First Nations Voice

December 2012

Building bridges between all communities

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DECEMBER 2012 • PAGE 17 success of future generations than to provide them with quality education opportunities. The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation has been working to make that dream a reality for as many Manitobans as possible, by offering annual financial awards to deserving Aboriginal students who pursue their post- secondary education in Manitoba. Since the Founda- tion's beginning through an act of the 37th legislature in 2000, the Government of Manitoba has been a proud supporter of their work. The most recent Annual Academic Awards Presen- tion has come a long way from the original two bur- saries it awarded in 2002. It has rightly earned wide- ranging support across the Aboriginal community. It is an important promoter of Aboriginal youth in our prov- ince, bringing together contributions from our govern- ment, the Government of Canada, Manitoba Hydro, Wawanesa Insurance and others. It also reminds us ernment acknowledged Helen Betty Osborne's dream to become a teacher. We also acknowledged the barri- ers that Aboriginal people face in our society, and at- tempted to remedy them through the important work done by the foundation. Helen Betty's mother, the late Justine Osborne, and her family supported the founda- tion's creation and the values it represented. Today, the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Founda- tation of the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation on Nov. 20, 2012 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre was a true celebration of Academic success. This year, a record 113 bursaries were awarded, for a total of $163,000 in funding, a sum that can change the lives of many deserving young people. The Urban Aborigi- nal Strategy of the Government of Canada provided a one-time gift, which has made possible 67 bursaries this year. When the foundation was formed in 2000, our gov- HELEN BETTY OSBORNE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION PROVIDES MORE OPPORTUNITIES THAN EVER FOR ABORIGINAL STUDENTS We know there are few better ways to ensure the of Helen Betty Osborne and the 10th year of giving sup- port to Aboriginal students attending Manitoba post- secondary institutions. The Foundation marked the an- niversary with the support of the communities of The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, along with many other northern communities. Approximately 200 peo- ple participated in a walk from the pump house to the Town of The Pas. The purpose of the walk was to finish the night for Ms. Osborne and recognize her spirit as a champion, bringing in a new day for Aboriginal women, their families and communities. I was pleased to take part in this walk along with my colleague and Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Eric Robinson, who was the driving force behind the creation of the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation. Manitoba continues its commitment to support the all that while a great deal of progress has been made in Aboriginal education in Manitoba, much work still remains to be done. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the death AFN National Chief AMC's Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, Shawn Atleo, SCO's Grand Chief Murray Clearsky, and MKO's Grand Chief the Helene Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation Board are to be commended for their dedication and lead- ership in promoting the goals of the foundation and academic excellence. After ten years leading the Board, Dianne is stepping down to focus more on her new venture as president and CEO of the Canadian Aborigi- nal Human Resource Management Association (CAH- RMA). It is a natural progression as she continues to promote Aboriginal success. We are confident she will be just as successful in there and wish her all the best. -Frank Whitehead, MLA for The Pas Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation through the full time secondment of the Executive Director and part time support of the financial analyst from Manitoba Justice. The foundation's chairperson Dianne Carriere and with you and yours in the upcoming New Year! Meegwetch! filled with warmth, happiness and good cheer. May the Great Spirit be would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season David Harper

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