$15M for Manitoba post-secondary institutions

The Mastercard Foundation is giving $5 million each to three Manitoba post-secondary institutions for Indigenous learning.

The foundation announced Tuesday it is giving $235 million to 30 post-secondary institutions and national Indigenous organizations across Canada, including the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg and University College of the North, which is in The Pas.

The funds “recognize strides toward reconciliation,” a Mastercard news release said.

“With this landmark investment, the University of Manitoba is committed to continued collaboration with Indigenous partners, acting boldly to support Indigenous learners to thrive and to amplify Indigenous leadership,” U of M president and vice-chancellor Michael Benarroch said in a written statement.

The Mastercard Foundation has been working with partners to “transform education and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth” through its EleV program since 2017.