Angel Compton grew up in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation surrounded by the legacy of residential schools. Her aunts, uncles, grandparents - all were residential school survivors “and it affected us a lot,” said the 26-year-old University of Winnipeg student. “Yet even though my family went through that, they always stressed that it was important to get a good education. So here I am.”

Compton is one of two students awarded a University of Winnipeg Scholarship in honour of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. She is working towards her Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. “My goal is to return to my home community and hopefully, create a community centre for youth,” said Compton. In the past several months, Compton has used her skills to help others. She has been working intensively with First Nations flood evacuees who have been stranded in hotel rooms, organizing activities for children and their families.

The University of Winnipeg awards two Truth and Reconciliation Commission scholarships of $5,000 annually.

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