Calling it a “transformational” gift for the organization, Kenjgewin Teg has received $10 million from the Mastercard Foundation to advance Indigenous innovation in postsecondary education.
The institute, located in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, is one of 30 educational institutions and Indigenous organizations across Canada to receive the funding in observation of the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
“Built on a foundation of Anishinaabe principles, culture, and worldviews, Kenjgewin Teg plays an essential role in equipping young people to learn, work, and lead in ways that strengthen the self-determination of their nations,” Jennifer Brennan, Mastercard Foundation’s senior director of Canada programs, said in a Sept. 9 news release.
“We made a commitment to young Indigenous people that we would walk alongside them to transform postsecondary 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.”
Specifically, the funds will contribute to the Waawaaskonnenh (“flower”) Foundation, which Kenjgewin Teg plans to launch Nov. 25.
Through community partnerships, donations and investments, the foundation will “nurture opportunities that strengthen Anishinaabe education, language, and culture for generations to come,” Kenjgewin Teg said.
The funds come through the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV Program, which supports Indigenous youth through education, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Beverley Roy, president at Kenjgewin Teg, said the funds will make a “remarkable difference” for years to come.
“Ideas and goals we set for ourselves in our upcoming strategic planning cycle will become that much easier, because of the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation,” she said in the release.
“We are both humbled and honoured that we have been acknowledged nationally with this gift to continue the important work in building healthy and vibrant Nations. For us, this means advancing the educational sovereignty of our proud and resilient Anishinabek Nation.”
A second Northern Ontario organization, Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) in Fort Frances, also received a $10-million gift from the organization.
In a news release, the organization said the funds would enable SGEI to continue its work in supporting lifelong learning for First Nations youth, their families and communities in Treaty #3 territory and the surrounding region.
"This gift is not only recognition of the work that has been done but an invitation for partnership to continue building a hopeful future together,” Naomi Field, SGEI's board chair, said in the release.
"It strengthens our ability to provide pathways into higher education, employment, and community leadership while remaining grounded in Anishinaabe language, culture, and values."
Anishinaabe language and culture has been central to the institute's programs since its launch in 1985, when it was then known as the Rainy Lake Ojibway Education Authority.
SGEI said it had partnered with the Mastercard Foundation for the last five years on programs including the Adult Anishinaabemowin Revitalization program, and the Azhemiinigoziwin (Women's Transition Program).
Funds from the Mastercard program also helped the institute adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling it to adopt digital rools and expand remote learning opportunities.
"This recognition reflects the vision and hard work of our learners, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and staff who carry forward the responsibility of revitalizing language, culture, and education for future generations," Brent Tookenay, CEO of Seven Generations Education Institute, said in the release.
"We are deeply grateful to the Mastercard Foundation for walking alongside us in this journey."
