As 2024 winds down, we at Fulbright Canada would like to take this opportunity to thank our board of directors, partners, donors, and all our grantees, past and present, for making exceptional academic exchanges both an opportunity and a reality.
It is also a time to reflect on a year marked by inspiring research, strengthened partnerships, and vibrant community engagement. From celebrating outstanding Indigenous governance practices to supporting student exchanges and entrepreneurship, we are proud to share the milestones that showcase the power of academic exchange and bilateral partnership.
Strengthening Our Leadership and Vision
Welcoming New Leadership: Board of Directors Expansion
Fulbright Canada welcomed six distinguished new members to its Board of Directors. Bringing expertise from the academy, government, and private sector, these leaders are pivotal in advancing Fulbright Canada’s mission. Their vision and leadership will guide the organization as it fosters cross-border collaboration, innovative research, and cultural exchange.
A Roadmap for the Future: Strategic Plan 2023-2028
Fulbright Canada officially launched its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, outlining a bold vision for the future. The plan focuses on deepening cross-border partnerships, expanding opportunities for scholars and students, and driving research that addresses global challenges. By strengthening community engagement, supporting inclusive excellence, and enhancing public diplomacy efforts, the strategy ensures that Fulbright Canada will remain at the forefront of the academic and cultural exchange movement.
Empowering Communities: Action and Leadership Programs
This year, Fulbright Canada awarded ten exceptional alums through the Community Leadership Program (CLP) and Community Action Program (CAP), funding projects that empower local and global communities. These grantees exemplify leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to meaningful social impact.
Celebrating Indigenous Excellence: Honouring Nations Canada
On May 9, 2024, we hosted the Honouring Nations Canada National Indigenous Good Governance Award Ceremony in Ottawa, celebrating seven Indigenous Nations and Organizations. This biennial event highlighted best practices in governance, resilience, and traditional ways of knowing. Honourees shared their powerful stories of Indigenous identity and achievement, creating a shared space of pride, learning, and connection.
2024 Honourees:
- Building Sovereignty – Tŝilhqot’in National Government
- Environmental Stewardship – Unamaki Institute of Natural Resources
- Partnerships – Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation
- Cultural Revitalization – Stoney Nakoda Tribal Administration
- Community Governance – First Nations Health Authority
- Northern Nation Building – Nunavut Quest Dog Team Committee
- Bill Montour Legacy Award – Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
We also partnered with Kw’umut Lelum Children’s Services to support ten Indigenous youth who embarked on a week-long experiential learning journey to Boston. With visits to MIT, Harvard, and cultural landmarks, this exchange underscored the importance of fostering opportunities for future leaders.
Finally, we partnered with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government to support several Indigenous youth who travelled to New York City to participate in the 23rd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Transformative Exchange: the Fulbright Canada - Maple Leaf Foundation Student Exchange
Following a hiatus necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we relaunched the Fulbright Canada - Maple Leaf Foundation Exchange Program. This program provides high school students from different backgrounds with a transformative cultural experience. This year, Canadian students from West Carleton Secondary School in Dunrobin, Ontario, visited Boston. In contrast, U.S. students from Brighton High School in Boston travelled to Ottawa for an
immersive educational experience.
Highlights included historical tours, biodiversity courses, sporting events, museum visits and peer learning opportunities that fostered lasting friendships and cross-cultural understanding.
Welcoming New Grantees: Fall Orientation 2024
In September, we hosted our annual orientation for U.S. Fulbright students and scholars, along with Killam Fellows from both countries. Fall Orientation in Ottawa featured a Supreme Court tour, presentations from scholars and students on their current research, cultural outings, and a spirited hockey game. With inspiring remarks from Dr. Michael K. Hawes and U.S. Ambassador David L. Cohen, participants began their Fulbright journey with a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie.
Launching Innovative Initiatives
Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative (FESI)
This year, Fulbright Canada invited expressions of interest for our new Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative (FESI). This program, designed to address evolving energy challenges, will bring together scholars, professionals, and graduate students for interdisciplinary research.
Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI), launched in partnership with Alacrity Canada and StartUp Science, supports aspiring entrepreneurs in turning ideas into impactful ventures. Through grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities, FCEI champions innovation across disciplines, focusing on positive social change. We announced our first five grantees (founders) in the fall. They are:
- Cole Scanlon, Fair Opportunity Project, to the University of Toronto
- Ayusha Sinha, Machine Learning and Healthcare, to the University of Calgary
- Sonali Sharma, Clarifyia, Health Care Literacy, to Stanford University
- Changxiao Xie, Empowerly Career Guidance, to McGill University in Montreal
- Yusuf Baykal Bozkurt, Beonbrand Digital Marketing, to San Francisco
Global Collaboration: Fulbright Arctic Initiative
The fourth Fulbright Arctic Initiative kicked off in Tromsø, Norway, bringing together 20 scholars from the eight Arctic Council Countries. Five of the twenty are Fulbright Canada scholars. The group will work individually and collectively to tackle critical Arctic governance, security, and sustainable development issues. Over 18 months, participants will engage in cross-border research to address Arctic communities' unique challenges.
Celebrating International Education Week
During International Education Week, we proudly recognized five exceptional grantees whose work exemplifies Fulbright Canada’s mission—advancing sustainability, Indigenous sovereignty, and education. These scholars highlight the transformative power of international collaboration and learning.
Strengthening Partnerships: Renewed Agreements
Vanderbilt University
Fulbright Canada and Vanderbilt University expanded their partnership with a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), introducing a new Research Chair and the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries to foster groundbreaking scholarship across disciplines.
University of Ottawa
In December, Fulbright Canada renewed its partnership with the University of Ottawa—marking a third five-year MOU and reaffirming a shared commitment to research in governance, human rights, health law, environmental studies, and societal issues.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close this remarkable year and look forward to the next, where new opportunities and challenges will be addressed, we would like to remind everyone in the Fulbright Canada family that we celebrate your successes, support, and social impact.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a bright, fulfilling new year!
Warmest wishes,
The Fulbright Canada Team