Building bridges, breaking barriers

Point Douglas

As we quickly approach graduation season here in Point Douglas, my heart is filled with immense joy for all of those graduating and their families. I want to extend my heartfelt and warmest congratulations to all of you. Whether you are moving on from early years, completing middle school, or graduating from high school or adult education, you have reached a truly significant milestone. You have worked incredibly hard, and your dedication, character, and unique spirit shine brightly across our entire community. Graduating is a magnificent achievement, and you deserve to be celebrated for every single step of your educational journey.

In our neighbourhood, we also understand that success is built on community support, lifting one another up, and overcoming obstacles together. That is why each year, I am honoured to present the Claudette Osborne-Tyo Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers Award. This special bursary is unique in that it recognizes students at every stage of their academic path, early years, middle years, high school and adult education students who show kindness, help others, and work hard to overcome barriers in their daily lives.

This award carries a very personal connection for me and comes from a place of deep love and remembrance. In 2008, my beautiful sister, Claudette Osborne-Tyo, went missing. Her disappearance changed my life forever and set me on a lifelong path of seeking justice and advocating for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals. Claudette was a loving mother, a caring sister, and someone who always tried to build bridges between people. I created this bursary in her honor to ensure her legacy of love, connection, and strength lives on through our youth.

For our students and our community, this award is just as important. It reminds our young people that they are seen, heard, and deeply appreciated. It lets them know that their efforts to break through systemic barriers and create a more compassionate world do not go unnoticed. By supporting our amazing students from early years all the way through high school, we are actively investing in the bright future leaders of our province.

As the school year winds down, I want to wish every student, educator, and family a safe, and wonderful summer break. Please take this time to rest, have fun, recharge, and enjoy time with your loved ones. If you ever need assistance or want to discuss any community matters, please reach out to my constituency office by emailing bernadette.smith@yourmanitoba.ca or by calling 204-414-1477. My dedicated team and I are always here to listen, support, and advocate for you and your family.