Winnipeg, MB – Today, Indigenous youth will be honoured and recognized at the Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak Celebration. Honourees include recipients of the Indigenous Education and Civic Pathways Award, Next Step Award, Post-Secondary Scholarships, and participants who have completed Career Week, internships and work placements across the civic system.
Twenty Indigenous youth are recipients of the Indigenous Education and Civic Pathways Award that are given to Indigenous students attending Winnipeg schools in Grades 7 to 12 for their efforts in academic and community leadership. This program encourages Indigenous students to stay in school and consider post-secondary education toward careers found at the City of Winnipeg.
Twelve Indigenous youth are recipients of the Next Step Award for demonstrating their commitment in taking their “next step” toward reaching their educational and/or employment goals. Each award is up to $1,000 and assists with costs such as work equipment, school supplies, transportation, childcare or tuition. This award is open to Indigenous youth who have participated in programs offered through Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak’s partner organizations.
Ten Indigenous youth are recipients of Post-Secondary Scholarships. These scholarships are given to Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 30 who are registered at a post-secondary institution and have expressed interest in a career with the City. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each are applied to their tuition.
Nine Indigenous youth will be recognized for completing career weeks with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and three Indigenous youth will be recognized for completing internships and work placements with the City’s Indigenous Relations Division.
Backgrounder:
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak, the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Youth Strategy’s mission is to give Indigenous youth positive opportunities in the community and civic system by bridging and providing culturally appropriate programs and supports related to employment, literacy and recreation to increase resiliency, self-sustainability, pride and future opportunities. For more information on Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak please visit City of Winnipeg - OAN.