CBJ JANUARY 2026

21 ULNOOWEG AT 40: BUILDING THE FUTURE, ROOTED IN TRADITION JANUARY 2026 « The Canadian Business Journal 20 creation of the Indigenous Education Centre, an initiative that began with financial literacy programs and later evolved to include science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. “Financial literacy is a foundation,” Googoo explains, “but STEM is about preparing our youth to lead in tomorrow’s economy.” By 2018, Ulnooweg had established a dedicated Foundation to strengthen its charitable and cultural work. The following year, a landmark five-year, $15 million youth empowerment partnership helped scale programming across Atlantic Canada, delivering nearly $9 million in community initiatives and education over that period. Leading Through Barriers Ulnooweg’s story is one of vision in the face of structural challenges. From restricted access to capital to systemic gaps in philanthropy, the organization has had to navigate — and dismantle — many of the barriers Indigenous businesses still face today. “Leadership in this space means staying focused on the goal,” notes Googoo. “We repeatedly encounter systemic and cultural barriers — from access to capital to trust within the financial sector — and overcoming them takes persistence and relationship-building.” That commitment now drives Ulnooweg’s Since 2022, TD has granted over $25 million in funding to support organizations working to increase access to education, housing, and employment in Indigenous Communities in Canada. It’s part of our commitment to a more inclusive tomorrow. Visit td.com/indigenous to learn more. We’re listening, learning, and acting on our commitment to advance Truth and Reconciliation. Photography by: Andy Beaver, Anishinini/Oji-Cree, Member of Matawa First Nations. ®The TD logo and other trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. S:7.5" S:10" T:8.5" T:11" B:8.75" B:11.25"