About Indspire
Indspire > About IndspireIndigenous Inspiration. Excellence. Achievement.
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.
We support Indigenous learners as they pursue their potential, celebrate Indigenous excellence, and create pathways that connect learning with opportunity, leadership, and achievement. Our work recognizes that success takes many forms and that learning is holistic, lifelong, and rooted in community.
Charity Intelligence Canada has awarded Indspire a five-star rating and recognized us as a 2026 Top 100 Charity and 2025 Top Canadian Impact Charity. Indspire also holds an A grade for results reporting and a High impact rating.
Our North Star
“Lighting the paths where Indigenous potential becomes possibility, excellence, and achievement.”
Our Vision
Indspire builds futures where Indigenous learners rise into their potential, transforming possibility into excellence and achievement for generations to come.
Our Mission
Indspire lights the path for Indigenous learners through investment in education, recognition of excellence, and creation of pathways that support leadership and achievement.
Our Values
Excellence
We honour and elevate Indigenous brilliance, leadership, and achievement, creating space for Indigenous people to thrive, lead, and define excellence on their own terms.
Courage
We lead with bold purpose, embracing innovation, thoughtful risk-taking, and forward-looking leadership to create meaningful change.
Diversity
We honour the diversity of all Indigenous peoples, and are committed to building trust, connection, and community so that everyone feels valued, supported, and connected to something greater than themselves.
Respect
We act with integrity, humility, and responsibility, holding ourselves accountable to Indigenous learners, communities, partners, and future generations.
Balance
We recognize learning and success as holistic, non-linear, and lifelong. We support the whole person and the whole journey, while also creating pathways for those yet to come.
Transformation
We inspire hope and possibility by creating lasting, positive change that transforms the systems that shape opportunity, and strengthens Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
Strategic Directions: Lighting the Path for Indigenous Learners
Our 2026–2031 Strategic Plan guides how we expand support for Indigenous learners, elevate excellence, and strengthen pathways to opportunity and leadership.
Our work is guided by four strategic priorities:
1
Ignite Indigenous Learner Potential
Remove barriers, expand access to financial support and resources, and help Indigenous learners imagine and pursue their futures across diverse learning pathways.
2
Celebrate and Elevate Indigenous Excellence
Strengthen recognition initiatives, including the Indspire Awards, and amplify the stories, achievements, and leadership of Laureates to inspire Indigenous learners, families, and communities.
3
Strengthen Pathways to Opportunity and Leadership
Connect learning with skills development, mentorship, employment, and leadership opportunities, supporting learners through transitions and creating opportunities to give back to their communities.
4
Lead Through Relationship, Knowledge, and Influence
Build reciprocal partnerships and advance Indigenous education through Indigenous-led research, knowledge-sharing, and the amplification of Indigenous voices and lived experiences.
Across these priorities, we are committed to understanding and demonstrating our impact through evaluation that centres Indigenous learners, honours relationships, and recognizes diverse journeys and forms of achievement.
Programs and Services
We serve First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners in remote communities, rural areas, and urban centres across Canada. With the support of our donors and partners, we provide bursaries, scholarships, and awards, deliver programs, and share resources that help reduce barriers and strengthen pathways through education and beyond.
Our work connects learners with mentorship, role models, and opportunities to explore their futures. Through the Indspire Awards, we honour Indigenous achievement and amplify the stories of leaders whose contributions inspire generations.
We also support educators and communities with resources, research, and opportunities to share knowledge that strengthen Indigenous student success from kindergarten through Grade 12 and beyond.
Help Light the Path
Your support helps Indigenous learners access education, pursue their goals, and build futures that strengthen families and communities for generations to come.
Discover how you can contribute to Indigenous education, excellence, and achievement.
