By Gabriel Louër
On the evening of Wednesday, November 20, the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg hosted the Indigenous Education Award Celebration and Job Fair organized by the Business Council of Manitoba. The event featured speeches from Premier Wab Kinew, and Minister of Advanced Education, Renee Cable, marking a significant occasion for Indigenous students in Manitoba.
The evening highlighted the province's ongoing efforts to support Indigenous youth, focusing on increased funding for scholarships, bursaries, and employment opportunities.
Expanded Funding Creates New Educational Opportunities
One of the key announcements at the event was the Manitoba government's decision to increase funding for the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative by $500,000. This additional funding will allow the Business Council of Manitoba to double the number of awards and bursaries it provides to Indigenous students.
This year, 400 awards were given out, a 100% increase compared to the previous year. The expanded funding is a direct effort to support Indigenous students in their educational pursuits and open new doors for them to succeed in their careers.
Both Premier Wab Kinew and MLA Renee Cable spoke about the importance of these investments in the future of Indigenous students. The increased funding is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring that Indigenous youth have the financial support they need to pursue higher education and build promising careers.
Building Connections for Career Success
In addition, the event also served as a networking opportunity for the students in attendance. Over 50 booths were set up by potential employers, and the 200 Indigenous youth present had the chance to connect with businesses and organizations offering various job opportunities.
Ultimately, the goal was to create meaningful connections that could lead to internships, job experience, and career opportunities, all in the service of promoting Indigenous economic reconciliation. Many of the students were excited about their futures and eager to explore the options available to them.
The Business Council of Manitoba played a key role in facilitating these connections, helping to match students with potential employers and supporting businesses in identifying talented Indigenous youth who could bring new perspectives and skills to their organizations.
Moreover, the event not only focused on education but also on providing practical opportunities for students to gain work experience that will be valuable in their future careers.
The gathering was a reminder of the ongoing efforts to support Indigenous youth in Manitoba, ensuring that they have access to educational resources, job opportunities, and professional networks. The increased funding for scholarships and bursaries, combined with the opportunity for students to connect with employers, is a positive step toward building a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the province.
