Aboriginal students interested in becoming physicians will benefit from a new bursary fund being established by organizers of this year's National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Prince George.

The 2004 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships Legacy Endowed Health Sciences Bursary will be funded by the tournament legacy. It's expected that one award of $1500 will be presented annually to an aboriginal student from northern BC who is enrolled in the Northern Medical Program. Students with declared majors in other Health Science areas (Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, etc) will also be considered.

The official announcement will be made at noon on Monday, February 16 at Prince George City Hall. Mayor Colin Kinsley, Chief Barry Seymour, and UNBC President Charles Jago will be joined by tournament organizers.

This award is the first bursary endowed at UNBC to support aboriginal students who are interested in pursuing a medical education.

"The organizers of the tournament have been very committed to having a lasting legacy," says Ray Gerow, President of the Organizing Committee for the 2004 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. "Supporting aboriginal students in the Northern Medical Program was a natural choice for us. The idea was inspired by Nathan Teegee, who played on the BC team at last year's tournament was the top scorer. Nathan is a straight-A local Grade 12 student who has already met with people at UNBC and UBC about becoming a doctor. Providing support to people like him would be a terrific legacy from this national championship."

Prince George will host the 2004 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships at the Coliseum from April 18-24.