Recognizing Leadership in Education for Indigenous Youth Media Packet

The following Indigenous Institutes demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, strong governance and educational outcomes, and have consistently grown their student populations. Each will receive $10M to accelerate their successful programs and innovations over the next 10 years. Collectively, they serve 10,000 students and they aspire to double enrolments and ensure culturally relevant post secondary opportunities for all Indigenous youth.

$10 Million

• Kenjgewin Teg, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
• First Nations Technical Institute, Tyendinaga, Ontario
• University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills, St. Paul, Alberta 
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Merritt, British Columbia
• Six Nations Polytechnic Inc., Brantford, Ontario
• Mi’kai’sto Red Crow Community College, Kainai Nation, Stand Off, Alberta 
• Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan
• First Nations University of Canada, Regina, Saskatchewan
• Seven Generations Education Institute, Fort Francis, Ontario

The following post-secondary institutions have built long term relationships with Indigenous communities. They have developed innovative programs in science, law, health sciences, technology and research directly responding to the needs identified by Indigenous communities. Collectively serving over 18,000 Indigenous students, each institution will receive $5M aimed at scaling and sustaining Indigenous partnerships and programs.

$5 Million

• Nunavut Arctic College, Iqaluit, Nunavut
• Yukon University, Whitehorse, Yukon
• University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
• Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia
• Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia
• University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
• University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• University College of the North, The Pas, Manitoba
• University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Université du Québec, across Québec
• Western University, London, Ontario
• McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
• Memorial University, St. Johns, Newfoundland
• Una’maki College (Cape Breton University), Sydney, Nova Scotia
• University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick

 

These Indigenous Organizations play a key national role in engaging and supporting Indigenous youth and their vision for the future including through dedicated policy schools, innovative pathways to leadership in land stewardship and scholarships. Each receive $10M to extend these critical efforts now and into the future.

$10 Million

• Indigenous Youth Roots (already reaching 3500 Indigenous youth annually will expand and strengthen new programming)
• Indigenous Leadership Initiative (already supported development of 160 land guardian programs for Indigenous youth, funding will professionalize, stabilize and expand programs for an accessible pathway for Indigenous youth nationally)
• Indspire (annually provides over 8,000 scholarships to Indigenous youth, funding will extend scholarships and supports in areas of growth and opportunity for Indigenous youth)

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) holds the mandate of the Commission and Survivors to carry forward the work of Reconciliation. Through educational events, convening and hosting, the stories of the past fuel a vision of the future where Indigenous youth thrive in education grounded in their language and culture.

The NCTR receives $25M to secure and extend education programs for generations to come.

$25 Million

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Cape Breton University

"This generous donation is deeply meaningful to Unama'ki College and to the communities we serve. It will have great impact on the Indigenous students who find a place of genuine connecting, belonging, and learning here, providing them with the opportunity to advance through higher education and build a brighter future. The gift strengthens our capacity to advance education through reconciliation, creating safe spaces for Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture to thrive. At Unama'ki College, we are committed to walking alongside our communities, fostering respectful relationships, and empowering Indigenous students not only to succeed academically but to thrive in life and make a meaningful impact in the world. This support provides us with the opportunity to continue and expand our work with a renewed energy and purpose, honouring the vision of those who came before us at Unama'ki College, the builders who laid the foundation upon which we stand."

Laurianne Sylvester, Dean of Unama'ki College, Cape Breton University.

Indspire

"This transformative gift from Mastercard Foundation is more than financial support - it is a powerful affirmation that Indigenous students matter, that their dreams and potential are worth investing in. With this partnership, we will remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure that more First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners have the tools and support to achieve their goals. Together, we are building a future where every Indigenous student can thrive, and where their success uplifts families, communities, and all of Canada."

Mike DeGagné, President & CEO, Indspire.

First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI)

"FNTI is honoured to partner with the Mastercard Foundation to expand educational and experiential opportunities for Indigenous youth. This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

As the nation reflects on the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada‚ Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action, FNTI proudly marks 40 years of delivering Indigenous post-secondary education. This investment arrives at a powerful intersection of remembrance, resilience, and renewal.

We look forward to continuing this important work in collaboration with communities, partners, and youth across the country."

Suzanne Brant, President, FNTI.

Gabriel Dumont Institute

"This generous gift from the Mastercard Foundation, given in the spirit of reconciliation, will help the Gabriel Dumont Institute better meet the needs of our students. It strengthens our institution and allows us to enhance programs and services to benefit the Métis community as a whole. Kischi maarsii."

Brett Vandale, CEO, Gabriel Dumont Institute.

Kenjgewin Teg

"This incredible gift will make a remarkable difference in what we have set out to do at Kenjgewin Teg now and in the years to come", said Beverley Roy, President of Kenjgewin Teg. "Ideas and goals we've set for ourselves can become a reality now because of the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation.  We are both humbled and honoured that Kenjgewin Teg has been acknowledged nationally with this gift to continue the important work of Indigenous peoples.

This gift will accelerate and implement the promises of 'First Nation control of First Nation education,na premise articulated over 50 years ago by many who have come before us in doing this work in Indigenous education, added Dr. Roy.‚ The Mastercard Foundation‚ a gift to Kenjgewin Teg is a direct action in implementing the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2025, the tenth anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation report. This gift demonstrates that the time is now for Indigenous people and Nations to show what Indigenous education is meant to be."

Beverley Roy, Kenjgewin Teg President.

