[2] The awards were first established in 1993, and presented in 1994, in conjunction with the United Nations declared International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.
Since 1985 Indspire through its Education Program has awarded more than $87 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 25,00 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students nationwide.
[4] The award categories are:[3] Individuals of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis ancestry who have reached a significant level of achievement in their respective occupations are eligible for nomination.
Any person may nominate a candidate they deem to be worthy of this recognition with reference to the following criteria:[5] Each year 14 recipients are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in various disciplines ranging from health, law, political science, culture, arts, and others, two of which are specific recognition to one outstanding youth achiever and one lifetime achievement recipient.
[6][7] The awards are recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the highest honours the community can bestow upon its own achievers.