For reconciliation to happen, “there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”
(Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015 report)Reconciliation means establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous (settler) peoples. The JLF is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and we aim to work with The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada to realize our commitment to reconciliation as a signatory of the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action.
In terms of grant-making, our commitment to Reconciliation means we place highest priority on funding programs that align with our mission, which are run by Indigenous led organizations (with a mandate to serve Indigenous communities); followed by programs run by Indigenous-focused organizations (which include Indigenous leaders and regularly cooperate with Indigenous-led organizations); and followed by organizations with Indigenous beneficiaries/target groups (delivering inclusive, culturally responsive programming).
Lastly, we also support organizations that offer inclusive programs about Indigenous peoples, history, culture, etc. with the aim of Reconciliation.
We encourage all of our partners to explore ways to realize Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in all of the work that they do.