National Indigenous History Month in Canada is a time to honour and uplift the diverse histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is also a time to reflect on the truth of our shared history, and on the role that organizations, including nonprofits, must play in reconciliation.
We know that reconciliation is not a single moment or statement. It’s a long and sometimes uncomfortable process rooted in listening, accountability, and action. At our organization, this has meant learning alongside partners like Moms Against Racism, who have challenged us to examine how we show up for racial justice and how we acknowledge Indigenous sovereignty in our day-to-day work.
Moving Beyond the Words
Many of us have grown accustomed to beginning events or meetings with a land acknowledgment. But without deeper reflection and action, those words can become rote. One of the most important lessons we’ve learned through our relationship with Moms Against Racism is that land acknowledgements must be personal, specific, and tied to action. They are not just a formality, they are a commitment.
Take time to learn which Nations’ lands you work on. Learn the treaties or lack of treaties. Reflect on how your organization benefits from being on that land and what responsibility comes with that. If you feel uncomfortable, that’s not a sign to stop, it’s a sign to start paying closer attention.
How Nonprofits Can Show Up
Whether your mission is healthcare, education, community development, or the arts, your organization has a role to play. Here are a few ways nonprofits can support reconciliation in a meaningful way:
1. Build Relationships, Not Just Initiatives
Reconciliation starts with relationships. Take the time to connect with local Nations, Indigenous Elders, and Indigenous-led organizations in your region. Compensate them for their time and wisdom, and include their voices at the planning table from the beginning, not just as consultants, but as co-creators.
2. Centre and Support Indigenous Leadership
Look at your staffing, board composition, and partnerships. Are Indigenous people represented, especially in decision-making roles? Consider mentorship, recruitment pipelines, and direct investment in Indigenous leadership within your sector.
3. Invest in Indigenous-Led Work
Too often, nonprofits try to lead where they should be following. Many Indigenous organizations are already advancing cultural renewal, food sovereignty, education, and healing. Rather than duplicating efforts, ask how your organization can support, amplify, or fund this work.
4. Commit to Internal Learning
We are all on a learning journey. Make space within your team for education on the history and legacy of colonization, residential schools, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Moms Against Racism and other organizations offer training rooted in empathy, honesty, and growth.
5. Reflect on Your Practices
Are your programs culturally safe and trauma-informed? Have Indigenous voices shaped how you design and deliver services? Do you regularly revisit and improve how you engage with Indigenous communities?
Resources and Recommended Actions
Here are a few trusted tools and resources to help nonprofits take meaningful steps toward reconciliation:
- Moms Against Racism: Anti-racism education, advocacy, and resources rooted in empathy and action.
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: A foundational document outlining concrete actions institutions and governments can take.
- Native Land Digital: An interactive map to help you learn more about the territories, treaties, and languages connected to the land you live and work on.
- The Circle on Philanthropy: An Indigenous-led organization working to transform philanthropy and centre Indigenous ways of knowing.
- Reconciliation Canada: Dialogue-based resources for building relationships and promoting healing
