Empowering the future: Rachel’s story of resilience and opportunity

Rachel, a proud Indigenous woman from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, is not only a three-time recipient of the Indspire scholarship sponsored by Imperial, but also a living testament to the power of opportunity. With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Concordia University of Edmonton, Rachel is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Land Reclamation and Soil Science. Below she shares her journey – one of resilience and advocacy.

How has the Indspire scholarship supported your journey?

Rachel: Without the Indspire scholarship, my journey through higher education might not have been possible. Being a single mother of a six-year-old, the financial barriers seemed insurmountable. I was at a point where it was the difference between going to school or not. The support from this program allowed me to move forward. The scholarship didn’t just open doors to education; it gave me a pathway to make my goals a reality.

Has the scholarship changed your outlook on your future?

Rachel: The scholarship didn’t just help me financially; it shifted my perspective on what’s possible for me and other Indigenous students. I now see a future where I can make a tangible impact in my community, especially in environmental sciences. Before, I was focused on the basics, trying to figure out how to make ends meet. Now, I feel empowered to not only complete my studies but also return to my community to work in land reclamation. I want to help build stronger relationships between government, industry, and Indigenous communities to ensure our voices are included in decisions that affect us.

Have you engaged with other Indigenous students through this program?

Rachel: Yes, and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about. The truth is, we need more Indigenous voices in the sciences in Canada. There are so many capable Indigenous students who haven’t been told that they can do this – that they are capable of excelling in these fields. That’s something I want to change. I want to be that person who tells them, “You can do this too.”