UWinnipeg is proud to announce the renewal and expansion of its long-standing partnership with Indspire to support Indigenous education.
Through this renewed agreement, the University is committing an additional $1 million over the next five years to Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships (BBF) program. With matching federal funding, this new investment will total $2 million in direct support for Indigenous students, providing $400,000 annually in awards and bursaries to UWinnipeg students through 2030.
UWinnipeg is currently Indspire’s largest post-secondary partner, a distinction that reflects its deep and sustained commitment to advancing educational opportunities and outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners. Since the beginning of the partnership, the University has contributed over $2.2 million to empower Indigenous learners through Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures and Teach for Tomorrow (T4T) programs as well as supporting its Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering and National Gathering for Indigenous Education events.
The renewed University of Winnipeg/Indspire Indigenous Awards Program will continue to provide essential financial support to Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need.
“Supporting Indigenous excellence is a key pillar of our strategic plan, and this partnership is an example of that commitment in action,” said Dr. Todd Mondor, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. “Our Indigenous alumni are making exceptional contributions across many fields, so this investment not only supports individual learners but also strengthens our province. We’re proud to continue working with Indspire to create more opportunities for Indigenous students.”
“The University of Winnipeg continues to demonstrate what meaningful partnership and commitment to Indigenous education looks like,” said Mike DeGagné, President & CEO of Indspire. “Their renewed investment, alongside matching federal support, will make a lasting difference in the lives of Indigenous students by removing financial barriers and expanding access to post-secondary education. We’re proud to continue this important work together to create strong, sustainable futures for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners.”
About Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that celebrates Indigenous excellence and invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2024-25, Indspire provided more than $31.6 million through over 8,800 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.
