Memorial University is among a group of Canadian post-secondary institutions selected to receive a landmark investment from the Mastercard Foundation to mark a decade of work under Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The university will receive $5 million in one-time funding to support a broad range of initiatives focusing on the recommendations made in its Strategic Framework for Indigenization.

Memorial’s inclusion is a powerful recognition of its leadership in reconciliation.

“We are deeply honoured by this transformative gift from Mastercard Foundation in recognition of our leadership in, and commitment to, reconciliation, indigenization and the TRC’s calls to action,” said Catharyn Andersen, vice-president (Indigenous), at Memorial University. “Most importantly, this gift is about Indigenous students, and we will honour that.”

For Memorial, the funding both recognizes the good work already done to implement its framework and provides generous support for the university to continue the path of indigenization.

The university will strategically allocate the donation to pan-institutional initiatives that will enhance both the academic quality and the student experience at Memorial.

Initiatives include the establishment of a Centre for Indigenous Education, Reconciliation and Scholarship, which will serve as a hub for advancing Indigenous-led research, curriculum development and community engagement.

Additional investments are planned to strengthen Indigenous presence and leadership through an Elders-in-Residence Program; a pathway program for Indigenous faculty; and the expansion of Indigenous curriculum specialists.

Collectively, these initiatives aim to embed Indigenous ways of knowing and doing into the fabric of the institution, ensuring long-term transformation that advances reconciliation.

The Mastercard Foundation investment across Canada will be one of the largest single investments made in support of reconciliation.

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 strategy 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 policies, operations and program decisions are determined by its board of directors and leadership team. 

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For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact Courtenay Griffin, senior communications advisor (strategic initiatives), Memorial University, at cgriffin@mun.ca or 709-693-3870.