Indigenous Leaders Discuss Truth and Reconciliation in the Nonprofit Sector

CharityVillage Connects

In this episode, upon the first anniversary of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we’ll hear unique perspectives from Indigenous leaders from across Canada on what September 30 means to them, the painful legacy it symbolizes, and how, together, we can hopefully move forward. Underlying these discussions is the role that Canadian nonprofits can play in supporting Indigenous-led charitable activities. Considering that The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established over 14 years ago, why has the sector failed to take a more meaningful role in an area where its support could make a real difference? Tune in to this special episode of CharityVillage Connects to hear from Indigenous leaders about how the nonprofit sector can better support, and ally with, Indigenous-led organizations and communities.

Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance

• Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO of YMCA Canada
• Tim Fox, Vice-President, Indigenous Relations & Equity Strategy at the Calgary Foundation
• Kris Archie, Chief Executive Officer of The Circle on Philanthropy (The Circle)
• Bill Mintram, Director Indigenous and Northern Relations at the Rideau Hall Foundation

About your Host

Mary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not-for-profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.

Resources from this Episode

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation)
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action (PDF)
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports (including history of residential schools in Canada and testimony from survivors)
• Calgary Foundation’s Journey to Strengthen Relationships with Indigenous Communities (PDF)
• Calgary Foundation’s Work on Reconciliation and Racial Equity (Carleton University)
• Finding My Way Home: Bringing Education about Indigenous Protocols to the Nonprofit Sector (Rowena Veylan)
• CharityVillage Connects: How Bill S-216 Could Transform the Canadian Nonprofit Sector Forever
• Canadian Charities Giving to Indigenous Charities and Qualified Donees – 2019 (Canadian Charity Law)
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
• Orange Shirt Day (September 30)

Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.

Please note:This podcast discusses topics that may be distressing and awaken memories of past traumatic experiences and abuse. Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools or by related reports. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419. Immediate emotional support is available by contacting the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.