The Mastercard Foundation in Toronto has announced funding totaling C$235 million ($169.95 million) to 30 post-secondary educational institutions and Indigenous organizations in Canada in support of education for Indigenous youth across the country.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), the commitment aims to deepen the impact of the foundation’s EleV Program, which works with partners across Canada to transform education and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth and has supported more than 65,000 people to date. Grants will enable organizations to strengthen, scale, and share programs, doubling the number of Indigenous youth served by these programs over the next 10 years.
Recipients receiving C$10 million ($7.23 million) include First Nations Technical Institute in Ontario; Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research in Saskatchewan; First Nations University of Canada in Saskatchewan; Indigenous Youth Roots; and Indspire. Organizations receiving C$5 millin ($3.62 million) include University of Victoria in British Columbia, University of Manitoba, and University of New Brunswick. In addition, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation was awarded C$25 million ($18.1 million) to secure and extend education programs.
“We are proud to support the outstanding work of Indigenous institutions and universities that are transforming the lives of young Indigenous people,” said Mastercard Foundation president and CEO Reeta Roy. “This game-changing work is rooted in reconciliation from improved healthcare services in communities to innovative businesses that are providing clean energy, cultural programs that are revitalizing Indigenous languages, and young people who are graduating as health, technology, and land stewardship leaders.”
For a complete list of recipients, see the Mastercard Foundation website.
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