Released on June 9, 2004
Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC) is providing up to $2 million in bursaries over the next five years for Aboriginal students enrolled in First Nations University of Canada or the University of Regina.The bursaries are part of a $20 million program announced last fall to create more opportunities for youth and Aboriginal participation in Saskatchewan's Crown corporations.
"The future success of aboriginal youth and the future success of Saskatchewan are intrinsically linked," Crown Management Board Minister Pat Atkinson said. "It is anticipated that half of the employees of Saskatchewan Crowns are likely to retire by 2017. We need an educated workforce to take their place. This is a wise investment by CIC to ensure that today's students can get the education they need to become tomorrow's leaders in the Crown sector."
"One of the greatest barriers a student faces is the financial difficulty," First Nations University of Canada Vice-President of Academics Dr. Denise Henning said. "We are very happy to see the commitment by the Crown Investments Corporation to contribute dollars in a way that truly aids our students."
The bursary program is expected to assist about 34 students every year. Bursary recipients will receive $2,500 per semester. They will be eligible to reapply for the bursaries in subsequent years.
"We are very pleased to be working with CIC on a program like this," University of Regina President David Barnard said. "This represents a double opportunity. First, it is an opportunity to ensure the future availability of qualified people, at a time when current leaders in Saskatchewan's work force prepare to exit their careers. Second, it is an opportunity to help make these opportunities available to Aboriginal students whose role in the future of the province will be so important."
To be eligible for the bursaries, students must be Status Indian, non-Status Indian, Metis, or Inuit, attending First Nations University of Canada and/or the University of Regina. They must be residents of Saskatchewan for at least the past 12 months, and they must have satisfactory academic standing. They must also demonstrate financial need and the potential to contribute to the province of Saskatchewan. July 1st, 2004 is the deadline for applications for the CIC bursaries for the fall semester.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Karen Schmidt CIC Regina Phone: (306)787-5889 | Gaylene Anaquod First Nations University of Canada Regina Phone: (306)790-5950 |
Jim Duggleby University of Regina Regina Phone: (306)585-5439 |