b'One of Indspires strongest values is our connec- The long and tragic history of residential schools, tion to First Nations, Inuit, and Mtis studentswhich has recently been brought to the forefront of in remote, rural and urban communitiesthe national discourse, highlights the ways in which across Canada. As an Indigenous organization, weIndigenous students have consistently been told that are trusted by students and seen as supportingeducation is not for them, that they only belong in their life journey. When their studies areeducational settings if they change themselves. This complete, former BBF recipients are invited tobleeds into career expectations: if Indigenous become mentors with our Rivers to Success (R2S)students dont see themselves reflected in various Indigenous Mentorship program to offer theirindustries, they may be unwilling to try to enter knowledge and support to the next generation.these fields. Part of what progress looks like is expandingRepresentation in the post-secondary world is of mentorship supports for this programsparticular importance to Indigenous learners, as three streams: High School, Post-Secondarymany are the first in their family to attend college and Career Transition. The latter twoor university. In 2018, we published a report which streams are specifically designed to raise Indigenouslooked at Indigenous students experiences of Truth students awareness of the educational optionsand Reconciliation on post-secondary campuses, that will better prepare them to successfully findand it was telling: while there were improvements, employment after graduation. It equips them withmany students still felt isolated and marginalized. the practical skills they need as well as mentorshipWe followed up in 2020, releasing our Following from experienced Indigenous professionals whothe Path reportand we were encouraged to see have walked similar paths before them.that progress has been made on that front, despite Preservation and transmission of importantthe additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 cultural practices, stories and heritage is criticalpandemic, which disproportionately negatively to keeping Indigenous youth connected, andaffected Indigenous students. incorporating these practices into our programmingFinally, progress can also be measured quantita-is essential. Our R2S program is creating a reposi- tively. In this regard we are proud that not only tory of similar resources for our students (e.g.,do 85 per cent of our postgraduate BBF recipients virtual ribbon skirt tutorials, harvesting traditionalfind employment following graduation, but 29 medicines, etc.) that allows new Indigenous learnersper cent of these survey respondents indicated to move forward into the digital age in a good andthat they were employed within the Indigenous sustainable way while keeping their Indigenouscommunity. Furthermore, 20 per cent of employed culture with them.graduates were working within the not-for-profit Our Teach for Tomorrow program is a perfectsector and nearly half of these individuals were example of how we are supporting Indigenousemployed by a not-for-profit organization that oper-students throughout their education and helpingated within the Indigenous community. them transition to the workforce. The programWhen we examine Indspires input and the measures supports Indigenous youth who want to becomeof success, Indigenous learners are showing us that educators throughout their high-school journeythey are progressing. Importantly, the knowledge and while assisting them as they progress to universityskills developed during their studies are brought back and begin qualification as teachers.to their communities, which creates a cascade effect Indspire will continue working for progressfor successive generations. Indspire will be there by ensuring that the Truth and Reconciliationfor current and future learners, no matter where Commissions Calls to Action on Education aretheir educational journey takes them. recognized. Part of the process of Reconciliation is listening to Indigenous voices and hearing whatMike DeGagn they need in a good way. President & CEO, Indspire2021indspiration9'