Commitment to Reconciliation
Toronto has been a gathering place for Indigenous people since time immemorial.
Today, it is home to over 80,000 Indigenous people 1 from across Turtle Island, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Indigenous communities have much to teach the world about how to live well and cooperatively with one another and the earth with approaches that are both innovative and grounded in traditional ways of knowing and being.
The arrival of Europeans and colonization decimated the culture and way of life of the First Peoples. Today 90%, or 72,000 Indigenous people 2 in Toronto, live below the low-income cut-off (LICO). This is the legacy of colonialism and ongoing systemic anti-Indigenous racism.
The community is supported by nearly 30 Indigenous-led agencies operating in Toronto providing services and programming that enhances the cultural and socio-economic wellbeing of Indigenous people in Toronto.
Philanthropy has an important role to play in advancing this work
At the heart of decolonizing philanthropy is supporting Indigenous self-determination and acting with reciprocity, which means building relationships based on mutual respect, trust, generosity and appreciation. 3
We're committed to continually learning and examining our work to rectify the power imbalance in philanthropy, engaging fundholders along the way. And using our role as a community foundation to help amplify and further Indigenous priorities.
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Reconciliation in Our Work
Since 2017 our work has been inspired by our signing of The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action - a commitment by philanthropic organizations to embedding Reconciliation and Reciprocity into philanthropic work.
Here are some ways our work is evolving from our experiences and learnings.
Our work has been strengthened and enriched by the knowledge, expertise and lived experience that these organizations and their leaders, staff, and community members have generously shared with us.
We’ve learned to reimagine our granting processes to better reach, support and empower Indigenous-led and/or serving organizations as they pursue their own priorities and strengthen their role in a connected, vibrant and more equitable Toronto.
Our work has been strengthened and enriched by the knowledge, expertise and lived experience that these organizations and their leaders, staff, and community members have generously shared with us.
Takeaways For Philanthropists
Whether you are just starting to consider Reconciliation in your philanthropy or you’re searching for deeper context, these are steps you can take to support Indigenous communities through your philanthropy.
Get to know these Indigenous organizations working in neighborhoods across Toronto.
Each year we host an event focused on advancing reconciliation by exploring different topics that broaden and deepen our understanding and inspire more learning, relationship building and action.
From topical issues to historical context, below we’ve highlighted some important themes we’ve heard in our conversations with leaders.
By accessing Indigenous-led news, media, art, community organizations and other sources, you can broaden your knowledge and perspective about the experiences of Indigenous peoples including the strengths and successes along with the challenges being faced. Here are some ways to more regularly listen to more Indigenous voices.
Here are some steps you can take to advance Reconciliation through your philanthropy.
Suggested Resources
Endnotes:
- Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC).
- TASSC.
- Walrus Talks: How to decolonize Indigenous philanthropy, Roberta Jamieson.
We acknowledge we are on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. While Indigenous communities in Toronto remain strong, vibrant, and resilient, they need support to address and overcome the impact of colonialism and systemic inequalities. Furthering Indigenous reconciliation and sovereignty are integral to achieving a more fair and just society where everyone can thrive.
We aim to be an ally and to fund local Indigenous organizations.
We acknowledge we are on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. While Indigenous communities in Toronto remain strong, vibrant, and resilient, they need support to address and overcome the impact of colonialism and systemic inequalities. Furthering Indigenous reconciliation and sovereignty are integral to achieving a more fair and just society where everyone can thrive.
We aim to be an ally and to fund local Indigenous organizations.