MONTREAL, Feb. 11, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto has partnered with Indspire through a $1 million contribution to establish the Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous Students. Rio Tinto's contribution is being matched by the Canadian government, for a total of $2 million.

Alf Barrios, chief executive of Rio Tinto's aluminium group stated: "We are very proud to establish the Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous Students through our partnership with Indspire, an Indigenous-led charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people in Canada."

"Rio Tinto has been invested in Canada for over 100 years and we have a long history of working closely with Indigenous people across this great county. At Rio Tinto, we know just how critical education is to the success of the communities in which we work, and to the success of our business."

"Through our partnership with Indspire, we aim to provide the chance to all Indigenous youth in the areas we operate to pursue further training and/or studies after high school so that they are equipped for leadership positions in the future."

The announcement was made in Vancouver, B.C. at Indspire's Soaring: Indigenous Youth Career Conference, an event where Indigenous high school students gather to learn about career and post-secondary education options.

The Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous students is designed to offer financial support to Indigenous students who are enrolled or would like to enrol in post-secondary studies.

It gives young people the chance to obtain a diploma, degree, certificate, academic upgrading, or apprenticeship program with financial assistance.

The award prioritizes students in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines but is also available more broadly to students in any discipline including trades and is available to students of any age pursuing post-secondary education including adult learners.

There are three application deadlines for the award: 15 February, 1 June, and 1 November 2016. Successful applicants are eligible for the funding upon completion of high school.

For more information about the award, visit: www.indspire.ca/apply.

About Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire disburses financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources with the goal of closing the gap in Indigenous education. Through the K-12 Indspire Institute, it provides resources to educators, communities, and other stakeholders who are committed to improving kindergarten to grade 12 success for Indigenous youth. Since its inception in 1985, Indspire has awarded $79 million through almost 25,000 bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students, making it the largest funder of Indigenous education outside the federal government. Each year, the organization presents the Indspire Awards, a gala celebration of the successes achieved by Indigenous people that is broadcast nationally.

Rio Tinto in Canada
With more than 12,000 employees working at over 35 sites and operations, Rio Tinto is the largest mining and metals business operating in Canada. Rio Tinto's extensive operations in Canada include mining and manufacturing interests in alumina, aluminium, iron ore, diamonds and titanium dioxide, as well as exploration activities, research and development centres, port and rail facilities, and hydroelectric facilities in the provinces of Quebec and British Columbia.

www.riotinto.com
Follow @RioTinto on Twitter

SOURCE RIO TINTO PLC