"It is important that young Indigenous people have these opportunities at their fingertips because they weren't always available to us. The Learning Hub enables youth to achieve great things in their community."
In the heart of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation) innovative, community-led transformation of post-secondary education is taking place. MA Kina Maaga-Gamik, the community's Education and Training Center, is close to celebrating its two-year anniversary—marking a significant milestone in the journey towards educational self-determination.
The Learning Hub, developed through a partnership between the University of Manitoba, the Mastercard Foundation EleV Program, and Minegoziibe Anishinabe, is transforming how education reaches Indigenous communities by bringing learning opportunities directly to the places young people call home.
"Our efforts to create learning opportunities close to home in cohorts of students that are familiar with one another, in culturally grounded spaces, creates a safe place for people to learn," explains Chief Derek Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe. "If we can create safe places where people feel comfortable, supported by their community, then people are going to do well."
Why It Matters:
Since opening, the Learning Hub has graduated 57 students across 8 different programs
Students can access education without leaving behind family, community, and cultural supports
On-site Elders provide essential guidance, counselling, and cultural connection
Comprehensive facilities include student lounges, kitchens, laundry services, and nearby childcare
Graduates gain skills that allow them to contribute to their community while building meaningful careers
The Learning Hub offers diverse education opportunities including Red River College Polytechnic's Administrative Assistant course and Heavy Equipment Operators Training alongside language learning workshops, professional development training, and more.
"The Learning Hub has long-term impacts that are positive and uplift community members," says Taz McKay. "The skills they learn provide them with confidence and a feeling of accomplishment. It allows students to gain the education and skills needed to become employed in community and make contributions in their fields."
This initiative is part of a broader partnership that will support 2,800 Indigenous young people in their journey through post-secondary education and onto meaningful livelihoods, with plans to expand the Learning Hub model to other communities across Manitoba.
Stay informed about EleV's work with partners to uplift Indigenous young people to live Mino Bimaadiziwin – a good life. Follow us on social:
Watch your inbox for our monthly newsletter and share with your network!
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a Canadian Foundation and one of the world's largest foundations, with a mission to advance education and financial inclusion. It works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization and separate from the company. Its policies, operations and programs are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership. For more information please visit mastercardfdn.org.
