March 15, 2023
On February 28, Portage College was proud to host the Métis Education Foundation’s Métis Scholar Awards, sponsored by Rupertsland Institute and the Métis Nation of Alberta. The event was a celebration of Métis culture and academic excellence, with scholarships being awarded to seven students. Each student was recognized for their hard work and dedication to their studies, and were given a Métis sash and pin along with a cheque worth between $2,500 and $3,000.
Portage College has celebrated these awards since their inception in 2009 and is the only institution, out of 20 Alberta post-secondary institutions (who offer this award), that celebrates with a dedicated ceremony each year.
The ceremony began with a traditional Métis prayer by Métis Elder, Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper, followed by opening remarks from Portage College President and CEO, Nancy Broadbent. She expressed her appreciation for the partnership between the College, Rupertsland Institute and the Métis Nation, and how it has helped support Métis students in achieving their academic goals.
“A big thanks goes out to our partnerships with Rupertsland Institute and the Métis Nation of Alberta. Along with scholarships for our students, like this one, the Métis Nation provides many opportunities for our students to learn about their culture through various event and workshops that we partner on,” said Broadbent.
Other speakers included Métis Nation of Alberta Vice President, Daniel Cardinal; Métis Nation of Alberta Region 1 President, James Cardinal; Lac La Biche County Deputy Mayor Kevin Pare; Director of Métis Education Foundation and PSI with Rupertsland Institute, Lisa Savill; and Breane Mahlitz, Rupertsland Métis Student and Alumni Supervisor.
Next, representatives presented the scholarships to the seven recipients while Métis musicians Deanna Dolstra on fiddle and Priscilla Morin-Lamouche on guitar shared their talents.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo and a round of applause for the recipients.
“The Métis Scholar Awards celebration was a beautiful tribute to Métis culture and highlighted the importance of education in achieving success,” said Broadbent.
Media Inquiries:
Portage College
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager
780-623-5581 or email
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.