Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the educations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Partnering with private and public section stakeholders, Indspire aims to inspire achievement, while educating, connecting and investing in students so they will achieve their highest potential.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross is proud to partner with Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures to provide a scholarship for students pursuing a career in Social Work. We recently chatted with one of our recent scholarship recipients to learn more about her journey.

Tell us a little bit about you.

I was born in Regina. Raised by my grandparents. We moved to Crooked Lake when I was 5. I went to school in Grayson then Melville for grade 10 – 12. I moved back to Regina a year ago to go to study Indigenous Social Work at the First Nations University.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

I chose to invest my future in social work because I’m committed to helping others. A passion I discovered in grade 12 during a self-searching unit in my English Language class. During my time at Melville Comprehensive School, I was involved in MCS Cares, which is an organization that focused on inclusive-ness. We did this by spreading awareness of mental health, LGBTQ + community and fighting against racism and sexism. Our organization partnered with Jack.org, a Canadian Metal Health establishment focused on youth metal health and suicide prevention. Through Jack.org I became a mental health advocate. This experience solidified my resolve to work in the social services sector.

My goals and ambitions while in University are not only about social work. Part of the reason I chose Indigenous Social Work and the First Nations University of Canada is to further develop and maintain a connection to my culture. Growing up in a mostly Caucasian family, I did not have as much exposure to my Indigenous heritage as I would have liked.

How will pursuing a career in social work help your community?

Once I graduate, it is my dream to provide support back to the communities that need it most. I know that for Indigenous communities, implementing their own social service programs is critical to preservation of cultural practices and protecting the well-being of their most vulnerable members. It’s also an important part of their resurgence and reclamation initiatives – I am dedicated and committed to being part of that.

About Indspire Funding

Saskatchewan Blue Cross sponsors a tri-annual bursary for Indigenous students enrolled in a Social Work course at a post-secondary institution! The next application deadline is August 1, 2022. To apply, click here.