From left to right: Sarah Harney (Mastercard Foundation), Roberta Jamieson (Mastercard Foundation, Board), JamesLavallée (Fellow), Nathalie Wajashk-Restoule (Fellow), Alejandra Metallic-Janvier (Fellow)
“Indigenous youth are already leading in their communities, and they understand what their communities need. Our role is to make sure the education and support are there when they are ready to use them.”
— Sewit Ahderom, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation
A new national initiative will support and resource young First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders to strengthen well-being and foster prosperity for their Peoples, communities, and across sectors, for generations to come.
With a commitment of CAD $130 million over the next decade, the Mastercard Foundation Fellows Program launched today in partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI). Its inaugural cohort brings together 25 Indigenous Fellows for a two-year, self-directed leadership program.
The program will support young Indigenous leaders through mentorship, coaching, funding, and dedicated space to pursue their visions for the future. Each Fellow will identify the learning and leadership development they need, with up to CAD $50,000 available to advance their goals.
In future years, the program will expand through Indigenous-led host organizations across the country. The first cohort will help inform this national expansion while building a growing network of Indigenous leaders who can connect, learn from one another, and advance lasting social and economic change within their communities in Canada and internationally.
Why It Matters:
Self-directed learning ensures each Fellow’s experience reflects their community’s priorities and needs.
Mentorship, coaching, and funding help remove barriers for emerging Indigenous leaders.
A national network will strengthen Indigenous leadership across communities and sectors.
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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.
