Trailer: Reconciliation and the Nonprofit Sector: Where Are We Now?

Episode 24 – Reconciliation and the Nonprofit Sector: Where Are We Now?

 

To mark Canada’s 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in this episode, we’re checking in with Indigenous nonprofit leaders from across the country to hear what they have to say about whether any progress has been made in how the nonprofit sector supports, funds and collaborates with Indigenous-led organizations. We’ll spotlight some powerful examples of how settler-led and Indigenous-led organizations are creating better working relationships, and hear from Indigenous leaders on what more the sector needs to do to advance reconciliation work. 

CharityVillage Resources From This Episode

·        CharityVillage Connects: How Bill S-216 Could Transform the Canadian Nonprofit Sector Forever
Update: Bill S-216 has now been passed “in essence” via Bill C-19, the Budget Implementation Act. Bill C-19 included measures that changed the “direction and control” requirements that regulate charities who work with non-charities. 

According to Senator Ratna Omidvar, sponsor of Bill S-216, “These are big and important changes. They provide a path to get rid of the deeply embedded form of systemic racism that was contained in the Income Tax Act. In its place will be strong, accountable and effective partnerships based on mutual respect.”

Bill S-216, otherwise known as the Effective and Accountable Charities Act, sought to amend the Income Tax Act to empower charities by allowing them to more effectively collaborate with a wider range of organizations, including those without charitable status, which the Act refers to as “non-qualified donees”. Proponents of the Bill said the amendments were necessary to get rid of burdensome and expensive redtape and outdated legal bureaucracy. But the key shift proposed by Bill S-216 is much more aspirational: to eliminate the deeply-rooted and historic paternalism that many see embedded in the current rules about how charities can operate.

In this episode, we speak with Senator Ratna Omidvar, sponsor of Bill S-216, and with other nonprofit sector experts to explore the pros and cons of this legislation, as well as the deeper implications of what it means for Canadian charitable organizations now that it’s become law. 

·        CharityVillage Connects: Indigenous Leaders Discuss Truth and Reconciliation in the Nonprofit Sector

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. 

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 o

Episode Transcript

(00:06):
Welcome to Charity Village Connects.
I'm your host Mary Barrell.
That's the sound of a hummingbird pollinating our world and making it a better place.
The hummingbird is Charity Village's logo because we strive, like the industrioushummingbird, to make connections across the nonprofit sector and help make positive

(00:30):
change.
Over this series of podcasts, we'll explore topics that are vital to the nonprofit sectorin Canada.
Topics like diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health in the workplace,
the gap in female representation and leadership, and many other subjects crucial to thesector.

(01:02):
To mark Canada's fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in this episode,we're checking in with Indigenous non -profit leaders from across the country to hear what
they have to say about whether any progress has been made in how the non -profit sectorsupports, funds, and collaborates with Indigenous -led organizations.

(01:25):
When we had received funding from each of the level of government,
There were restrictions.
If we're going to give you this much money, then you spend it on these activities.
We have always been told what we need, what's good for us, what's best for us, where weshould live, how we should live.

(01:47):
We take the view that money is medicine for restorative purposes.
We welcome you and we welcome individuals also to support us monthly or one time giving asthey can.
through this lens of reconciliation.
How have you benefited from colonization and how have we as Indigenous folks lost?

(02:08):
And so we're really taking this restorative view and trying to break down thetransactional relationships that have historically been a part of philanthropy.
Philanthropy as a sector is not mentioned in the TRC calls to action, but then we have thedeclaration.
which is specific to philanthropy.
And so these resources provide a roadmap for us.

(02:31):
Digging into the resources that exist out there allowed us to get to a place of readinesswhere it was a natural decision.
It was clear from the feedback we heard that this has to be more than just conversations.
People wanted to see something substantive.
People wanted to see something that was endorsed by the board of directors and seniorstaff to demonstrate that it had teeth.

(02:55):
and that it was a commitment that United Way was stepping into.
I think what really stands out for me was that really profound significant visit by thePope a of servers ago where he issued this public apology to residential school survivors.
It was during this period that the consciousness of the Canadian settler publicexperienced an awakening to the realities of what Indigenous people across the country

(03:21):
have suffered historically.
and continue to face on a daily basis.
That consciousness was heightened by the shocking discovery of unmarked Indigenous graveson former residential school grounds, providing stark evidence to the testimony given by
survivors to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which resulted in the 2015publication of the 94 Calls to Action.

(03:48):
But many Indigenous leaders say those calls to action
fell on deaf ears until recently, when the dramatic events of the past few years becameinstrumental in provoking this growing public awareness and the recognition that more
funding and support for Indigenous people is essential.

(04:09):
Join us for Charity Village Connects, a continuing series of discussions, ideas, andpotential solutions.
In this 24th episode in our series, join us for an assessment.
of whether the nonprofit sector has made any progress in how it provides support toIndigenous -led organizations.
We'll talk to Indigenous philanthropic leaders as well as settler organizations workingwith them.

(04:35):
To learn more about the services provided by Charity Village, listen to Charity VillageConnects wherever you find your favorite podcasts and visit CharityVillage .com.