Collective Fund for Social Equity: six additional recipients…
Six additional organizations will receive support through the Collective Fund for Social Equity over…
September 30 will mark the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an event established last year by the government of Canada. This will be an occasion for us all to stop and think, not only about the historical ramifications of the colonization of the territory we now inhabit, but also about relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, both current and future. There is still much to be done in order for reconciliation to go beyond just symbolism and good intentions.
At the Foundation of Greater Montréal, we are continuing to step up our contribution to reconciliation. In order to make sure we are walking the talk (see our territorial acknowledgement), we created last year the Fund to support Indigenous initiatives. The $200,000 attributed to the Fund in that first year has enabled us to assist 10 Indigenous organizations in Greater Montreal, most notably those from the Kanien’keha:ka nation, the guardian of our territory. We have identified these organizations using the principles of trust-based philanthropy. This approach involves establishing a dialogue that is carried out between equals, and allows the communities to be the ones to identify their needs, as well as the tools required to meet those needs.
In the spirit of the Foundation’s new Strategic Plan, and its renewed committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, we have also resolved to provide the members of our team with training, so as to enhance the Foundation’s understanding of the issues historically and currently affecting Indigenous peoples. This process will not only enable us to work in a more sensitive and effective way, but will also make us better citizens and allies. You will find out more about this approach below.
Giving, sharing and solidarity are at the heart of Indigenous peoples’ age-old cultures and practices. At a time when philanthropic institutions are also being called upon to evolve and to shed colonizing practices, we should look for inspiration to the ancestral knowledge of the First Peoples. Let us not forget that individuals, communities and the environment are fundamentally interlinked. For the benefit of the next seven generations and beyond, we have a duty to take care of one another, preserve our resources and protect the integrity of our territory. The vision and mission that drive community foundations like FGM are in complete convergence with this Indigenous philosophy. That is why we are reiterating our commitment to put it into practice, on our own scale, right now, but more importantly, in the future as well.
Recognizing the particular challenges faced by Indigenous communities living in Greater Montreal, and wanting to contribute financially to their resolution, the Foundation of Greater Montréal launched the Fund to support Indigenous initiatives.
Mikana, which means path in the Anishinabe language, is an Indigenous non-profit organization whose mission is to work towards social change by educating different audiences on the realities and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples.
Kiuna is a college featuring programs designed by and for Indigenous persons. The institution offers its students a framework for learning and a living environment that are geared to their cultural specificity, their social context and their interests.
Six additional organizations will receive support through the Collective Fund for Social Equity over…
To acknowledge and underline the philanthropic contributions of Black communities, FGM will publish…
The working group on philanthropy in Black communities, composed of individuals who come from a variety…