WINNIPEG, MB – Seventy-six more University of Winnipeg students of Metis descent are receiving Louis Riel Bursaries ranging from $500 to $2,000 each this month. As Manitoba prepares to pay tribute to Louis Riel, Manitoba’s father of Confederation, The University of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and its education arm the Louis Riel Institute (LRI) have renewed their partnership for 2013-2014.
19 year-old Danielle Gagnon, who is receiving $1,500, says the Louis Riel Bursary is critical. “I am really grateful, it is so wonderful to have a supportive community behind me.” The 2nd year biochemistry major plans to pursue a career in medicine.
For 4th year student Philip Lafrance, who is studying mathematics and one day hopes to be a professor, receiving a $1,500 bursary means “First and foremost, that someone out there cares about giving people a chance to get post-secondary education.” He adds “being able to pursue my own goals really means a lot. It lightens the financial burden quite a bit.”
Since 1999, the Manitoba Metis Federation and its education arm, the Louis Riel Institute, have provided more than $1.6 million in bursaries to Metis students attending UWinnipeg, which has almost doubled to just over $ 3 million as a result of gifts from the Manitoba Scholarships and Bursaries Initiative matching program. The Louis Riel Bursaries offer financial assistance to Certificate, Diploma, Bachelors, and Masters degree students.
“Talented Metis students are able to pursue their dreams at UWinnipeg as a direct result of the generous Louis Riel Bursaries program,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “Providing support to remove financial barriers is critically important, and is a direct result of the commitment to education shown by leaders such as MMF President, Dr. David Chartrand.”
In addition to the Louis Riel Bursaries, a $100,000 gift from the Manitoba Metis Federation in 2008 allowed UWinnipeg to create the Audreen Hourie Graduate Fellowship, which is open to all Metis graduate students in UWinnipeg’s Indigenous Governance and Masters in Development Practice programs.
“Our Metis government is pleased to invest in this ongoing and very important strategy in directing Metis students toward their eventual roles in society. Education is designed to guide our people in learning their culture and molding their behaviour in the ways of adulthood.” said MMF President David Chartrand. “Education is what removes doubts and fears; what makes them secure and successful as contributing citizens.”
The bursaries are awarded on the eve of November 16th, which marks Louis Riel Commemoration Day, an historic day for the Metis people throughout Canada.
Approximately 12% of UWinnipeg’s total student population is First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, making UWinnipeg one of the top universities in Canada for Indigenous participation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
