b'RIGHT TO EDUCATIONWITHIN REACH: ByJulie Wildgoose Indspire programs help Indigenous students achieve THE STUDENTS JOURNEY their right to an educationL ike feathers, every studentsI want to be? How do I know whatfirst-time experiences for students journey is unique. TheI want to beand are my gradesfrom remote communities. The early years are guided bygood enough? Did I get acceptedpressure to change weighs heavily teachers, with everyone in theinto my program? Do I have toon Indigenous students once they same classroom and learning themove? Ive never been on my ownarrive on campus.same curriculum, but this is alsobefore. And often, above all else:As a national Indigenous organiza-where individuality blooms. Eachhow am I going to pay for this?child has a different experience andThe right to education should nevertion, Indspire is familiar with all level of aptitude that they bring tobe hindered because of lack ofthese factorsand has programs in that first classroom setting. Overfunding. Every child has the rightplace that are specifically designed the elementary school years, newto learn and contribute to theirto relieve some of these pressures topics are explored, friendshipscommunity and the world aroundthat Indigenous students face. change, and outside interests arethem. For the Indigenous student,Their Building Brighter Futures: brought into the equation, even assome of the financial barriersBursaries, Scholarships, and family values stay at the core of thecan be eased with bursaries andAwards (BBF) program (www.students influences. scholarships, but these are notindspirefunding.ca) is accessible to always easily or universally acces- all, including Elders, teachers and The students voice and what theysible. Lack of knowledge on howstudents, with multiple types of stand for are coalescing as theyto access this financial assistancescholarships and bursaries available begin high school; they start tois an unnecessary pressure for anyto Indigenous students. The appli-embrace individual causes andstudent starting the next chapter ofcation is available online or can be explore how they want to navigatethis critically important journey. printed manually, with three key the world outside of them. For thesubmission dates throughout the Indigenous student, beliefs, homeAlong with the right to education,year: August 1, November 1 and life and influence from Elders playthe Indigenous student shouldFebruary 1.key roles in how the student lookshave the right to maintain their toward the future.identity. They should never haveAdditionally, Rivers to Success to hide or lose their heritage(R2S), Indspires free Indigenous High school represents criticaland culture to assimilate whileMentorship program, provides years for self-realization and voca- pursuing post-secondary studies.valuable connections, mentoring tion discernment. As students headUnfortunately, this is often thefrom Indigenous advisors through toward high school graduation andreality that students encounter asan online portal, cultural resources, post-secondary education, manythey try to navigate the colonialand engaging events to all student journeys become eveneducation system. Exploring newIndigenous students going through more individualized as hopes andbeliefs, social activities, causes,the various phases of their educa-fears begin to be realized. What dotruths and even foods may be Building Today. for Future Generations tion to vocation journey. Students As a proud corporate supporter of Indspire, T.E. Wealthsdo not have to be a recipient of a Building Today. for Future GenerationsBuilding Today. for Future Generationsdedicated Indigenous Services team provides unbiased Building Brighter Futures financial As a proud corporate supporter of Indspire, T.E. Wealths advi s a proud corporat ent of customized ande, T.E. Wealths dedicated Indigenous Services A ce in the developm e supporter of Indspir award to sign up for Rivers to dedicated Indigenous Services team provides unbiasedcomprehensive investment and trust solutions including:team provides unbiased advice in the development of customized and comprehensive advice in the development of customized andSuccess.investment and trust solutions including:comprehensive investment and trust solutions including: Planning and DevelopmentPlanning and Development Every student has the right to be Planning and DevelopmentInvestment Policies & Guidelines successful on their own unique Investment Policies & Guidelines path to successwhatever that Investment Policies & GuidelinesInvestment Manager Search & SelectionInvestment Manager Search & Selection electionpendent Performance Monitoring may look like to themand Inde Investment Manager Search & S Independent Performance MonitoringIndependent Performance Monitoring Indspire wants to be a part of their Learn MoreLearn More journey. Visit www.indspire.ca to For more information please contact 1-866-430-0537 learn more and find out how you For more information please contact 1-866-430-0537For more information please contact 1-866-430-0537 can be a part of it too! 44indspiration2021'