University of Winnipeg student Cameron Adams (BEd/BA’23) is a finalist in the first global cohort applying for McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University.
The scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the second-largest single donation in Canadian history. Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.
Meet Cameron Adams
Adams, who is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and a Bachelor of Education, is among 88 finalists chosen from across Canada and around the world after a first round of regional interviews. He will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector.
Cameron Adams at a UWinnipeg Wesmen game.
“I feel honoured to have been selected as a McCall MacBain finalist,” said Adams. “Having always been involved in the community, I have gained leadership experience and a passion to give back. I have had the honour of being supported by a community, and know how important it is to be guided and also help others.”
For three years, Adams worked with Elders and other community members to create the n-dialect language app, nēhinawēwin. He was inspired to create the app after taking first-year Cree courses at UWinnipeg. The new tool familiarizes users with Swampy Cree words and phrases. It’s based on the n-dialect of Swampy Cree, better known as nēhinawēwin or ininīmowin in Treaty 5 Territory in northern Manitoba.
“I’ve had help from so many people and been offered so many resources,” he said last year before the app’s launch. “Even though this wasn’t a class project, the University has supported me right from the start.”
Adams has also participated in six Habitat for Humanity home-building trips, volunteered with a community-based safety patrol, and contributed to University policy-making by serving on two committees. He has worked most summers and spent last summer learning Cree at a language camp in northern Manitoba.
Adams is applying for master’s programs with the goal of deepening his commitment to Indigenous language revitalization.
About the McCall MacBain Scholarships
Students and graduates from more than 1,200 universities applied for the McCall MacBain Scholarships in this first year of global admissions, and 242 participated in regional interviews with local leaders in October and November before the 88 finalists were selected. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews.
“McGill, Montréal, Québec, and Canada attract talented students from all over the world,” said John McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our aim is to provide a life-changing opportunity for students who have a track record of contributing to their communities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.”
“Our committees were delighted to receive great interest from all corners of the world,” said Natasha Sawh, Dean of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “More than 280 volunteers were involved in assessing candidates. They looked not only for academic strength, but for qualities like integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage.”
If not selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar, Cameron is eligible to receive a $10,000 Canadian Finalist Award for studies at McGill.
Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission. Interested University of Winnipeg students are invited to attend an information session on March 1 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 2M70 (Manitoba Hall).
