Université Laval and Francophone Indigenous Communities and Nations in Quebec
Université Laval and the francophone Indigenous communities and Nations in Quebec
The Indigenous population in Quebec is small – about 3% of the population, of whom 20% are French speaking. This smaller population coupled with jurisdictional complexities create multiple barriers for Indigenous francophone youth in accessing services and supports.
Université Laval is the preeminent French speaking and research university in the province, and is located near Québec City and Indigenous francophone communities. This partnership with Université Laval will serve to create community capacity in land management and education and support self-determination. The partnership has an anticipated impact of supporting 1,150 Indigenous young people on their pathways through education and on to meaningful livelihoods.
In 2021, the Mastercard Foundation entered into a five-year commitment with Université Laval.
This partnership includes:
- Strengthening and enhancing opportunities for meaningful livelihoods for Indigenous youth in land management. Université Laval will partner with French-speaking First Nations communities to co-deliver training that integrates both western science and Indigenous knowledge, creating a new generation of Indigenous Land Guardians. This will begin as a one-year program and ladder towards a full degree program. Communities have prioritized this training and have identified employment opportunities for all youth undertaking this course of study.
- Greater success for Indigenous youth through enhanced degree supports including a well-resourced First Peoples Center.
- Close partnership and collaboration between Indigenous Nations in Quebec and Université Laval towards the vision of an Indigenous post-secondary institute. The francophone Indigenous Nations of Quebec will work together with Laval, placing Indigenous youth at the centre of new programming and supports responding to community needs. This collaboration will set a foundation for institutional development and foster close integration for future partnership.