U of W partners with MMF to establish scholarships for Indigenous students

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The University of Winnipeg is partnering with the Manitoba Métis Federation to create one of the University’s most prestigious and highest value scholarships, in honour of Red River Métis Citizen Dr. Annette Trimbee, the University’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor.

Reserved specifically for Indigenous students, the Dr. Annette Trimbee Indigenous Excellence Scholarships are being funded through a donation of $250,000 from the MMF, which is being matched by university. It will recognize outstanding continuing undergraduate students who identify as Red River Métis, First Nations, or Inuit.

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“Education has a transformational effect on people’s lives,” said Dr. Trimbee, who left as President and Vice-Chancellor last year to take the posts at MacEwan University in Edmonton. “I am so pleased that deserving Indigenous students will benefit from this award as they explore their dreams and fulfill their potential.”

“The MMF, as the national government of the Red River Métis, has always placed high priority on supporting the education of our Youth,” said David Chartrand, MMF President. “Education is an investment in the future and the strength of our nation. We know that once an education has been earned, it can never be taken away. I hope that those Indigenous students who receive the scholarship recognize that they, like Dr. Trimbee, can be trailblazers who light the way for the next generation.”

Dr. Trimbee became President and Vice-Chancellor on Aug. 1, 2014. Influenced by her Métis grandmother, Dr. Trimbee grew up in a family of eight in Transcona. One of her proudest achievements was the development and approval of the Indigenous course requirement for all undergraduate students attending the University of Winnipeg, among the first in Canada.

During her tenure, she was also key in implementing a university-wide strategic directions plan and enacting a three-year budget strategy.

“Dr. Annette Trimbee’s undeniable impact in advancing reconciliation at the University of Winnipeg has been felt by everyone in the University community,” said Dr. James Currie, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “We’re extremely proud to support the successes of our Indigenous students through this scholarship.”

The first scholarships, which are valued at up to $10,000 per year, will be awarded starting in the 2022 Fall Term and will be renewable for up to five years, subject to academic performance of maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrolment at U of Winnipeg.

At the time of the initial selection, preference for at least one award will be given to a student who is a Red River Métis Citizen with proof of citizenship issued by the Louis Riel Institute, in third or fourth year, involved in community service, and/or engaged in scholarly research activities.