Indspire

Indspire, formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF),[1] is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.

About

Indspire disburses financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources with the objective of increasing graduation rates for Indigenous students. Indspire serves First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students in remote communities, rural areas and urban centres across Canada with the intention to enrich the country through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement.

President & CEO

Roberta Jamieson is a Mohawk who has achieved many firsts. She was the first First Nation woman in Canada to earn a law degree; the first woman Ombudsman of Ontario; and the first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. As President of Inspire, Canada’s Indigenous-led award-winning charity, Roberta has overseen an increase in the bursaries and scholarships awarded to Indigenous students. Since 2004, Indspire has distributed over 42,500 scholarships and bursaries, valued at over $132 million.

Initiatives

Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships & Awards

Building Brighter Futures (BBF) is a financial assistance program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students enrolled in an accredited post-secondary education or trades program across Canada. The types of financial assistance provided by the program are bursaries, scholarships, awards and incentives.

Research Knowledge Nest

The Indspire Research Knowledge Nest is the first Indigenous research program of its kind developed in Canada. The Research Nest team works with partners and collaborators to establish a training program that delivers mentorship and work experience to early-career Indigenous researchers and data scientists. This program fosters Indigenous engagement and leadership in quantitative research and data science roles. In partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, the Research Nest explores the linkages between Indigenous economic development and education, exploring new insights into opportunities across multiple sectors.

Rivers to Success

Rivers to Success is a mentorship and guidance program that provides a support system for Indigenous students to ensure their success as they graduate and begin their careers. Students have access to Indigenous professionals and resources helping them to prioritize their development while maintaining connections to their cultures and communities.

Indspire Awards

The Indspire Awards represents the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people. After 27 years, the Indspire Awards have honoured 373 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement. The show is a nationally broadcast celebration of culture showcasing the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada including performances by Canada’s biggest names in Indigenous entertainment