The University of Winnipeg, in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), is proud to partner on the creation of one of the University’s most prestigious and highest value scholarships, in honour of Red River Métis Citizen Dr. Annette Trimbee, the University’s 8th President and Vice-Chancellor.
Education has a transformational effect on people’s lives. I am so pleased that deserving Indigenous students will benefit from this award as they explore their dreams and fulfill their potential.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
Reserved specifically for Indigenous students, the Dr. Annette Trimbee Indigenous Excellence Scholarships are being funded through a donation of $250,000 from the MMF, which is being matched by UWinnipeg. It will recognize outstanding continuing undergraduate students who identify as Red River Métis, First Nations, or Inuit.
“Education has a transformational effect on people’s lives,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, former President and Vice-Chancellor. “I am so pleased that deserving Indigenous students will benefit from this award as they explore their dreams and fulfill their potential.”
“The MMF, as the national government of the Red River Métis, has always placed high priority on supporting the education of our Youth,” said David Chartrand, President of the MMF, “Education is an investment in the future and the strength of our nation. We know that once an education has been earned, it can never be taken away. I hope that those Indigenous students who receive the scholarship recognize that they, like Dr. Trimbee, can be trailblazers who light the way for the next generation.”
Dr. Trimbee became President and Vice-Chancellor at UWinnipeg on August 1, 2014. Influenced by her Métis grandmother, Dr. Trimbee grew up in a family of eight in Transcona, Manitoba. One of her proudest achievements is the development and approval of the Indigenous course requirement for all undergraduate students attending the University of Winnipeg, among the first in Canada.
During her tenure, which concluded in 2020, she was key in implementing a university-wide strategic directions plan, enacting a three-year budget strategy, and implementing an Indigenous Course Requirement for all undergraduate students.
“Dr. Annette Trimbee’s undeniable impact in advancing reconciliation at The University of Winnipeg has been felt by everyone in the University community,” said Dr. James Currie, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “We’re extremely proud to support the successes of our Indigenous students through this scholarship.”
“I am honoured to participate in this event celebrating the contributions of Dr. Trimbee,” said Denise Thomas, Vice-President of the MMF’s Southeast Region. “The Red River Métis are historically a matriarchal society. Celebrating a woman who has contributed so much to the narrative about our people and how we fit into Canada’s Confederation is entirely in keeping with that tradition.”
The first scholarships, which are valued at up to $10,000 per year, will be awarded starting in the 2022 Fall Term and will be renewable for up to five years, subject to academic performance of maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrolment at UWinnipeg.
At the time of the initial selection, preference for at least one award will be given to a student who is a Red River Métis Citizen with proof of citizenship issued by the Louis Riel Institute, in third or fourth year, involved in community service, and/or engaged in scholarly research activities.
About
The University of Winnipeg
UWinnipeg is noted for academic excellence, Indigenous inclusion, environmental commitment, small class sizes, and celebrating diversity. UWinnipeg is committed to improving access to post-secondary education for all individuals, especially those taking non-traditional paths to university.
About the Manitoba Métis Federation
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the national democratic government for the Red River Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are Canada’s negotiating partners in confederation and the founders of the province of Manitoba.
The MMF promotes the political, social, cultural, and economic interests and rights of the Red River Métis. In addition, the MMF delivers programs and services to our community including: child and family services; justice; housing; youth; education; human resources; economic development; and natural resources.
Media Contacts
Brandon Logan, Digital Communications Coordinator
The University of Winnipeg
E: b.logan@uwinnipeg.ca
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
C: 204-801-7710
E: Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca
