FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, September 6, 2023 – AFOA Canada and TD Bank Group (TD) are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2024-2025 TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples. Tailored exclusively for students from the Indigenous community, this scholarship program aims to provide vital financial support for their post-secondary education endeavors. The application period for the 2024-2025 cycle will be open from September 6, 2023, to November 6, 2023.

“The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples marks a significant extension of our commitment to fostering Indigenous leadership and capability,” said Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO of AFOA Canada. “For 25 years, AFOA Canada has been dedicated to empowering Indigenous individuals, and this scholarship program adds another dimension to that mission. As we support these recipients, we anticipate the far-reaching positive influence they will have on their communities and beyond as they pursue their education and career goals.”

Guiding the management of the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, AFOA Canada exemplifies perfect harmony with its mission of advancing excellence in Indigenous management, finance, and governance. With a legacy of empowering Indigenous professionals, AFOA Canada’s role in overseeing the scholarship program is a natural extension of its commitment. This collaboration underscores AFOA Canada’s dedication to fostering educational empowerment and prosperity for Indigenous individuals. By driving this initiative, AFOA Canada ensures that deserving students receive the necessary support to flourish in their academic journeys.

“Removing barriers to education for students from Indigenous communities is an important part of driving financial and economic equity and inclusion,” said Doris Bear, Vice President of Indigenous Banking at TD Bank Group. “We were proud to award our first-ever cohort of recipients earlier this year and are excited to welcome new students to the program!”

This significant scholarship offers each of the 25 selected recipients a substantial $15,000 annual award. Over four years, recipients can receive a maximum total of $60,000, intended to alleviate the financial burden of tuition and living expenses throughout their academic journey. Beyond the financial support, successful candidates will gain access to invaluable internship opportunities with TD, aligned with their career aspirations. These opportunities will be available throughout their scholarship tenure. Additionally, upon completing their studies, recipients will be offered full-time employment opportunities.

Eligibility for the scholarship extends to students who are members or citizens of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit communities. Applicants must be permanent residents of Canada and either have applied for or be currently enrolled in a full-time, minimum two-year program with an approved post-secondary institution in Canada.

For comprehensive details about the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, including eligibility criteria, past recipients, and application guidelines, please visit the AFOA Canada or TD websites.

About AFOA Canada

Entering its 25th year as an Indigenous Institution, AFOA Canada is the center for excellence and innovation in Indigenous management, finance, and governance. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management. AFOA Canada’s premise is that one of the keys to successful self-determination, creating a better life for Canada’s Indigenous people and a better future for the next generation, lies in improving the management skills of those responsible for the stewardship of Indigenous resources.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (“TD” or the “Bank”). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 27.5 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation; Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities and TD Cowen. TD also ranks among the world’s leading online financial services firms, with more than 16 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $1.9 trillion in assets on July 31, 2023. The Toronto Dominion Bank trades under the symbol “TD” on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

For more information:

Toni Baggos
Acting Director, Marketing & Communications
AFOA Canada
tbaggos@afoa.ca
613-722-5543

Ci Ci Fan
Manager, Corporate Communications
TD Bank
xueying.fan@td.com