Apply now

Page 32

The call is out to students interested in pursuing training in the information technology sector to get their applications in for the Xerox Canada Aboriginal Scholarship Program.

The $3,000 scholarships are awarded to eight winners each year.

"And that scholarship," said spokesman Lee Ahenakew, "if you win it, you get it every year you go to school for up to four years. So it's a pretty big program, because we keep giving the scholarships as kids continue their schooling."

Established in 1992, the program gives financial support to Aboriginal students pursuing studies related to the information technology fields such as computer or mathematical sciences, engineering or business administration at a university or college.

"We did that because it's a good fit with us because we support... our donations are always directed towards information technology literacy. We've chosen that as the cause we are going to support and it's really quite new in the Aboriginal community."

Another program Xerox has announced is its purchase and distribution of the book Ahtahkakoop, a significant work documenting the life struggles and achievements of Cree Chief Ahtahkakoop and his people. The book will be sent out to elementary and high schools in First Nations communities across Canada.

Ahtahkakoop tells the story of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation's transition from a traditional lifestyle into one in a new world.

"It's providing a positive First Nations role model, being Chief Ahtahkakoop, doing everything he could to prepare his people for the future and led them through that. Everything he did was for the betterment of his community in the long haul," said Ahenakew.

"There's never been a book like this created from our perspective, telling the story of that transition and following one people...

"People are saying it's going to bring a lot of understanding between Native and non-Native people and their shared history and how we got to this relationship that we have today and why the treaties are still an issue today, and why land claims are still an issue and why self government is an issue."

For more information on either of these projects visit www.xerox.ca