20+ years of working with Indspire to build brighter futures for Indigenous youth

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Celebrating 20+ years of support for Indspire

A more than two-decade journey of investing in Indigenous education through scholarships, bursaries, and more.

For more than 20 years, Imperial has partnered with Indspire – an Indigenous-led national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and helps break down barriers for Indigenous youth as they pursue education to achieve their highest potential.

Since 2003, we have provided over $2 million to Indspire – most of which has directly supported Indigenous students through the Building Brighter Futures program. Through this program, Imperial has provided more than 600 Indigenous students with scholarships or bursaries as they pursue further education.

Destiny - Athabasca University

Destiny Morning Owl’s Journey: Education, resilience and giving back

As a recipient of an Indspire scholarship sponsored by Imperial, Destiny Morning Owl, a member of the Blood Tribe,  is finishing her diploma in the Niitsitapii Business Administration Program through Red Crow Community College and Athabasca University. Destiny’s drive to continue her education has been fuelled by personal challenges. She has faced heartbreaking loss, including the passing of her son, Klay Across the Mountain, just two months shy of his fifth birthday. Today, she is using her loss as a beacon for hope as she looks to build a future for herself, her family – and her community. 

Read more about her journey

Destiny - Athabasca University

Rachel – University of Alberta

Empowering the future: Rachel’s story of resilience and opportunity

How the Indspire scholarship is helping build dreams

Rachel, a proud Indigenous woman from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, is not only a three-time recipient of the Indspire scholarship sponsored by Imperial, but also a living testament to the power of opportunity. With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Concordia University of Edmonton, Rachel is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Land Reclamation and Soil Science.

Read about her journey – one of resilience and advocacy

Rachel – University of Alberta

Brett Clark – Vancouver Island University

Métis Nation of Alberta
Bachelor’s Degree – Geoscience

Brett is a Geoscience graduate from Vancouver Island University (VIU). While attending university, Brett played as goalie for the VIU Mariners. One of his proudest achievements was maintaining dean’s list status while starting for the hockey team.

“The bursary from Imperial and Indspire was a crucial support system for me. It not only eased the financial burden of pursuing post-secondary education but also served as a motivating factor. Knowing that reputable organizations believe in, and support, my educational journey has been empowering and has fuelled my determination to succeed.

During my time at Vancouver Island University, I worked on multiple projects which excited me, but my favourite would have to be analyzing and mapping seismic readings from offshore drilling rigs. Growing up around oil and gas I felt like I was learning about what I had been exposed to my whole life.

To Indigenous youth considering post-secondary education, I would say embrace the journey with confidence. Your unique perspectives and experiences bring value to academic environments. Seek out support systems, explore your passions, and remember that your education is a powerful tool for positive change in both your life and your community.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunities provided by the Indspire program and the partnership with Imperial. This program not only supports individual aspirations but also contributes to the broader goal of empowering Indigenous communities through education. I believe that initiatives like this have a lasting impact on individuals and their communities.”

Brett, Geoscience grad

Cayla Gillis – Aurora College

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Office Administration Diploma

Cayla attended Aurora College’s Office Administration program. While at Aurora College, Cayla was awarded the student seat on The Board of Governors, and was chosen as the Student Association President in her first year and lead for two years. She was also selected to be Valedictorian of the 2022/2023 graduating class Aurora College, Thebacha campus.

“It’s important for companies to support programs like Indspire’s because it can help make college more accessible and affordable for students. This bursary relieved some of the financial burden on myself and I was able to focus more on my studies and spend more time with my family.

My advice to Indigenous youth looking to apply for an Indspire scholarship would be to research the program, investigate the eligibility requirements, application process, and any specific criteria they may have. Take time to understand what they are looking for and tailor your application fittingly. Reach out to mentors, teachers, and community members who can support you. They can provide guidance and help you showcase your unique strengths and experiences.

Higher education can open so many doors and provide Indigenous youth with valuable knowledge and skills. Remember, you have unique perspectives and experiences to bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and make a difference in this world!”

Cayla, Office Administration program

Dante Carter

Onion Lake First Nation
Bachelor’s Degree – Commerce
Dante is a business graduate from the University of Saskatchewan. She’s currently attending University of British Columbia for her interdisciplinary masters in Indigenous Knowledges. Her thesis is focusing on healing and finding place through economic and community development.

Listen to Dante's story

Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering

Since 2018, Imperial has supported Soaring to provide an opportunity for Indigenous youth to learn more about our organization and open the door to a potential career in our industry.
Learn more about the event

Imperial Indigenous Scholarship Program

Indspire

The Imperial Indigenous Scholarships are distributed annually through Indspire to Indigenous students who are attending post-secondary institutions in Canada with demonstrated financial need for contribution to education costs and with a preference to students studying in the following academic programs:

  • STEM, geology, geophysics, chemistry, computer science, business, and accounting.
  • Diploma technology programs including petroleum, mechanical, instrumentation and electrical and chemical production.
  • Other programs related to the energy industry.
Learn more about the application process and deadlines for the Imperial Indigenous Scholarship program

Learn more about our support for other programs creating opportunities for Indigenous youth.