Canada

Our goal is to transform education and employment systems in Canada to support 100,000 Indigenous young people to complete post-secondary education and transition to meaningful livelihoods by 2030.

Indigenous youth face systemic barriers that impact their social and economic outcomes. These barriers result from legal and policy approaches imposed on Indigenous peoples aimed at assimilation and colonization.

There is growing awareness that it’s time for a new approach, and that the most successful efforts will be led by and for Indigenous young people. Indigenous youth are working to build a better future, grounded in Indigenous cultures and languages, supported by sustainable and diverse economies. Now is the time to work together to transform broken systems through bold solutions found in the vision and values of Indigenous youth, communities, and Nations.

The EleV Program is built on the Mastercard Foundation’s core values: Humility, Listening, Kindness and Respect, Co-Creation, and Impact. We are also guided by values specific to our work with Indigenous peoples:

Indigenous Self-Determination
Guided by Indigenous Priorities
Inclusion of Diverse Indigenous Peoples
Affirmation of Language and Culture
Deep Reciprocal Relationships
Ongoing Learning and Knowledge Exchange

EleV works with partners that are Indigenous-led or are working in deep partnerships with Indigenous people and organizations to transform education and employment systems based on the vision and values of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth and communities.

With our partners, we seek to advance Indigenous solutions in:

Post-secondary education and training
Economic development and entrepreneurship
Health
Climate and environment
Language and culture
Digital equity and STEM

As key enablers to this work, we also work with partners in the key areas of Strengthening Indigenous Organizations, Elevating Youth Voice and Leadership and Promoting Narrative Change.