June 21, 2001

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson and Attorney General Gord Mackintosh today marked National Aboriginal Day by presenting $1,000 bursaries to Andrea McIvor and Trisha Goulet, the first two recipients chosen by the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation’s board of trustees.

"Helen Betty Osborne dreamed of becoming a teacher, of getting an education so she could educate others," said Robinson. "Today, through the foundation that bears her name, bursaries are being awarded to help support the post-secondary goals of two young Aboriginal women."

"A positive legacy is building out of tragedy," added Mackintosh. "It is our hope that these awards, and those to many more young people in the years to come, will be a fitting tribute to Betty’s life. We offer our sincere congratulations to Andrea McIvor and Trisha Goulet."

The board of trustees, which includes representation from the Osborne family, considered dozens of highly deserving candidates.

Trisha Goulet is about to begin her third year of training as a dental hygienist at the University of Manitoba. Andrea McIvor is from Cross Lake and will be completing her educational assistance diploma this summer at the University of Winnipeg. She’s registered to begin the Northern Teacher Education Program through Brandon University in Cross Lake this fall.

In December, the province provided $50,000 to start up the scholarship fund. The foundation, in awarding bursaries to deserving Aboriginal students, strives to promote the memory of Helen Betty Osborne.

It also acknowledges deserving students who are making a difference in eliminating the barriers of racism and sexism in society and, as such, it is fitting that the first awards are announced on National Aboriginal Day, the ministers said. June 21 is a day to celebrate the heritage and culture of Aboriginal people in Canada.

Tax-deductible donations to the Helen Betty Osborne fund from individuals and organizations have been growing in number. Cheques should be made payable to the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation and can be sent to Manitoba Justice, Finance and Administration Branch, 935-405 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3L6.

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