BHP has entered into a $3 million three-year partnership with Indspire to support Indigenous education.
Indspire is a Canadian Indigenous charity that provides bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students who are pursuing post-secondary education and training.
BHP said the partnership will allow Indspire to expand its Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program. The initiative provides students with post-secondary bursaries.
The funding will also support multi-year travel grants for the Soaring, Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering and the National Gathering for Indigenous Education – two events held for Indigenous students and educators.
BHP said its partnership with Indspire aligns with its Indigenous Peoples policy and social value framework, as well as its goal to have 20 per cent Indigenous representation across the Jansen potash project’s operational workforce in Saskatchewan, Canada which is commencing production in 2026.
“BHP’s expanded commitment to Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures bursaries and scholarships program is a meaningful commitment to empowering First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across the country to achieve their educational goals,” Indspire president and chief executive officer Mike DeGagné said.
“Their support for Soaring and the National Gathering will help us to create even wider circles of community, shaping meaningful change from the classroom to the boardroom. We are pleased to be broadening this significant partnership.”
BHP chief legal, governance and external affairs officer Caroline Cox echoed this statement.
“Part of our commitment to Canada is partnering with community organisations to deliver positive social and economic outcomes,” Cox said.
“The work Indspire is doing to break down barriers and create new opportunities for Indigenous students in Canada is critical to a more inclusive, equitable and successful future for all. BHP is thrilled to support Indspire and those who benefit from its important work.”
The next phase of the Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program will launch in November and run through to 2025.