The David Searle Memorial Scholarship

Supporting Indigenous students pursuing careers in Human Resources and community employment services.

Supporting Indigenous HR Students

Each year, the Peoplebiz Foundation awards a $1,500 scholarship to an Indigenous student beginning or continuing post-secondary studies in Human Resources, people leadership, or community employment services.

This scholarship reduces financial barriers so students can focus on their education. Funds can be used for tuition, housing, food, textbooks, technology, childcare, or travel.

Honouring David Searle

This scholarship honours David Harry Searle CM QC (1936–2021), who spent his life working in and for Northern communities.

Raised in Yellowknife, David practised law in the Northwest Territories and served as a Crown Attorney before being elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1967.

On May 1, 1975, he became the first elected Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly in seventy years. It was a turning point in the territory's movement toward representative government.

David founded the Law Society of the Northwest Territories and later taught law at the University of British Columbia. In 1999, he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to governance, law, and public service in the North.

David believed in fairness, access, and creating systems that worked for everyone. This scholarship continues that work by supporting Indigenous students who will shape the future of Human Resources in Canada.

A Legacy Rooted in Northern Canada

David spent fifty years in Northern communities, from childhood in Yellowknife to decades serving as a lawyer, legislator, and advocate. He believed systems should serve everyone fairly, and he worked hard to build governance structures that reflected the voices and needs of Northern and Indigenous peoples.

This scholarship carries forward that commitment by supporting Indigenous students who will shape workplaces where people are valued, respected, and given real opportunity.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis student

  • Be enrolled or accepted into a recognized Canadian post-secondary program in Human Resources, people leadership, or community employment services

  • Be a Canadian resident

Preference is given to applicants from Northern or rural communities.

How To Apply

Submit the following:

  1. Proof of enrolment or acceptance into an eligible program

  2. A 250-word statement describing your goals in HR and how this scholarship will support your education

Applications must be submitted by May 15. The recipient will be announced in mid-June.

Apply by email: foundation@peoplebiz.ca

Building Workplaces That Reflect Your Values

Indigenous communities need HR professionals who understand their priorities, respect their values, and create workplaces where people can succeed on their own terms.

This scholarship supports students who are ready to do that work in their communities and across Canada.