The holiday season is a universal time to unwind, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family. It is also an opportune season where many people generously engage in giving back to their communities.

Relevantly, as many Canadians are trying to incorporate Reconciliatory efforts into their own lives as a way to support Indigenous goals and self-determination, donating to Indigenous charities or organizations is an incredible way to support our local communities.

Below is a list of 10 of our favorite Indigenous organizations to consider donating to for the holiday season!

1) The University of Manitoba has partnered with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) to advance Reconciliation efforts. The NCTR has several funds to donate to, including;

• The Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I remember them) community support fund, which supports community-based projects related to providing support and healing to residential school survivors
• The Truth and Reconciliation Week fund, which is an annual week dedicated to Reconciliation through Educational efforts

 2) Orange Shirt Day is an organization that hosts events designed to commemorate the residential school experience, acknowledge and honor survivors, and advance the Reconciliation process. The annual Orange Shirt Day occurs on September 30th of each year.

3) Reconciliation Canada is a registered charity that works to develop meaningful partnerships and outreach programs with multi-faith and multi-cultural communities to engage in dialogue and explore the meaning of Reconciliation. Donations go towards carrying out their initiatives related to Reconciliation across Canada.

 4) The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund works towards building a better Canada by building cultural understanding and creating a bridge towards Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. They aim to improve the lives of Indigenous people through building awareness and creating connections.

5) Indspire is an Indigenous charity that concentrates on investing in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people to benefit them and their communities. They aim to inspire achievement and encourage Indigenous people to achieve their highest potential!

6) Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSS) strives to provide a wide range of support and development opportunities through culturally-based values and guiding principles for school survivors, their families, and their communities.

7) The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is an Indigenous Organization that represents the political voice of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Canada. Their work focuses on enhancing, promoting, and fostering the well-being of Indigenous women across Canada.

8) I Love First Peoples is fueled by the mission to empower Indigenous children and youth to stay and succeed throughout their educational journey at school. They develop projects that raise global awareness about Reconciliation.

9) Indigenous Awareness Canada offers online a variety of Indigenous awareness training by facilitating workshops centered around awareness, communication, and recruiting and retaining Indigenous talent. Their mission is centered around helping Canadians learn about Indigenous people and to help Canadians move forward in Reconciliation. 

10) Last but not least, we have True North Aid, an organization that serves and supports northern Indigenous communities through humanitarian support. As more than 60% of Indigenous children live below the poverty line, their support is practical in nature, ranging from providing shelter from storms, to physical and mental assistance.

Now that you’re aware of the above 10 incredible Indigenous organizations, consider donating to one or more and help advance Reconciliation within Canada! When we each take on a small role and responsibility, we cumulatively help move towards Reconciliation faster and have a greater impact.