New endowment fund supports Indigenous students
Indigenous Financial Solutions is expanding the IFS Scholastic Awards to recognize and support up-and-coming Indigenous students pursuing higher education and a career in the areas of business, humanities, law and social justice. The newly created Edward Two-Axe Earley Fund is named in honour and memory of a man who provided a lifetime of support and encouragement to Indigenous business people.
The Late Edward Two-Axe Earley was a gifted orator, storyteller and proud Onkwehonwe. Born in Brooklyn, New York and a citizen of the Mohawks of Kahnawake, Mr. Two-Axe Earley devoted his life supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship. He held a Masters of Business Administration and was a business consultant, a historian, and a political aficionado. He was also a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Edward was the son of renowned Mohawk women’s rights-advocate the Late Mary Two-Axe Earley.
“This is an honour befitting Edward’s generous spirit, who provided valued business counsel throughout his career and well into his later years. Many of us in the Indigenous business community benefited from his wisdom,” said Scott Patles-Richardson, founder & Chair of Indigenous Financial Solutions. “His influence will be remembered by many generations of business and community leaders from many nations across North America.”
The Edward Two-Axe Earley Fund is being capitalized with an initial donation of $5000 from Indigenous Financial Solutions. Future contributions will be sought to ensure it provides ongoing support to First Nations business students.
“We hope that these scholastic awards will encourage First Nations students to embark on a promising career in business. Clearly, this was a passion of Ed’s, a passion for the IFS team and an important part of the future of our economy.”
Recipients of the endowment supported by the Edward Two-Axe Earley Fund must self-identify as a First Nation, Métis or Inuk person, be enrolled in a full-time business program at the post-secondary school level and be highly motivated to pursue a career in business. The first recipients will be announced in the summer of 2021.
The IFS Scholastic Awards provide an endowment to assist the recipients in their studies at a college, university, or vocational training or skilled trades training. The endowment provides a contribution that may be used for books, supplies, IT technology or cost-of-living supplement that supports their post-secondary education.
IFS is seeking ongoing contributions to the Edward Two-Axe Earley Fund that will support its long-term goal of supporting students embarking on careers in the areas of business, humanities, law and social justice.
Donations received to date:
- $5000 from Indigenous Financial Solutions
- Brenda Gideon, Mi’qmaq Star, $500 annually
- Saga Williams and Derek Teevan, $500
To donate to the Edward Two-Axe Earley Fund, please contact Indigenous Financial Solutions at info@ifsolutions.ca.
