Beyond Grants: How a 0% Mortgage is Redefining Indigenous Stewardship

By Stephanie Kelly

TORONTO, ON – February 09, 2026 – In a landmark move that challenges traditional philanthropic models, Definity Foundation and Definity Financial Corporation have announced a combined $1.75 million in support for the Ulnooweg Education Centre, an Indigenous-led organization in Mi'kma'ki. The funding is designed to secure Indigenous stewardship of Asitu'lɨsk, a land-based education and innovation site, and signals a significant step in corporate Canada's approach to Truth and Reconciliation.

This new partnership includes a $1.5 million, 0% interest mortgage from the Definity Foundation and an additional $250,000 contribution from Definity Financial Corporation for capital improvements. This financial structure is specifically designed to empower the Ulnooweg Education Centre by redirecting funds that would have been lost to interest payments directly into community programming and sustainable growth, ensuring the long-term vitality of the site.

A New Paradigm for Philanthropy

The centerpiece of the agreement, the zero-interest mortgage, represents a significant departure from conventional grant-making. This innovative financial tool is part of a growing movement in philanthropy focused on shifting power to communities and building what proponents call "values-aligned financial relationships." Instead of simply providing a one-time grant, this model offers a sustainable financial pathway that strengthens Indigenous self-determination.

"Philanthropy has an opportunity to move beyond traditional grantmaking and use capital differently," said Arti Freeman, CEO of Definity Foundation. "This investment is a practical example of how funders can support Indigenous stewardship, innovation and entrepreneurship. We aim to build values-aligned financial relationships that shift power and strengthen Indigenous self-determination."

This approach directly addresses calls from Indigenous leaders and social finance experts to decolonize philanthropy. By removing the burden of interest, the model maximizes the capital available for on-the-ground initiatives, from cultural programs to infrastructure development. It’s a form of impact investing where the primary return is not financial, but social and cultural, fostering long-term resilience and autonomy for the Ulnooweg Education Centre.

Revitalizing Culture and Community at Asitu'lɨsk

The funding is directed towards Asitu'lɨsk, a site of deep cultural and historical significance for the Mi'kmaq. The name translates to "that which gives you balance," and for thousands of years, the land, surrounded by old-growth forests and traditional water routes, has been a place of Mi'kmaw life and learning. Recently returned to Mi'kmaw care, the site is now stewarded by the Ulnooweg Education Centre.

Ulnooweg is guided by the Mi'kmaw principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), which integrates Indigenous Knowledge with Western ways of learning. The centre's work at Asitu'lɨsk is a living example of this principle, bringing together tradition and innovation. The site features gardens, walking trails, ceremonial spaces, and facilities that support experiential learning, healing, and community enterprise.

"The return and stewardship of Asitu'lɨsk is deeply connected to reconciliation in action," stated Christopher Googoo, COO of the Ulnooweg Education Centre. "This partnership strengthens our ability to care for the land while expanding Indigenous-led programs that support community healing, education, and workforce readiness that is rooted in Mi'kmaw values and knowledge."

With this new support, Ulnooweg plans to enhance Asitu'lɨsk's role as a regional hub for youth-centred, land-based learning. Programs will focus on strengthening cultural identity, promoting mental wellness, and creating educational and economic pathways for Indigenous youth through programs in STEAM, agriculture, and cultural revitalization.

Corporate Responsibility and Reconciliation

For Definity Financial Corporation, one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers, this partnership is a tangible application of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and its commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation. The company, which holds a top-tier "AAA" ESG rating from MSCI, has been actively working to embed reconciliation into its corporate fabric, including the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Council and a working group dedicated to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #92, which calls on the corporate sector to build respectful relationships.

"Definity Financial is proud to partner with Ulnooweg and support its land‑based work at Asitu'lɨsk, enabling Indigenous‑led programs that expand opportunities for youth, reinforce Mi'kmaw culture and knowledge, and advance economic development in the region," said Brendan Seale, AVP of Environmental, Social and Governance at Definity Financial. "Our contribution is a symbol of Definity's commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation, and is aligned to our purpose of helping clients and communities adapt and thrive."

This initiative serves as a case study for how corporations can move beyond statements and engage in meaningful, impactful partnerships with Indigenous communities, leveraging their financial resources to support Indigenous-led solutions.

Investing in Land, Language, and Future Generations

This partnership arrives at a critical time, as Indigenous-led land stewardship gains recognition across Canada as a vital pathway to both environmental conservation and national reconciliation. Initiatives like the federal government's support for Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation (ILABC) reflect a growing consensus that Traditional Ecological Knowledge is essential for preserving biodiversity. The success of projects like Asitu'lɨsk contributes to this larger movement, demonstrating a community-based model for sustaining lands and fostering healthy communities.

By securing the future of Asitu'lɨsk in Indigenous hands, Definity and Ulnooweg are investing in more than just a piece of land. They are investing in the revitalization of language, the transfer of intergenerational knowledge, and the creation of a supportive environment where Mi'kmaw youth can connect with their heritage and build skills for the future. This holistic approach, which links cultural well-being to educational and economic opportunity, provides a powerful blueprint for community-led prosperity for generations to come.