Cape Breton University and Unama’ki College Launch New Financial Awards to Support Indigenous Student Success
Date Posted: Jun 19, 2026
From left to right, Back row: Gail Christmas, Sharon Francis, Neve Nicholas, Calaya Doucette, Eric Stevens, Vincent Stevens , Cayden Denny, Jada Gould, Mary Googoo, Kaylee Bernard Middle row: Joseph Oleson, Devon Paul, Tara Mae Denny, Matthew Patles, Wekatesk Augustine, Lanissa Sylliboy, Edmund Marshall, Noelle Julian, Jaylyn Marshall, Kelsey Boyce, Kristina Denny, Krista Hastie Front row: Eric Googoo, Sister Dorothy Moore, David Dingwall, Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy, Norlene Sylliboy, Laurianne Sylvester, Jack Graham
Cape Breton University and Unama’ki College have officially launched a new suite of financial awards designed to incentivize and ease the academic journey for Indigenous learners. Made possible through a historic $5 million transformational gift from the Mastercard Foundation announced in late 2025, the new funding establishes financial milestones for students at the midpoint and completion of their studies.
The financial awards are split into two distinct categories to support retention and graduation: a $1,500 award for students who reach the halfway mark of their academic programs and a $2,500 completion award to celebrate and honour graduating students.
The initiative is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV program, which aims to transform education and employment systems to enable 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada to achieve meaningful livelihoods. Through these awards, Cape Breton University directly addresses the financial dedication required to sustain long-term academic success.
Laurianne Sylvester, Dean of Unama’ki College, formally announced the awards during her address at the Unama’ki College Graduation Banquet on May 29 at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (MTCC).
“As part of our ongoing commitment to easing that journey, I am thrilled to announce the launch of new financial awards to support our learners, made possible through a generous donation from the MasterCard Foundation,” said Dean Sylvester during her address. “We know the dedication and hard work it takes to stay the course, which is why we are introducing a new $1,500 award for students who reach the halfway mark of their studies and a $2,500 completion award to honour those who graduate.”
The funding builds upon Unama’ki College’s forty-year history of building and providing culturally grounded supports, respectful community partnerships and comprehensive student services. By offering clear financial incentives at critical academic thresholds, the University seeks to bolster retention rates and provide tangible relief for Indigenous students navigating the costs of post-secondary education.
The Mastercard Foundation’s $5 million investment in Unama’ki College and the Forever CBU Campaign was part of a larger, national $235 million commitment to 30 post-secondary institutions and Indigenous organizations across Canada, recognizing outstanding strides toward education and reconciliation.
The newly announced milestone awards will be integrated into the University’s existing student support frameworks starting in the upcoming academic terms.