On June 1 Bruce Power announced a four-year, $200,000 Indigenous scholarship program, which will benefit First Nation and Métis students in our region.

Bruce Power’s investment of $100,000 will trigger another $100,000 matching funds by the Government of Canada, making it a $200,000 fund.

The Bruce Power Indigenous Post-Secondary scholarship will run from 2019-22 and will be administered by the Indspire program, which is dedicated to raising funds to deliver programs that provide the necessary tools for Indigenous peoples to achieve their potential. It is devoted to promoting, supporting and celebrating the achievement of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people – youth in particular.

“We are very pleased to support this program as education is the foundation upon which we build our future. It shapes who we are and who we will be,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Vice-President Corporate Affairs & Environment. “It’s our sincere hope these scholarships will lead to educational experiences that will inspire the next generation of community leaders.”

The scholarship will focus on students who are from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, Historic Saugeen Métis and the Métis Nation of Ontario Region 7, and are pursuing post-secondary school, the trades or an apprenticeship program. During the application process, students must demonstrate a financial need to maintain their studies, show evidence of involvement and contribution to their community, and demonstrate academic merit and performance.

“Corporate partnerships have a very important role today in addressing one of the most challenging and promising areas of public investment,” said Roberta Jamieson, President & CEO, Indspire. “With this partnership, Bruce Power is investing not only in the education of Indigenous people, but in their economic empowerment.”

A panel of jurists, made up of a fair representation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit professionals and/or those employed within the program category for which applications are being considered, will choose the recipients.

Applications must be received by February 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year to be considered for funding. Applicants must complete their form online at www.indspire.ca.