lawfoundation.on.ca.
Media Contact
Anna Ploeg
Fund Development Officer
Future Generations Foundation
[email protected]
www.fgfoundation.ca