In recognition of McMaster’s long-standing leadership in Indigenous education, the Mastercard Foundation has made a remarkable $5-million gift to elevate innovation in academic programs, supports and services for Indigenous students at McMaster.  

The gift, created to honour the 10-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Final Report and 94 Calls to Action, is part of a $235-million strategic investment by the Mastercard Foundation to recognize the outstanding impact of 30 organizations across Canada that are advancing education for Indigenous young people. 

The investment builds on the Mastercard Foundation EleV Program, which works with partners across Canada to create pathways to post-secondary education for 100,000 Indigenous youth and help them transition into careers by 2030. McMaster is one of only two universities in Ontario to be recognized with this funding.

“The Mastercard Foundation’s $5-million gift is a powerful investment in advancing Indigenous academic initiatives at McMaster. This support embodies the spirit of ReconciliAction,” says McMaster Chancellor Santee Smith/Tekaronhiáhkhwa. “The 10th anniversary of the TRC’s Final Report and Calls to Action is an important moment to act. Together we are moving reconciliation forward through meaningful and lasting change in education for Indigenous youth and communities and honouring Indigenous knowledge.”    

The gift is intended to increase McMaster’s capacity to develop and deliver academic programs and supports that reflect the values and goals of Indigenous youth.  

“McMaster University has taken bold action to answer the TRC Calls to Action in impactful ways – prioritizing cultural safety, integrating Indigenous knowledges across disciplines, and through its long-term relationships with Indigenous Nations,” says Jennifer Brennan, senior director of Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. “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.” 

McMaster President Susan Tighe says the funding is a testament to the commitment of many Indigenous faculty, staff and students who have led the creation of Indigenous academic and support programs over many years and says the funding will be pivotal to accelerating this critical work. 

“We are sincerely grateful to the Mastercard Foundation for this generous investment,” says Tighe. “This important funding will help us continue the vital work of building academic programs, services and wrap-around supports for Indigenous students, and will strengthen our efforts to build a campus environment in which all Indigenous students can thrive.”  

The university is engaging in a consultation process with Indigenous communities at McMaster to determine how the funding will be allocated.  

Vanessa Watts, acting chair of McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Department, welcomes the impact the gift will have on Indigenous education and Indigenous students at McMaster through investment in areas such as the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge and Indigenous Student Services, among other valuable programs. 

“It will serve as an important catalyst that will help strengthen and sustain Indigenous education at McMaster and across Canada,” says Watts. “This gift will enable us to build on the success of our long-standing programs and create exciting new opportunities to support the goals and aspirations of our incredible Indigenous students.” 

Alexis Hachey-Brown, a student in McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Department and Ethan Michalenko, a second-year medical student, agree that the funding will go long way toward supporting Indigenous learners at McMaster.  

“This is a fantastic opportunity to improve the student experience for Indigenous students,” says Hachey-Brown. “Indigenous students have unique experiences navigating westernized institutions, so it’s really exciting and important to see funding going towards initiatives aimed improving the overall experiences and success of Indigenous students.” 

“As an Indigenous medical student, an increase in funding and supports could make a tremendous difference,” says Michalenko. “These resources will open doors for more representation and allow Indigenous students to achieve their dreams and give back to their communities.” 

Tekenikhon Doreen, third-year student in McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Program, says the funding will help support and empower Indigenous students throughout their academic journeys and beyond. 

“The Mastercard Foundation gift is more than financial support; the gift is an incredible investment in the future of Indigenous students, opening doors to education, strengthening cultural resilience and fostering long-term opportunities for leadership, innovation and healing,” she says. 

A history of Indigenous academic leadership  

As home to one of the longest-standing Indigenous studies programs in Canada, McMaster has been a leader in Indigenous teaching, learning and research for four decades. 

Established in 1992, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Program was built on years of grassroots work by Indigenous students and community members, and was created in response to the critical demand for Indigenous research and innovation in post-secondary education and beyond.    

Since then, Indigenous education, scholarship and supports at McMaster have grown significantly. In 2014, Indigenous Student Services was established to support the recruitment, retention, and success of Indigenous learners across all programs by providing academic, financial, and wellness supports as well as cultural programming and workshops. The Indigenous Health Learning Lodge was created, in 2017 to provide services and programs to support the academic success and well-being of Indigenous students in the Faculty of Health Sciences.   

In 2022, Indigenous academic leaders, in partnership with university leadership, established the Indigenous Studies Department, followed in 2024 by the master’s program in Indigenous Studies. McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Department now includes more Indigenous faculty members than any other program of its kind in Canada.    

McMaster also recently announced the creation of the Indigenous student bursary, an initiative led by Indigenous faculty, staff and students at McMaster to reduce financial and other barriers for Indigenous students. As well, the university announced a new vice-provost, Indigenous (VPI) position to ensure there is an Indigenous voice at McMaster’s senior leadership tables. The successful candidate is expected to be in place in early 2026.