For 2023–24, the Ex Libris Association Board is pleased to report that the Indigenous Student Bursary has been awarded first to William Fayant, a student with an excellent GPA in his second year in the Library and Information Technician Program at RRC Polytechnic in WInnipeg, Manitoba.

William sent us the following thank you message:
“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Ex Libris Association for their support in the 2023-24 academic year. As a Library and Information Technology student, and as a Cree/Metis man from Treaty 4 Territory, receiving this bursary has been a life-changing experience for me: I am now enrolled full-time in my studies, and can begin my path to a life-long career in the library field much sooner than I could have without the Ex Libris Association’s generous support. Thank you very much, ELA, for your kind investment towards my future!”
— William Fayant, Ex Libris Association Indigenous Student Bursary recipient (2023)

William later updated information about his future plans and included a thank you to Ex Libris members for their support. His new letter is available as a PDF at this link.

For 2024–25, the Ex Libris Association Board is pleased to announce that the recipient of the Indigenous Student Bursary is a Master’s student in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto. The student has requested that personal details not be shared.

We are pleased to announce that Savannah Simon, an MLIS student at Western University, is the 2026 recipient of the Indigenous Student Bursary. She has sent her thanks to us in the following testimonial:

“I extend sincere gratitude to the Ex Libris Association for awarding me the Indigenous Student Bursary. Receiving the bursary has supported me by easing the financial burden of the high cost of living. As a graduate student in Library and Information Science, the workload is extremely heavy. Finding time to pick up a part-time job is nearly impossible. Thankfully, the ELA's support has allowed me to devote my focus to my studies and excel in my program, stress-free of any financial burden. To be supported and recognized by the Ex Libris Association is an honour, as a Mi'kmaw woman I am forever grateful to have your financial support and investment in my future. Wela'lin (Thank you).”

Ex Libris is currently fundraising to ensure we can fund the 2026–27 award. We have a healthy start, but welcome further donations. If you would like to donate to the bursary, please contact bob.exlibris@gmail.com.

More information on the bursary award is available at this link.