Mission

Indspire is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of them, their families and communities, and Canada. Our north star is that within a generation, every Indigenous student will graduate.

Our vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement. In partnership with Indigenous, private and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects and invests in First Nations, Inuit and Métis people so they will achieve their highest potential.

We serve Indigenous students in rural and remote communities and urban centres across Canada which is why travel is so important to spread awareness of Indspire’s awards, programs and resources. With the goal of closing the gap in Indigenous education, we strive to use travel to connect students with the tools needed to succeed.

Indspire’s work continues to be recognized as a model of donor accountability, financial transparency and cost-efficiency. Maclean’s has recognized Indspire as among Canada’s best charities in 2020.  And once again, Charity Intelligence Canada has given Indspire their four-star rating, naming us a Top 10 Canadian Impact Charity in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Through its Building Brighter Futures program, Indspire has disbursed over $217 million through more than 66,000 scholarships and bursaries to Indigenous students since 1996. Indspire also provides many vital resources and programs, like Rivers to Success: Mentoring Indigenous Students, to help students graduate and go on to reach their full potential.

Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering

At Soaring, high school students learn about career and post-secondary education options. Students participate in workshops, learn about financial support, and meet Canada’s top employers.

National Gathering for Indigenous Education

Each year, National Gathering brings together hundreds of educators interested in improving the educational outcomes of K-12 Indigenous students. Attendees from across Canada access resources and share innovations and successful.

Teach for Tomorrow    

Teach for Tomorrow encourages and supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to fulfill their ambition to become teachers and provides a seamless approach for students to transition though high school into university.

Rivers to Success Mentorship 

Rivers to Success provides a supportive environment for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students at key stages of their educational journey, giving them the tools they need to successfully pursue the career of their dreams.

Indspire Awards

Representing the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people, each year Indspire Awards recognize outstanding Indigenous achievers who are a source of inspiration for Indigenous youth. The ceremony is broadcast nationally on CBC and APTN.

Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Awards

Guiding the Journey recognizes and celebrates outstanding educators for their achievement and innovation in Indigenous education.