Supporting Indigenous-focused charities
This National Indigenous Peoples Day, Shaw Business had the opportunity to support five deserving charities that are positively impacting Indigenous people and their communities with a $2,500 donation each. These donations are thanks to over 100 people who nominated charities through our social contest that are doing amazing work in our communities.
Before we announce these amazing charities, we wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the artwork above. The feather is a sacred symbol and has different meanings amongst the many Indigenous cultures. The traditional belief on the feather is that it has a spirit, and each element of the feather has a purpose. Depending on the situation a feather can be a symbol of virtues such as honour, strength, bravery and wisdom.
Learn more about the five charities you helped choose and how they are supporting Indigenous people across Canada.
Fraser River Indigenous Society
The Fraser River Indigenous Society serves urban Indigenous Peoples in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area. Their programs include family strengthening and access, early Indigenous years programs, housing support, and a variety of support groups for men, women and youth. You can donate or get involved through volunteering or becoming a member of their community by visiting their website.
We acknowledge the diversity of peoples we serve: Urban Indigenous Peoples, people who maybe living far from their territory, those who are displaced from their communities and heritage through colonial rule, and those with mix family dynamics. The additional support for cultural programming brings us closer to revitalization of traditional knowledges and world views.
Sheway
Sheway is a program by the Vancouver Coastal Health which provides comprehensive health and social services to women who are pregnant and/or parenting young children, and who are experiencing current or previous issues with substance use. The program consists of prenatal, postnatal and primary care, education and counselling, child development, addictions counselling, housing and parenting courses, and also assists in fulfilling basic needs by providing lunches, food coupons, supplements, formula and clothing. Donate to Sheway here.
Winning the Shaw Business Indigenous charity contest of $2,500 will allow Sheway to provide Indigenous medicines to support families who access our program to practice their culture and promote healing & health. The donation will also give us the opportunity to provide Indigenous medicines for our clients to take home so they can share their tradition and cultural practices with their families.
Rossbrook House
Focusing on the children and young people and the urgency of their needs, Rossbrook House is a neighbourhood drop-in centre for children and youth in the community of West Alexander in Winnipeg. It is a place where youth meet their needs for socialization, recreation, personal development and crisis intervention, when necessary, supported by programming including cultural activities and recreational outings. Get involved by volunteering or donating here.
Being a recipient of a Shaw Business Contest donation awarded to Indigenous focussed charities is a testament to the importance of community based agencies in Canada. It is a recognition that community knows its needs and is best suited to provide the services to address them.
Moon Time Sisters Manitoba
Moon Time Sisters Manitoba is a project by True North Aid to help young women in Northern communities access menstrual products. It is a volunteer-led organization that believes in the power and solidarity of women, and has been able to support over 25 communities in less than two years. Learn how to get involved with your local chapter or donate to the Manitoba chapter here.
The Manitoba chapter is brand new so hearing this wonderful news came at the perfect time. Our vision is to put an end to period inequity in Indigenous/remote Northern communities across Canada, while our mission is to ensure Indigenous menstruators have access to the period products of their choice. This donation will not only help us buy more products but it will also help with shipping costs.
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address the quality of life imbalance in remote northwestern Ontario communities by improving access to food, clothing and basic amenities. They have a variety of programs including a Backpack Program and Emergency fund to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing of First Nation children. Visit their website to learn how to give or get involved.
Receiving community support for the work that Mikinakoos Children's Fund carries out shows that #everychildmatters is more than a hashtag, it's a testimonial and a promise for a better future for all Indigenous children.
Are you a registered charity? Did you know Shaw Business offers discounted services for charity partners? Contact us below to learn more and see how we can find the right solution for your charity.