For more than 25 years, CIBC has supported initiatives that create opportunities for Indigenous peoples. When UNB approached the bank about contributing to It Begins Here, the largest fundraising campaign in the university's history, CIBC quickly agreed to a new bursary program for Indigenous students focussed on those in business programs. The CIBC-University of New Brunswick Indigenous Bursaries are open to First Nation, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.
UNB selected Indspire, Canada’s premiere Indigenous-led non-profit, to manage, leverage and award the bursaries. Indspire's national scholarship application process ensures that the CIBC-University of New Brunswick Indigenous Bursaries will be accessible to students across Canada, while its gift-matching program has the potential to increase the value and number of bursaries that can be awarded. CIBC has been a proud supporter of Indspire since 1993.
The new bursaries were announced at a ceremony which paid tribute to the creative capacity, leadership and determination of the First Peoples of New Brunswick and CIBC and UNB’s commitment to honour the recommendations of the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Alicia Dubois, Market Vice-President, Indigenous Markets – Commercial Banking at CIBC, described the bank’s partnership with UNB as part of a larger national effort to serve the Indigenous community.
“We’re happy to be working with UNB and Indspire to support Indigenous students. CIBC is committed to recognizing excellence and encouraging role models to stimulate further achievement among Indigenous people,” Ms. Dubois said.
Dr. Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire, pointed out that financial resources are the number one barrier that Indigenous students cite for their inability to achieve a post-secondary education. "At Indspire, we invest in the education of Indigenous people so they can realize their potential and benefit themselves, their communities and Canada,” Dr. Jamieson said.
UNB President Dr. Eddy Campbell said “We are delighted that CIBC has chosen to make this investment here, at UNB. We take very seriously our commitment to honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendation to bridge the Indigenous education gap in a single generation. These bursaries will make our programs more accessible to Indigenous students and more diverse, contributing to an inclusive academic environment that benefits everyone at UNB.”
UNB has adopted a TRC Strategic Action Plan to address the national Truth and Reconciliation recommendations. Action items that UNB is pursuing include establishing an Indigenous Advisory Council and hiring a Piluwitahasuwin (Assistant Vice-President Indigenous Engagement).
