JEDI Launches 34 Bursaries to support Indigenous Language and Cultural Revitalization in New Brunswick

IRAM session with Liberty Utilities Co.

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is thrilled to announce that it is has created 34 new Culture & Language Bursaries, an initiative driven by the funds raised through the Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module (IRAM). The primary objective of the Culture & Language Bursaries is to foster language and cultural revitalization while providing support to students striving to achieve their post-secondary goals. These bursaries are specifically tailored to assist students actively working to reintegrate cultural and/or language practices into their communities while pursuing post-secondary education and other adult learning programs. 

The Culture & Language Bursary will award a total of up to 34 bursaries annually. JEDI is pleased to offer two (2) $500 bursaries per Indigenous community in New Brunswick, including two (2) for NBAPC Members. This financial support aims to alleviate the burdens of pursuing higher education while actively contributing to the revitalization of Indigenous language and culture. 

"JEDI is committed to fostering Indigenous empowerment through meaningful initiatives like the Culture & Language Bursaries. By supporting both educational pursuits and cultural revitalization, we hope to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve," said Stanley Barnaby, CEO at JEDI. 

Applications for the IRAM Culture & Language Bursaries will open on February 1, 2024, and will be accepted until February 29, 2024. Detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines can be found at www.jedinb.ca/culture-language-bursary. 

IRAM focuses on the TRC’s Call to Action #92 by providing education for organizations on the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Some of the topics in the IRAM training include: 

  • Peace and Friendship Treaties  

  • Canadian Residential Schools  

  • The 60’s Scoop  

  • The Foster Care system  

  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit  

  • Personal Reconciliation and Reconciliation in the Workplace  

JEDI helps organizations to understand Indigenous history with a regional focus on New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. We facilitate discussions on reconciliation and provide tips on how to implement reconciliation within the workplace to foster Indigenous inclusion.   

As part of JEDI's commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, 100% of the funds generated from IRAM deliveries will be dedicated to supporting initiatives focused on the revitalization of Indigenous language, culture, and traditions in the New Brunswick region.