WINNIPEG, MB –The University of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) have a strong history of collaboration, and today that was strengthened with the joint announcement of an additional $600,000 to support Métis scholarship at UWinnipeg.
The agreement will specifically support post-doctoral fellowships and visiting scholars, as well as data analysis, through a grant of $60,000 annually for the next ten years. Additionally UWinnipeg will welcome a staff person from MMF to be stationed on campus to offer support and guidance to Métis students.
Today’s announcement builds on the strong collaboration UWinnipeg and MMF have forged since 1999. To date, the Manitoba Metis Federation and its education arm, the Louis Riel Institute, through funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) have provided more than $2.1 million in bursaries to Metis students attending UWinnipeg, which has almost doubled to just over $ 4.2 million as a result of gifts from the Manitoba Scholarships and Bursaries Initiative matching program. This has provided bursaries to 605 Métis students, some of whom receive awards for multiple years so they may graduate and follow their dreams.
Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg and Dr. David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation, will sign the agreement in Winnipeg at the MMF’s Annual General Assembly on Saturday, September 23, 2017.
“President Chartrand is a tireless champion for Métis youth and understands that making education accessible is key to strengthening our community,” said Trimbee. “It is significant that this new funding will allow us to broaden our knowledge about Métis history, culture and perspectives and inform policy.”
This year approximately 13% of incoming students at UWinnipeg self-identify as Indigenous, and half of those students are Métis, among the highest participation rates across Canada.
“Education is a priority for the Metis Nation. The Manitoba Métis Government wants to support as many students as possible at the University of Winnipeg. With this new endeavour we will continue to support Metis student success as well as gather data for future initiatives. We know education is key to building capacity within the Métis Nation and we are pleased to continue our work and partnership with the University of Winnipeg.” says MMF President David Chartrand.
For his decades of championing opportunities for youth, The University of Winnipeg conferred upon David Chartrand an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2012.
The University of Winnipeg is located in the Heart of the Métis homeland. UWinnipeg has a strong commitment to implementing the Calls to Action outlined in the seminal Truth and Reconciliation Commission report that pertain to education. Last September, UWinnipeg became one of the first universities in Canada to introduce a mandatory Indigenous course requirement for all undergraduate students. 1,500 students signed up and many describe it as a life-changing experience.
The Louis Riel Institute serves to empower the Métis Nation of Manitoba made up of skilled and proud Metis citizens, families and communities. It promotes, builds capacity and supports the heritage and history of Métis in Manitoba through efficient, effective, culturally sensitive programs and activities.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
