National Aboriginal Day, June 21
Today is National Aboriginal Day – a day to recognize and celebrate diversity, culture, and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
From Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – “In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.”
Indspire is a registered charity that supports education for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Outside of the Federal Government, Indspire is the largest funder of Indigenous education.
One of the programs that Indspire offers to post-secondary students is called Building Brighter Futures. This program allows Canada’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students enrolled in an accredited Canadian post-secondary education institution or training program to apply for bursaries, scholarships, and awards.
Roberta L. Jamieson, President & CEO at Indspire, says “successful futures are created through hard work, creativity, and perseverance. Each one of us has a unique potential to achieve, and for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students, Indspire is here to help make that happen through financial assistance.”
One specific award from Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program is The David Gabriel Tuccaro Award for Indigenous Students and is available only to Athabasca University (AU) Faculty of Business students. Marcia Trudeau was one of those students. During her last year of study with the Faculty of Business, she received the David Gabriel Tuccaro Award and in 2016 Marcia graduated with a Masters in Business Administration.
David Tuccaro is a successful businessperson in Alberta who owns several companies. He is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation in Fort Chipewyan. He’s also been the recipient of numerous prestigious entrepreneurial and business awards. He’s dedicated to supporting Indigenous education and established this award with AU.
Upcoming award deadline is November 1, 2017.
Students wishing to be considered for any of the bursaries, scholarships or awards available from the Building Brighter Futures program are encouraged to go to Indspire.ca and fill out the online application form.
For more information: Building Brighter Futures guide for Indigenous students
