The Manitoba Business Council is celebrating the province's renewed commitment to provide education awards for Indigenous students. Education Minister Ian Wishart announced last week the government will continue its long-standing partnership with the Manitoba Business Council.

Council President Don Leitch said the province will provide up to $150,000 a year, which is matching funds from members of the business council. The program provides support to post secondary educational efforts by Aboriginal students.

"The program is quite simple," said Leitch. If you're an Aboriginal student living in Manitoba attending one of our very good post secondary educational institutions, you're eligible to apply."

Leitch said students use the funds to pay for tuition, and if that's paid, they can use the remainder for books and living expenses. "It's an extremely good program. It's always totally subscribed, and every dollar of contributions from members and from the province finds its way into the hands of students."

Leitch said the Business Council is very, very pleased. "This program is making a difference one life at a time."

A reception was held Wednesday to honour the latest recipients, something Leitch said is done every year. "It's just an opportunity to celebrate the fact these people have received an award, and they're setting themselves on a path to future success. What we appreciate is the fact we have young people, and some mature students going back to pursue their education."

At Wednesday's reception, 107 awards were granted to students attending our province's post secondary institutions.

Over the last 16 years awards have been given out to over 2,100 awards to students. Leitch said those awards are valued in total at over $5,000,000. "That's been funded by the Buisness Council and our partners in the program."