Investment marks 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by recognizing outstanding impact for Indigenous learners
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – Ohsweken, ON – Today, Indspire is pleased to announce the news that it is one of 30 Indigenous organizations that will benefit from the Mastercard Foundation’s significant new investment in Indigenous education.
Marking the tenth anniversary of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Mastercard Foundation is investing $235 million in 30 organizations that are advancing post-secondary education for Indigenous youth across Canada: national Indigenous organizations, Indigenous institutes, and mainstream post-secondary institutions working in deep partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
This historic gift builds on the work of the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV Program, which is working with multiple partners across Canada.
As a beneficiary, Indspire will extend and strengthen its existing avenues of support for Indigenous students, educators, and communities:
- financial (Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries & Scholarships program)
- vocational (Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering)
- aspirational (Indspire Awards, Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Awards)
- educational (Research & Impact team, National Gathering for Indigenous Education)
“Indspire has been unwavering in its commitment to Indigenous excellence, expanding access and increasing supports for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, contributing to thriving families, communities, and Peoples. We made a commitment to young Indigenous people that we would walk alongside them to transform post-secondary education in ways that support them to live a good life. This exemplary organization is contributing to that change and to a stronger country for us all,” said Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation.
Donald Worme, Chair of Indspire’s Board of Directors, said: “The generosity of the Mastercard Foundation is an act of trust in Indigenous youth. As Canada’s youngest and fastest-growing demographic, Indigenous students embody innovation, perseverance, and cultural pride. This donation strengthens Indspire’s ability to support students on their educational journeys and displays a commitment to Reconciliation. On behalf of the Board, we are grateful for this investment and the impact it will make for Indigenous learners.”
Mike DeGagné, President & CEO of Indspire, said: “This transformative gift from the Mastercard Foundation is more than financial support – it is a powerful affirmation that Indigenous students matter, that their dreams and potential are worth investing in. With this partnership, we will remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure that more First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners have the tools and support to achieve their goals. Together, we are building a future where every Indigenous student can thrive, and where their success uplifts families, communities, and all of Canada.”
About Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that celebrates Indigenous excellence and invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2024-25, Indspire provided more than $31.6 million through over 8,800 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.
Contact
Mallory Rose
VP, Communications, Marketing, and Student Success
mrose@indspire.ca
(416) 861-8507
