We are committed to aligning our values with the Dish With One Spoon Treaty, a historic agreement among Indigenous peoples that underscores the importance of sharing and stewardship of the land. This treaty, which governs the land we operate on, emphasizes the shared responsibility of maintaining peace, respecting the environment, and ensuring equitable access to resources. In this spirit, our Foundation acknowledges its role as a steward of the land we seek to honour the principles of the treaty by integrating them into our funding initiatives and organizational values.
“We can’t heal if we don’t talk about it.”
–Richard Wagamese (Ojibwe)
One of the key ways our Foundation embodies this commitment is through its Social Service and Art & Culture grant programs, which prioritize Indigenous artists, institutions, and collectives. These grants support Indigenous creators, allowing them to preserve and share their cultural heritage through various art forms. By funding these initiatives, we contribute to Indigenous communities’ cultural resilience and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, traditions, and perspectives within broader society.
In alignment with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are particularly focused on recognizing and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. Through its funding, our Foundation supports efforts to raise awareness about Indigenous peoples’ cultural and historical experiences, including the legacy of residential schools.
“Reconciliation means not having to say sorry a second time.”
–Phil Fontaine (Sagkeeng First Nation)
The K. M. Hunter Foundation also prioritizes the preservation of the land and wildlife, recognizing that environmental sustainability is an intrinsic part of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Indigenous communities have long been at the forefront of land and wildlife conservation, and the Foundation seeks to learn from and support these efforts. We aim to protect the natural world while honoring Indigenous knowledge and practices, whether through grants that fund Indigenous-led environmental organizations or through collaborations with land preservation initiatives.
For more on the Dish With One Spoon Treaty click here.
To find out which treaty area(s) you live and work in, click here for an interactive map.