University College of the North Receives $5 Million in Funding from Mastercard Foundation to Advance Indigenous Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2025
(The Pas/Thompson, MB) – 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.”
About University College of the North (UCN)
University College of the North provides quality education, training, and applied research that is culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of northern communities. UCN is committed to student success and respects Indigenous and northern knowledge and values, creating pathways for learners to build strong futures for themselves and their communities.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Its Young Africa Works strategy aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, while its EleV program will support 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada to complete their education and transition to meaningful work aligned with their traditions, values, and aspirations. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization. Its Board of Directors and Leadership team determine its policies, operations, and program decisions. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values. – UCN.ca
CONTACT: Monte Koshel
UCN Director of Marketing, Communications & Recruitment
communications@ucn.ca | 204.627.8244