WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is now accepting applications for two new scholarships valued at $5,000 each, created to honour and support Indigenous students who are descendants of survivors of residential schools or who themselves are residential school survivors. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Scholarship will be awarded annually to one male and one female student.
“Our campus is located on Treaty One land, a treaty that promised educational opportunities for First Nations people. That is a privilege and a responsibility The University of Winnipeg takes very seriously,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “Approximately 10% of our student population is Aboriginal, including many First Nations, Metis and Inuit students. This makes UWinnipeg one of the top four universities in Canada for Aboriginal student enrolment. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has embarked on a journey of healing, and we are honoured to support that journey with our two new scholarships.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada scholarship is open to students entering or continuing in any undergraduate degree program at UWinnipeg. New students should have a high school average of at least 75%, or continuing students should have a Grade Point Average of at least 3.00. Here is the application form.
Numerous academic programs and support services exist at UWinnipeg to nurture Aboriginal scholarship and leadership. UWinnipeg has also created a unique Opportunity Fund to assist eligible Aboriginal students financially.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is headed by the Manitoba-born Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair. Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools by documenting the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
