MMHF Invests $75,000 into youth science education through St. Boniface Hospital Research - RBC Youth BIOlab

August 19, 2019

Winnipeg MB - Today the representatives of the Manitoba Metis Heritage Fund (MMHF) presented a cheque for $75,000 to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (SBHF).

The proceeds have been ear-marked for the RBC Youth BIOlab Jeunesse. The lab is a space created for students and teachers to explore and experience real biomedical science, located at St. Boniface Hospital Albrechsten Research Centre.

"By encouraging and educating more youth to pursue careers in science and medicine we will help ensure Manitobans and their families have access to the professionals they need, "said Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) President, David Chartrand. "All levels of government including the MMF have a duty to work towards better health outcomes for the people we represent. I am proud that we are able to help fulfill that mandate today."

The MMHF gala is held on Manitoba Day, May 12^th each year. This year, through our partnership with the MMF and SBHF, the gala featured an evening celebrating Metis culture, food and entertainment.

The Youth BIOlab at St. Boniface Hospital Albrechsten Research Centre, is North America's most unique biomedical teaching lab focused on community outreach to inspire youth towards a love for science and discovery. More than 70,000 students from every corner of the province have participated since the lab opened in 2013.

"This investment will help support our efforts to nurture Métis Youth in MB to explore health and learning in ways that are meaningful to them, their experiences and their backgrounds. If science has taught me anything, there are always new things to learn, and it's best when we learn together," said Stephen Jones, Youth BIOlab Director.

Neil Duboff, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Board Chair, emphasizes the impact of this generous gift, "We are grateful to be granted a gift that can purposefully and powerfully change the lives of children who love science and will now get to experience discovery first hand in the coveted RBC Youth BIOlab! Thank you MMHF."

"It's wonderful to share this moment with our partners from the MMF and SBHF," added MMHF Chair Denise Thomas. "I know we all share the dream of seeing more young people enhance their education and pursuing medical sciences. It's exciting to know that Métis Youth will have access to a quality training facility such as the Youth BIOlab Jeunesse and move toward achieving those goals."

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The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Métis Nation's Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

Launched in 1971, the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation helps donors make informed and thoughtful philanthropic decisions that are meaningful to them, engages the corporate community through philanthropy, sponsorship and volunteerism.

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