McMaster University

"This investment is an important catalyst that will help strengthen and sustain Indigenous education programs and supports at McMaster and across Canada. This gift will enable us to build on the success of our long-standing programs and create exciting new opportunities to support the goals and aspirations of our incredible Indigenous students."

Vanessa Watts, Acting Chair, Indigenous Studies Department, McMaster University.

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

"We are deeply honoured with this significant gift from Mastercard Foundation in recognition of Memorial University‚ leadership in reconciliation, and commitment to Indigenization and the TRC Calls to Action" said Catharyn Andersen, vice-president Indigenous, Memorial University. "This gift will go a long way in furthering our work to implement recommendations in our Strategic Framework for Indigenization to make transformational change at our university. Fundamentally, and most importantly, this gift is about Indigenous students and we will honour that intention."

Catharyn Andersen, VP (Indigenous), Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)

"This is an act of solidarity with Survivors and their families." says Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). "It ensures that the truths entrusted to the NCTR will be preserved, protected, and shared with future generations. Our work is not only about safeguarding - it is also about justice, education, and transformation."

Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

At NVIT, we know that education rooted in Indigenous knowledge and culture is essential to reconciliation. Guided by our mission, sƛ̓əq̓méyt ~ nak̓ʷúlaʔmnt which means "sharing our traditional ways" in the NłeɁkepmx and Silyx languages respectively‚ this support from the Mastercard Foundation empowers us to expand that vision and ensure our learners succeed in ways that honour their identity, language, culture, and traditions."

John Chenoweth, President & CEO, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.

Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI)

"This gift is really a recognition of our learners, Elders, and communities who have been leading the way all along. At SGEI, we just try to listen and create the spaces where their knowledge, laughter, and strength can shine. The Mastercard Foundation has chosen to walk alongside us and our communities in this work, and that gives us hope for what the next seven generations will accomplish together."

Brent Tookenay, CEO, Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI).

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)

"This investment reinforces the strength of our relationship with Mastercard Foundation, explains CeCe Baptiste, VP ‚ Finance and Oẏateki lead for the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). We are honoured that the Foundation recognizes the impact we have across the province in our First Nation communities. This investment opens doors of opportunity we could not previously have imagined, strengthening our institution and meeting the needs of both our economy and our people."

CeCe Baptiste, Vice President, Finance, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).

Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

"Thompson Rivers University is honoured and humbled to be among the organizations recognized through this important investment by the Mastercard Foundation. We are on a journey to living reconciliation fully and seek to be respectful in all ways. We recognize those who went before us, forging the way for reconciliation to begin. We are mindful of our continued responsibilities to the lands and peoples we serve, and those yet to be born.

This unexpected and exceptionally generous gift will strengthen work with students and communities across Secwepemcúl'ecw and beyond, helping to advance educational and research opportunities that are guided by Indigenous knowledge, values, and leadership. These funds will be channelled to education and research initiatives that support the next generation of Indigenous learners and knowledge makers at TRU. We are inspired to together build stronger futures for all through the power of education and research."

Dr. Airini, President and Vice-Chancellor, TRU.

University College of the North

"At University College of the North, our mandate is clear: to provide relevant, accessible, and culturally rich education for the communities of Northern Manitoba. This investment from the Mastercard Foundation affirms that mission. This support empowers us to continue our reconciliation efforts and enhance the educational pathways for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth right here in the North. We are deeply grateful to the Foundation for recognizing that investing in our northern Indigenous youth is a critical investment in the future of our region and our nation."

Doug Lauvstad, University College of the North President & Vice-Chancellor, University College of the North.

University of Manitoba

"With this landmark investment, the University of Manitoba is committed to continued collaboration with Indigenous partners, acting boldly to support Indigenous learners to thrive and to amplify Indigenous leadership. This builds on our longstanding partnership with the EleV Program, which has been instrumental in our efforts to transform the experiences and opportunities of Indigenous students at our university today, and for generations to come."

Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba.

University of New Brunswick

"We are honoured to be among the organizations receiving this generous investment from the Mastercard Foundation. As a valued and long-standing partner of UNB, the Mastercard Foundation continues to inspire us with their deep commitment to philanthropy, especially in advancing education and opportunities for Indigenous youth. This support will allow us to strengthen our connections with Indigenous communities and expand innovative initiatives that support access to education. We are deeply appreciative of this investment and acknowledge that it will materially enhance our ongoing efforts to support truth and reconciliation as a university community."

Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick.

University of Saskatchewan

"The University of Saskatchewan is proud to be a partner and advocate with Indigenous communities in the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. Thanks to Mastercard‚ an investment in Indigenous youth, we can continue to prioritize and build new pathways for Indigenous student success, leadership and career readiness. Together, we can create safe and accountable spaces for a student‚ a post-secondary journey."

Dr. Angela Jaime, Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement, University of Saskatchewan.

University of Victoria

"We are deeply honoured that our trusted partnership with the Mastercard Foundation has led to this significant investment in the university, Indigenous priorities. This gift reflects the University of Victoria‚ a sustained commitment to supporting Indigenous students and to ensuring Indigenous representation and leadership across the university.  

The local teaching central to our Indigenous Plan, 'Lək'wəŋən, Be prepared for the work to come, reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to advance Indigenous research, teaching, and learning.' The Mastercard Foundation‚ investment will help move this work forward in a good way. We lift our hands to the Foundation for their transformational support of Indigenous youth across Canada."

Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Robina Thomas, acting president, University of Victoria.