Vale introduces three new scholarships for Indigenous graduates – Thompson Citizen

June 29, 2018

Right in the middle of graduation season, Vale Manitoba Operations introduced a trio of new scholarships in order to give high school students from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the Métis nation a helping hand.

Ryan Land, manager of corporate affairs for Vale Manitoba Operations, said these new financial aids emerged as a result of the Thompson Aboriginal Accord, which puts a large emphasis on recognizing historical figures who contributed to the surrounding community in a meaningful way.

“So annually we sort of renew that commitment by sitting at the accord table and, over time, we’ve been committed to doing a better job of recognizing those contributions when the opportunity arises.”

On June 19, graduate Kiya Spence of Nisichawayasihk Neyo Ohtinwak Collegiate in Nelson House was the first to receive a scholarship of $1,000, which was named after her ancestor, and traditional land user, James Spence.

Read More: http://www.thompsoncitizen.net/news/nickel-belt/vale-introduces-three-new-scholarships-for-indigenous-graduates-1.23350148