Indspire and Trans Mountain Launch New Scholarship to Support Indigenous Students in High Demand Fields

Press Release

Friday, May 1, 2026 – Ohsweken, ON – Indspire is proud to announce a new partnership with Trans Mountain Corporation aimed at increasing access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students. Through a $100,000 investment from Trans Mountain, matched by the Government of Canada, this partnership will provide $200,000 in financial support through Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures (BBF) bursaries and scholarships program.

As part of the partnership, Indspire and Trans Mountain have established the Trans Mountain Excellence Scholarship for Indigenous Students, which will support eight First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students pursuing high-demand fields of study during the 2026–2027 academic year. Each recipient will receive a $25,000 scholarship to help remove financial barriers and empower them to succeed in their educational journeys.

Applications for the Trans Mountain Excellence Scholarship for Indigenous Students will be accepted through Indspire’s online application portal from May 1 to August 1, 2026. Indspire will administer the application and selection process.

“This scholarship is about expanding access to education and opportunities for Indigenous students as they build their futures,” said Jennifer Pierce, Chief Administrative Officer at Trans Mountain. “By partnering with Indspire, we’re putting support directly in the hands of students, so they can pursue education and career paths that matter to them – including fields where there is growing demand. It’s a practical step under our Reconciliation Action Plan and part of how we’re building long-term relationships with Indigenous communities.”

“Education is a powerful pathway to opportunity, and partnerships like this one help ensure Indigenous students have the support they need to pursue their goals and make lasting contributions to their communities,” said Jocelyn Formsma, President & CEO of Indspire. “We are proud to partner with Trans Mountain to invest in the next generation of Indigenous leaders.”

As Canada’s leading Indigenous national charity focused on education and Indigenous excellence, Indspire works in partnership with organizations across the country to ensure Indigenous students have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through the BBF program, Indspire continues to play a critical role in advancing educational outcomes and strengthening pathways from school to career for Indigenous students nationwide.

To learn more about the Trans Mountain Excellence Scholarship for Indigenous Students and how to apply, click here.

About Indspire

Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that celebrates Indigenous excellence and invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2024–25, Indspire provided more than $31.6 million through over 8,800 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.

About Trans Mountain Corporation

Trans Mountain Corporation operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting crude oil and refined products to the West Coast. The company is committed to building respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous Peoples and advancing reconciliation through meaningful partnerships. Through investments in education, training, employment, and community initiatives, Trans Mountain works to create shared value and long-term opportunities for Indigenous communities across its corridor.

Contact

Mallory Rose
VP, Communications and Marketing
mrose@indspire.ca
(416) 861-8507

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