Métis Scholar Awards Given to 27 Portage College Students
A special awards ceremony was held at Portage College in Lac La Biche on Feburary 23, 2018, where 27 Métis students of the college received Métis Scholar Awards from the Métis Education Foundation (MEF). MEF is a charitable organization established by the Métis Nation of Alberta, aiming to positively impact the number of Métis students pursuing or completing a post-secondary education. The Métis Scholar Awards are funded through endowment agreements at partner post-secondary institutions across Alberta. These financial awards help cover costs and tuition associated with the Métis students’ scholastic ventures.
In attendance at this special event were Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras, Portage College President Trent Keough, Portage College Executive Vice President Nancy Broadbent and Mayor of Lac La Biche Omer Moghrabi. President Poitras presented sashes to each Métis Scholar Award recipient as she wore a special 50th anniversary Portage College voyageur jersey that was presented to her by Portage College President Keough.
The number of Métis Scholar Awards that have been presented to Métis students at Portage College has increased consistently every year – a positive sign that awareness of the financial awards and number of successful applicants receiving them is growing. So far this year, $81,000 has been awarded to Métis students at Portage College alone.