Awards recognize young Aboriginal people for their outstanding achievements
CALGARY, Feb. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today offered congratulations to the recipients of the 2015 Indspire Awards while attending the annual gala being held in their honour.
Our Government is a proud partner of Indspire, as together we are advancing the ability for First Nations students to access financial assistance to engage in further study. This includes our assistance in support of student achievement, like the Building Brighter Futures scholarships and bursaries program and the Indspire Awards.
Through support for higher education, jobs and skills training, the Government of Canada is taking steps to enable Aboriginal people to take full advantage of Canada's economic prosperity. Together we are working to create a better environment not only for Aboriginal people, but for all Canadians.
The Indspire Awards, created in 1993, recognize 14 Aboriginal professionals and youth for their exceptional contributions and achievements in the fields of health, law, business, politics, culture, and the arts, among other disciplines.
Today's ceremony recognizes the ability and potential and positive work of Aboriginal people across Canada. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to young adults of what can be accomplished with dedication, perseverance and hard work. These exceptional individuals serve as strong role models for their own communities, and all Canadians.
Quick Facts
- Our Government committed $10 million over two years to Indspire as part of Economic Action Plan 2013.
- Aboriginal students can benefit from federal post-secondary education support such as the Canada Student Loans and Grants Program, and Can Learn.
- Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool provides access to more than 750 scholarships and bursaries which are available from individuals and organizations from across Canada, including Indspire.
Quotes
"I would like to offer congratulations to the recipients of the 2015 Indspire Awards. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to Canadians and especially to young people. Their success is a shining example of what can be achieved with vision and perseverance in working toward academic, career, and community goals."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
"All Canadians stand to benefit from the outstanding achievements of these individuals, who have shown strength and determination in reaching their goals. Our Government congratulates the recipients of the 2015 Indspire Awards. These awards demonstrate the ability and potential of Aboriginal people across Canada who are strong role models for their own communities as well as all Canadians."
Mark Strahl
Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon
"We greatly appreciate the support of the Government of Canada for tonight's gala, where we will honour the incredible contributions of 14 Indigenous individuals for their contributions to their communities and to Canada."
Roberta Jamieson
President and CEO, Indspire
Executive Producer, Indspire Awards
Associated Links
Indspire
AANDC – Post-Secondary Education
SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.
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