Manitoba Blue Cross commemorates Truth and Reconciliation Day with new scholarship program for Indigenous students

To commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021, and honour Indigenous communities throughout Manitoba, Manitoba Blue Cross has introduced the new Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern scholarships program for Indigenous students studying social work or counselling.

The Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern scholarships include:

• One scholarship of $5,000 to an Indigenous student studying for a PhD in Social Work at the University of Manitoba (Northern region).
• One scholarship of $5,000 to an Indigenous student studying for a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Manitoba (Northern region).
• One scholarship of $3,000 to an Indigenous student studying for the Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills certificate at the University College of the North.

“We are committed to the Journey of Reconciliation and doing our part to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. This new scholarship program is just one way we are striving to promote diversity and inclusion of Indigenous talent in the wellness fields of social work and counselling,” says Benjamin Graham, President and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross.

Each scholarship will be given out to one student per program. The chosen students will receive their respective scholarship annually until completion of their program, which will allow Manitoba Blue Cross to work with the students and assist them as they develop and find success in their chosen fields.

Manitoba Blue Cross will also provide scholarship recipients with complimentary personal health plan coverage during the school year. Those who qualify can also participate in an internship, co-op placement or practicum with Manitoba Blue Cross’s Employee Assistance Program, including clinical supervision and executive sponsorship through the local organization’s senior leadership team, to provide the students with hands-on work experience.

The Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern scholarships will be distributed through Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program. Each award will be based primarily on financial need, as well as other factors such as community involvement and academic merit and performance.

To further observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Manitoba Blue Cross is closed on September 30. Its employees will be provided with information and learning opportunities to further understand the history and important issues pertaining to residential schools and reconciliation.

Learn more about the scholarship program.

Learn more about Manitoba Blue Cross’s actions in support of the Journey of Reconciliation.