Learn more about Indspire

December 31, 2013 · 0 Comments

Dear editor:

Sometimes in November I receive a request for a donation from an organization called, INDSPIRE, formerly known as The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. The title translates into two words – indigenous and inspire. Four cards with beautiful native drawings were included.

I wanted to know more. At the time I was talking to my nephew, John, who lives in Toronto. I told him the little I knew and he was also curious to the point that he visited their Toronto office. He was given considerable printed information which he sent to me.

This is how they describe themselves, “:Indspire is by indigenous people for indigenous people. We serve indigenous students across Canada, from major centres to remote communities, and all people: First Nation, Inuit and Metis”. Furthermore, Indspire is a national charity that is dedicated to raising funds that deliver programs and provide the necessary tools for indigenous people, especially young people to achieve their potential.’

Not having heard of them before, I was surprised to lean that they have a 28 year old history. And they have a stellar track record of success, They have awarded over $54-million in bursaries and scholarships, to 16,000 students to pursue their education. They offer programs that impact more than 10,000 students annually, encouraging them to stay in school and providing them with valuable career advice and indigenous role models to inspire them to reach their full potential.

The government does fund some post secondary education for some indigenous students, but there are simply not enough funds to support the real financial needs of their students. Corporate sponsors play a major role in making many awards possible. And by the way, their concern and support is for students from K–Grade 12 through post secondary education and careers in the public and private sectors.

Building Brighter Futures is the apt phrase that’s used with Bursaries and Scholarships awards. Twenty students who have received awards are shown in the current syllabus. There is a wide range of courses, from Fine Arts to Law, from Social Studies to Mathematics.

I want to quote one of the students, Adamina Partridge from Quebec. Her course is in Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. She wrote, “My wish is to dedicate the skills and knowledge I acquire to further develop the condition of indigenous communities in Canada and around the world.”

Betty Anderson,

Tottenham