Reciprocity-Based Investment in Indigenous Community Foundations Marks 10th Anniversary of the Philanthropic Declaration of Action

In this 10^th anniversary year of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action, the Indigenous Community Foundations across Canada and the Lawson Foundation are coming together to share a reciprocity-based investment that advances Indigenous-led philanthropy. This commitment reflects shared values in moving Reconciliation forward through Indigenous-led solutions, recognizes the innovation happening in communities these foundations serve, and invites the philanthropic sector to deepen their support through tangible investments.  

In June 2015, philanthropic leaders presented The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, committing to positive, ongoing action towards Reconciliation. The Declaration called on settler philanthropic organizations to move forward with understanding, dignity and respect, and to work alongside Indigenous-led organizations in the spirit of Reconciliation for a better Canada.

Since then, Indigenous community-led philanthropic models have grown, yet the sector recognizes that meaningful Reconciliation requires continued shifts in power, resources, and relationships. A decade later, this anniversary invites foundations, funders, and grant-makers to reflect on what has been learned about Truth and Reconciliation in practice, and to continue evolving from intentions to concrete, long-term approaches rooted in partnership, accountability, and Indigenous-led decision-making.

There are six Indigenous-led Community Foundations across Canada, each rooted in community leadership and dedicated to supporting local priorities through collaboration, granting and Indigenous governance of philanthropic resources. These include: Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation, Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation, Saskatchewan Indigenous Community Foundation, Annauma Community Foundation, Kw’umut Lelum Community Foundation, and the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation.

To commemorate this milestone, the Indigenous Community Foundations acknowledge with appreciation a reciprocity-based partnership commitment from the Lawson Foundation. Through this partnership, each Indigenous-led Community Foundation is receiving $150,000 to be directed according to priorities each foundation identifies and leads.

This commitment recognizes the innovation, knowledge, and community-defined solutions already underway across the Nations and communities these foundations serve. It strengthens Indigenous-led philanthropy by resourcing priorities determined by Indigenous communities themselves, supporting their self-determination, and deepening relationships across the philanthropic sector. Commitments grounded in reciprocity, trust, and Indigenous leadership are essential to meaningful Reconciliation.

As Indigenous Community Foundations, we offer gratitude for this partnership and for the spirit in which it is given. Together with the Lawson Foundation, we invite other donors, foundations, and grant-makers to join this growing movement by supporting Indigenous-led community philanthropy and by advancing Reconciliation through investments and partnerships grounded in reciprocity. Together, we encourage continued support for the growth and long-term strength of Indigenous-led philanthropy across Canada.

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