Two Indigenous women have received the first International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) iMpowered scholarship.
Mulaina Boissoneau and Corine Strube are the inaugural scholarship recipients.
Boissoneau is enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and Strube is taking a chemical technology program at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Saskatoon.
One of the main goals of the scholarship is to help create a more inclusive workforce for Saskatchewan’s minerals industry.
“Congratulations to the first recipients of the iMpowered Scholarship Program,” the minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan, Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “Our government understands the importance of ensuring students receive the training required to prepare them for jobs in our economy. This scholarship program will help more women and Indigenous students access training opportunities to meet the needs of our mining sector.”
This year, the International Minerals Innovation Institute pledged $1 million to help Indigenous people, women and other students finish their post-secondary education.
“The purpose of the iMpowered scholarship is to support women and Indigenous students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science post‐secondary education programs of relevance to Saskatchewan’s minerals industry, complete their education and enter careers in mining,” Al Shpyth, IMII’s executive director said. “These two women are being recognized for their different academic achievements and their interest in a career in the minerals industry.”
(PHOTO: Potash mine near Allan, Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy of IMII.ca)