Anonymous donor sparks action and reflection.

This fund supports projects led by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples to nurture the healing and wellness of the Katarokwi community and Indigenous Peoples in the area served by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area.

In June, we shared the story of a community member who, inspired by their experience at the 215-shoe memorial at Kingston City Hall, anonymously donated $10,000 to the Tha’teioneniienawa’khontie: In the Spirit of Cooperation Fund, and invited others to join them. It was the donor’s hope that instead of a few large donors, it would be more impactful if hundreds of individuals showed their support through smaller gifts. You can read the full story here.

Since this call to action, the Tha’teioneniienawa’khontie: In the Spirit of Cooperation Fund has received $2,450 in gifts along with numerous commemorative messages, such as:

• “I was very happy to read about this fund.”
• “A small way to acknowledge the hurt and pain felt by our Indigenous people.”
• “In Honour of All the unnamed and unknown.”

The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be marked on September 30, 2021. We hope this approaching day of commemoration will encourage you to reflect on the legacy of residential schools, the resiliency of Indigenous Communities, and consider what you can do to support the Truth and Reconciliation process.

If you are looking for a good place to start, the following article provides concrete steps on how to be an Indigenous ally:

https://activehistory.ca/2017/08/150-acts-of-reconciliation-for-the-last-150-days-of-canadas-150/

(While ‘outdated’ in its view that Canada is only 150 years old, we like it because it identifies very specific actions that individuals can take.)

Please also consider supporting the anonymous donor’s vision by giving a gift of any amount to the Tha’teioneniienawa’khontie: In the Spirit of Cooperation Fund, so that it can fund more projects like Ndoo-miijiminaanin – an Indigenous Food Sovereignty project being delivered by Kingston Indigenous Language Nest in partnership with Loving Spoonful.

To read more about this Fund, click here: https://cfka.org/in-the-spirit-of-cooperation/