Mastercard Foundation Invests $5 Million to Advance Indigenous Initiatives at Western University

Marking a decade of work since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Final Report and Calls to Action, Mastercard Foundation is donating $5 million into Western University’s Indigenous initiatives that will elevate youth leadership and transform post-secondary education.

"Western is honoured to receive this transformational investment from the Mastercard Foundation to support Indigenous youth," says Alan Shepard, Western’s President.

"Students thrive when they are connected to their culture and when Indigenous ways of knowing are incorporated into their learning experiences. This generous donation will help Western strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, develop academic environments with strong Indigenous voices and create a space where future leaders can excel."

Alongside Western, 29 other organizations across Canada were recognized for their support of Indigenous young people through the Mastercard Foundation’s total investment of $235 million.

These institutions and organizations were selected based on their track record of impact and improving outcomes for Indigenous youth; their deep involvement, engagement and accountability to Indigenous communities and youth; and their innovative, successful programming aligned with Indigenous priorities and opportunities for growth.

"Western University has advanced reconciliation in meaningful ways, demonstrating deep commitment to transforming curriculum, strengthening partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, and expanding student supports,” says Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. “We made a commitment to young Indigenous people that we would walk alongside them to transform post-secondary education in ways that support them to live a good life. This exemplary organization is contributing to that change and to a stronger country for us all.

Western is building on its Indigenous Strategic Plan to advance the education and inclusion of all Indigenous youth. The university continues to engage and consult with Indigenous Peoples and receive guidance from its Indigenous Postsecondary Education Council (IPEC), an advisory group representing the common interests and concerns of local Indigenous communities.

With Mastercard Foundation’s support, Western will focus on increasing its capacity for learning and unlearning through programmatic and training initiatives and strengthen the Wampum Learning Lodge and build on its partnerships with Indigenous groups to enhance research, outreach and improve the overall campus experience.

"The support from the Mastercard Foundation will help Western keep the momentum for restorative work in advancing Reconciliation,” says Christy Bressette, Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives), Western. “It ensures that future generations, especially Indigenous youth, are supported through education to become the leaders who will carry forward Indigenous knowledge, strengthen communities, and guide us all toward a more just and compassionate future. It also ensures that non-Indigenous people continue to hear the Truth and learn from it."

Visit the Mastercard Foundation to learn more about their investments across Canada.