Canada’s very first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was held on Sept. 30 this year. The statutory holiday is not only a reminder of Canada’s past and ongoing atrocities against First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, but also one to act against the same. This raises the question: “How can settlers participate in meaningful philanthropy that advances reconciliation?”
Canadians, on the whole, are unwell. Our burnout, fatigue and stress levels are higher than the global averages. Meanwhile, many of the tools available to boost our wellbeing — exercise, mindfulness — are increasingly expensive and inaccessible, especially to groups who have been historically oppressed and marginalized.
A majority of social purpose organizations are settler-led but work with and serve Indigenous people and communities every day. It’s imperative that these organizations meaningfully engage in decolonizing and embedding reconciliation principles into their work, to work with Indigenous communities in more informed and respectful ways.
In 2020, Canada only completed eight of the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action — one less than 2019. Indigenous knowledge and ways of being inherently respect other people and the planet — and if Indigenous youth policy leaders had an equal voice at decision-making tables, they could radically impact issues from the environment to racial equity, wealth distribution, and more.
Non-profits, charities, and mutual aid organizations work on issues independently of the election cycle — and may have insight into some of Canada’s most pressing concerns that political parties do not.
Hate is a life-or-death issue for many Canadians, be they Black, Indigenous, Muslim, Asian, Sikh, queer, trans, or a woman. All of the major political parties have made promises to end hate, but that won’t happen without sustained pressure from leaders themselves.
