Who we are
The National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute was created through a partnership between Mastercard Foundation & McConnell Foundation and the First Nations University of Canada, with the intention of satisfying Call #79; an Indigenous institute dedicated to tracking the implementation of the 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity from the National Indigenous Economic Strategy:
Call to Economic Prosperity #79:
Establish and empower an Indigenous Institute to collect and govern Indigenous data about population, businesses, lands, and resources. This Institute will monitor and measure implementation of these Calls to Economic Prosperity.
About First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv)
First Nations University of Canada is a unique Canadian learning institution that is founded on Indigenous knowledges, providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike within a culturally supportive environment. FNUniv’s Regina campus is situated on the atim kâ-mihkosit (Red Dog) Urban Reserve, Star Blanket Cree Nation, and Treaty 4 Territory. Star Blanket is the first First Nation in Canada to create an urban reserve specifically dedicated to the advancement of education. Campuses in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and our Traditional Campus on the South Saskatchewan River are situated in Treaty 6 territory. Programming is provided on-campus and online, serving a national audience.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Its Young Africa Works strategy aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, while its EleV Program will support 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada to complete their education and transition to meaningful work aligned with their traditions, values, and aspirations.
Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its Board of Directors and Leadership team.
About the McConnell Foundation
The McConnell Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that contributes to diverse and innovative approaches to address community resilience, reconciliation, and climate change. We envision a future in which our economy and social systems promote the thriving of all people, and in which the natural environment is stewarded for generations to come. We see all sectors working together to address climate change, to help foster reconciliation, and unleash individual creativity and organizational resources to solve social challenges and strengthen communities. We strive for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable society that can successfully address its complex challenges.
