Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is committed to fostering opportunities for Aboriginal youth in our community through its Aboriginal Scholarship and Service Award Program.
As a component of Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak, the City of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, the City offers a scholarship for Aboriginal students attending Winnipeg schools in all school divisions in Winnipeg.
This year Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak is pleased to announce that they have awarded 10 scholarships to Aboriginal youth in various grades throughout the city.
“Through the Aboriginal Youth Strategy, we are ensuring that we, as a city, are honouring our commitment to help Aboriginal youth honour themselves as talented and passionate young people who are leading other youth in our community to reach their full potential,” said Mayor Sam Katz.
The program is designed to encourage students to stay in school and to consider post-secondary education related to a career with the Public Service such as architect, engineer, technologist, librarian, police officer, paramedic, or electrician, as examples.
Scholarships are awarded annually to students from Grade 7 to 12, with preference given to students experiencing social or financial hardship. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated academic achievement as shared through teacher recommendations, extracurricular activities, and career interests.
For more information about the City of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Scholarship and Service Award Program, please visit City of Winnipeg - Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak.
In 2008, City Council adopted Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak, the City of Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth Strategy. It is an innovative strategy with a mission to give Aboriginal youth positive opportunities in the community and civic system by providing culturally-appropriate programs and supports related to employment, literacy and recreation to increase resiliency, self-sustainability, pride and future opportunities.
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (pronounced Awsh-kay Anish-a-nob-bay nee-ga-nee-walk) is the spirit name given to the Aboriginal Youth Strategy by Elders in the community. It means “Young Aboriginal People Leading” and pays tribute to Aboriginal youth as leaders of today as well as tomorrow.