Gabriel Dumont Institute Receives Funding to Strengthen Métis Education and Student Success

Press Release

Sep 9, 2025

The Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) is honoured to receive new funding from the Mastercard Foundation as part of their national commitment to advance education for Indigenous youth across Canada.

“This generous gift from the Mastercard Foundation, given in the spirit of reconciliation, will help the Gabriel Dumont Institute better meet the needs of our students,” says Brett Vandale, CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. “It strengthens our institution and allows us to enhance programs and services to benefit the Métis community as a whole. Kischi maarsii.”

This funding recognizes GDI’s long-standing role in advancing Métis education and strengthens our ability to provide programs and services that make a real difference in the lives of our students. This support will help GDI grow programs, strengthen sustainability, and create more opportunities for Métis learners, while ensuring our programs and services continue to reflect Métis culture, values, and community priorities.

The Mastercard Foundation’s new grants provide $235 million in funding to 30 post-secondary organizations across Canada and builds upon the EleV Program, which supports Indigenous youth through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

As Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. shared:

“Gabriel Dumont Institute is a valued partner through our EleV Program and, with this investment, we are proud to support their Métis-led vision for an exceptional post-secondary experience that reflects Indigenous values, supports self-determination, and creates meaningful pathways for youth to thrive. 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.”

GDI Board Chair, Laura Burnouf added:

“This grant reflects the importance of strong partnerships in advancing reconciliation through education. With this support, GDI can continue creating valuable opportunities for Métis students and strengthen our role in the national effort to advance Indigenous education.”

GDI is grateful for the Mastercard Foundation’s ongoing support and commitment to reconciliation. This funding will help ensure Métis learners have the resources they need to achieve their educational goals and transition into meaningful careers. It further strengthens our ability to serve the Métis community now and into the future.

Read the announcement from the Mastercard Foundation here.

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