Helen Betty Osbourne Memorial Award

The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Fund recognizes Indigenous students who are making a difference in eliminating the barriers of racism, sexism, violence, and indifference in society including those impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous PEOPLE (Women, Girls, Men, Boys, and 2SLGBTQQIA+) genocide and/or Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. The purpose of The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Fund Award is to honour Helen Betty Osborne’s tragic legacy by providing financial support to Indigenous students who are enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies and residing in Manitoba.

Helen Betty Osborne was from Norway House Cree Nation. She was a cherished daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. Helen Betty had dreams to one day become a teacher and planned to return home to uplift her community.

In 1969, at 17, Helen Betty left her family and home community to pursue her dreams. Helen Betty survived two years at Guy Hill Residential School in Clearwater Lake, MB. In September 1971, Helen Betty moved to The Pas, MB to attend Manitoba Brethren Collegiate Institute and was placed with a non-Indigenous family under the Indian * Boarding Homes Program, funded by the Government of Canada , and administered by Indian Affairs * (presently Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada).

Helen Betty was only 19 years old when she was abducted, brutally assaulted, and murdered by four non-Indigenous men. Helen Betty’s murder remained unsolved for 16 years and became known as a Conspiracy of Silence as many people in The Pas knew the identities of her killers. In 1987, only one of the four men were convicted. Helen Betty’s murder remains a tragic symbol of Canada’s genocide against Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.

Helen Betty’s legacy remains one of hope, resilience, and justice; while acting as a constant reminder of the many actions still needed to end ALL forms of violence, discrimination, and systemic racism against Indigenous people.

Kimberly Osborne and Shade Mowatt, nieces of Helen Betty Osborne and Kalvin Rose Osborne

Awards are granted in the amount of $2,000 each. Application deadline is 11:59PM CST Friday, January 17, 2025.

The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Fund Award acknowledges and celebrates Helen Betty Osborne’s goal of becoming a teacher before her untimely death in 1971. The events that followed highlighted the inequity of the justice system relating to Indigenous people.

The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Fund Award strives to promote the memory of Helen Betty Osborne while acknowledging Indigenous students who are making a difference in eliminating the barriers of racism, sexism, violence, and indifference in our society.

All eligible applications are reviewed by an independent adjudication panel including representation from both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC).