University College of the North (UCN) is honoured to announce $5 million in funding from the Mastercard Foundation. This funding is part of a landmark $235 million commitment by the Foundation to 30 post-secondary organizations advancing education for Indigenous youth across Canada.
The national announcement marks the tenth anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) final report, highlighting education as a critical path toward reconciliation. The funding recognizes institutions like UCN for their proven track record of impact, deep engagement with Indigenous communities, and innovative programming that aligns with Indigenous priorities.
"This historic investment from the Mastercard Foundation is an affirmation of UCN's core mission to serve the communities of Northern Manitoba," said Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice-Chancellor of University College of the North. "Reconciliation is woven into the fabric of who we are, and this funding will act as a powerful catalyst. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which directly invests in the success of our learners and the future leadership of our northern communities."
The new funding enables UCN and other partner institutions to strengthen and scale successful programs, share innovative approaches, and build sustainable solutions that uphold Indigenous rights and self-determination principles.
This new commitment deepens the Mastercard Foundation's impact, which aims to support 100,000 Indigenous youth in completing their education and transitioning to meaningful work by 2030.
"We are proud to support the outstanding work of Indigenous institutions and major universities that are transforming the lives of young Indigenous people," says Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. "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."
