Mastercard Foundation makes Transformational Gift to Unama’ki College and the Forever CBU Campaign

Unama’ki College at Cape Breton University has received a $5 million donation from the Mastercard Foundation, marking a decade of work under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This strategic gift is part of the new Recognizing Leadership in Reconciliation through Education Initiative of the Mastercard Foundation to recognize outstanding impact to advance education for Indigenous young people in Canada. As part of the Forever CBU Campaign, it acknowledges the transformative impact of Indigenous-led and community-driven education.

“This generous donation is deeply meaningful to Unama’ki College and to the communities we serve. It will have great impact on the Indigenous students who find a place of genuine connection, belonging, and learning here, providing them with the opportunity to advance through higher education and build a brighter future,” says Laurianne Sylvester, Dean of Unama’ki College. “The gift strengthens our capacity to advance education through reconciliation, creating safe spaces for Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture to thrive. At Unama’ki College, we are committed to walking alongside our communities, fostering respectful relationships, and empowering Indigenous students not only to succeed academically but to thrive in life and make a meaningful impact in the world. This support provides us with the opportunity to continue and expand our work with a renewed energy and purpose for the next generation of Indigenous students while honouring the vision of those who came before us at Unama’ki College, the builders who laid the foundation upon which we stand.”

The Mastercard Foundation calls this a moment for governments, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and institutions across the country to renew their commitment to reconciliation and take meaningful steps forward. CBU is honoured to be part of a national network of post-secondary institutions working to accelerate change in service of Indigenous youth.

“Cape Breton University is proud to be part of this important announcement, which highlights the longstanding commitment of Unama’ki College to Indigenous student success and community engagement,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “For more than 40 years, Unama’ki College has led the way in supporting Indigenous students through culturally grounded learning, respectful partnerships, and a deep dedication to reconciliation. This recognition reflects the strength of CBU’s relationships with Mi’kmaw communities and our shared commitment to ensuring Indigenous students feel supported, empowered, and celebrated throughout their academic journey. We thank the Mastercard Foundation for its leadership and vision, and we look forward to continuing this important work in partnership with Indigenous communities.”

This investment will further strengthen Unama’ki College’s ability to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by enhancing support for both undergraduate and graduate students. Through expanded programming, increased access to scholarships, and targeted student services, the initiative will help improve retention and deepen students’ understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Importantly, it will also integrate Indigenous language and culture into the learning environment, providing CBU with greater access to knowledge keepers and reinforcing the cultural identity of L’nu learners.

“As an Indigenous nursing student from a small community, Unama’ki College has been such an important support system for me. Without it, I would have been lost. They’ve helped with everything from tutors, food and transcripts, to helping with the cost of scrubs and books,” says Karla Pierro, a CBU nursing student. “It’s exciting to see Unama’ki College continuing to grow. Knowing that future generations, like my sister who wants to be a nurse, will have this kind of support makes me really proud. The new funding will make a big difference for students now and in the future.”

This funding is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s national announcement of $235 million in support of 30 post-secondary institutions and national Indigenous organizations across Canada. Unama’ki College at Cape Breton University was the only recipient in Nova Scotia, highlighting its leadership and impact in advancing education for Indigenous youth.