“I [told them] about how not just impressed but deeply taken I am with the quality of leadership that is present here. It is leadership that opens the door to make so many things possible, even when it seems impossible.”
—Reeta Roy, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation
In May, Mastercard Foundation President and CEO Reeta Roy met with EleV Partners across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The visit highlighted innovative solutions in education, health, and technology grounded in the priorities, knowledge, and leadership of Indigenous youth and communities.
The trip began in Winnipeg with visits to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the University of Manitoba, where the team learned about initiatives like Grow Our Own Specialists (GOOSE), which supports Indigenous learners entering healthcare professions. In the city's North End, the team met with EleV Partner North End Connect to explore community-led efforts to close the digital divide and improve access to technology. In Minegoziibe Anishinaabe, the team spent time at Kina Maaga Gamik—a community Learning Hub providing in-community post-secondary education opportunities, enabling young people to learn in the place they call home. The final stop was with Seven Generations Education Institute in Fort Frances, Ontario, where the team joined students for a day-in-the-life experience that included ceremony, shared meals, and a tour of their culturally-grounded learning spaces.
Why It Matters:
Indigenous-led programs create pathways to education, wellness, and employment rooted in community and culture
Culture and ceremony are central to Indigenous models of care and learning
Philanthropy is impactful and effective when it is guided by Indigenous leadership
As we mark National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, this visit reminds us of what's possible when Indigenous communities lead—and the importance of continuing to walk alongside them.
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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.
