Algonquin College expands support for Indigenous women thanks to CFUW-Ottawa’s gift in memory of Savanna Pikuyak

Ottawa, ON (June 11, 2026) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce that CFUW-Ottawa has donated $25,000 to establish a new bursary in memory of Savanna Pikuyak, a young Inuk woman and Algonquin College student whose tragic death in 2022 deeply affected our community.

The CFUW-Ottawa Savanna Pikuyak Memorial Bursary awards $5,000 each year to an Indigenous student who identifies as a woman and is enrolled in Practical Nursing, Pre-Health Sciences, or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours). The bursary’s main goal is to financially support Indigenous students so they can overcome financial barriers and find safe housing in Ottawa. First preference will be given to students who, like Savanna, come from northern communities in Canada.

“Violence against Indigenous women is a national crisis,” said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at Algonquin College. “What happened to Savanna was inexcusable and it shook our community to the reality of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. We are thankful that CFUW-Ottawa has chosen to turn grief into support for other Indigenous women. Together, we can build on Savanna’s legacy and work toward a more just future for the next generation.”

Pamela Moss, Chair of the Scholarship Trust Fund at CFUW-Ottawa, wants Savanna’s family and community to know that the over 500 women who belong to this club care about Inuit women in Ottawa. “Savanna’s future as a nurse was stolen from her in the worst way possible, right here in our hometown. We will not forget her. By founding this bursary, we hope more Indigenous women, especially those from northern communities, will feel encouraged to come to Algonquin College and follow in Savanna’s footsteps with hope for their future.”

The establishment of the CFUW-Ottawa Savanna Pikuyak Memorial Bursary during the 2025-2026 academic year coincided with the tenth anniversary of the release of the calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). As Algonquin College’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action report highlights, “In the decade since [the TRC’s calls to action], the College has continued to build on this work, taking meaningful steps on the path to reconciliation while recognizing that the journey is ongoing and much work still lies ahead.”

As a club focused on the empowerment of women through education, CFUW-Ottawa has been a proud supporter of Algonquin College students for nearly two decades. Since 2006, CFUW-Ottawa has donated over $94,000 to the College, including to several funds that specifically support Indigenous women learners.

Algonquin College takes pride in its commitment to making reconciliation an integral part of its culture and welcomes the support of partners such as CFUW-Ottawa. Those interested in supporting the CFUW-Ottawa Savanna Pikuyak Memorial Bursary can do so by visiting the fund’s website.

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For further information:

Meg Fraser
Communications Officer
Algonquin College
613-308-0138
fraserm2@algonquincollege.com

About Algonquin College  

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in close to 170 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke, with fully online programming delivered through AC Online.

About CFUW-Ottawa 

CFUW-Ottawa is the largest of 90 women’s CFUW clubs across Canada who are dedicated to championing women’s and girls’ access to education and rights at a local, national and international level. CFUW-Ottawa provides its members with opportunities to socialize, educate and advocate in ways that are tailored to their interests and expertise.