Three indigenous youths - Ashley Callingbull, Donna May Kimmaliardjuk and Tracie Léost - received the Youth Laureate award as part of the 25th anniversary Indspire awards, sponsored by Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.

The companies have also announced on March 23 they will commit $250,000 to Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program. The funds will be matched by the Government of Canada to help encourage education among indigenous youth. 

Access to education

"Indspire has an extensive record of success when it comes to bringing organizations together in support of Indigenous achievement, and our companies are proud to support their efforts," says Paul Mahon, president and chief executive officer, Great-West Lifeco. "Our new five-year commitment will give even more Indigenous youth access to bursaries, scholarships and awards that will help them finish their post-secondary education and become tomorrow's leaders."

The companies have contributed $1 million to Indspire to date to invest in the education of indigenous youth.