Two Indigenous education institutions will be receiving funding support from Vale Potash Canada's $50,000 Education Challenge: First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Gabriel Dumont Institute.

Vale's competition invited proposals designed to increase educational opportunities related to mining and engineering for Southern Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis people.  FNUniv’s recently launched strategic plan for 2013-2018, Lighting the Path, includes goals to develop innovative and relevant academic programs that will enhance the employability of its graduates, and to enhance engagement with stakeholders such as industry partners.

FNUniv's submission proposed the creation of a new business administration course, Indigenous Natural Resources Development, which will offer First Nations, Métis and Inuit students an introduction to the natural resources sector while blending Indigenous and western perspectives on resource development and stewardship. This new course will be offered both on FNUniv's campuses and in its community-based programs, which are expanding across Saskatchewan and beyond.

The winners of the Vale Education Challenge were determined by local Aboriginal community judges.