In a remarkable collaboration, the University of Manitoba (UM) and the Mastercard Foundation celebrate the impactful strides made in transforming Indigenous education, benefiting over 2,000 Indigenous youth in Manitoba. The $16.1 million partnership, initiated just over two years ago, aims to bring systemic change to the post-secondary education landscape.
Ruth Shead, Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement and Communications, UM, expresses enthusiasm about the swift support for Indigenous learners, celebrating their identities and cultures. She notes, “We hope to identify how the spaces we learn and work in need to change at a systems level to become places where Indigenous students truly belong throughout their educational journeys and into their careers.”
Jennifer Brennan, Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, commends UM’s efforts, stating, “This is the kind of Indigenous-led innovation that will set a new path forward.”
Key Achievements and Initiatives:
1. Community Learning Hubs: The partnership focuses on increasing access to post-secondary education in Indigenous communities through the development of community learning hubs. Pine Creek First Nation recently joined as the latest hub, connecting local students with educational opportunities.
2. Programs Supporting Success: Various programs, such as the Lawmakers program connecting Indigenous students with high school students, the Where We First Stand Transition Camp, and Scaabe School, contribute to enhancing Indigenous student success and creating pathways to employment.
3. Culturally-Based Initiatives: The partnership supports culturally-based initiatives like the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program, Land and Water Program, Indigenous Circle of Empowerment student leadership program, and the Post-Secondary Club.
4. Career Planning Services: An Indigenous career consultant has been hired to connect Indigenous students with career planning services, enhancing their transition from education to employment.
Ruth Shead emphasizes that everything undertaken in this partnership is a response to the identified needs of Indigenous youth and communities. She expresses optimism about the future impact on systemic change, with a focus on empowering future generations through access to post-secondary education and meaningful career paths.
While acknowledging the road ahead, UM and the Mastercard Foundation are committed to paving the way for systemic change, demonstrating the transformative potential of Indigenous-led initiatives in education.
