CharityVillage Connects

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 Proponents of the Bill said the amendments were necessary to get rid of burdensome and expensive redtape and outdated legal bureaucracy.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 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.

Additional Resources From This Episode

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

· Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

· Canadian charities giving to Indigenous charities and qualified donees - 2019 (Blumbergs)

· Allowing the Community to Decide for Itself (Toronto Star, 2023)

· Calgary Foundation: Reconciliation

· The Declaration of Action (The Circle)

· McConnell commits $30M in capital transfers to Indigenous-led foundations (2023)

· National Indigenous Economic Strategy

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

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.

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