(Toronto, Ont., February 11, 2021) – The Indigenous Spirit Fund (ISF), which launched virtually on February 11, 2021, is changing the narrative of Reconciliation through philanthropy by Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST). This new fund will deliver long-overdue financial support for Indigenous youth and children, proving that successful decolonization can happen through philanthropy.

ISF is led by Indigenous people with expertise in child and family welfare, Indigenous cultures, and governance. Andrew Wesley, Cree Elder, explains that the fund’s vision is to create, “a world where all Indigenous children, youth and their families experience purpose, peace, joy, and love.”

ISF will create opportunities for Canada’s private, philanthropic, and charitable sectors to build new relationships with Indigenous families, and the organizations that serve them, in order to create healthy outcomes for Indigenous children and youth. It will help deliver much-needed support to some of Toronto’s most vulnerable children and families through community-driven and culture-based services, including summer culture camps, employment and education programs, and arts and entrepreneurship programs.

“The Indigenous Spirit fund, at its highest level, is here to give the philanthropic community an opportunity to actively participate in reconciliation,” said Kenn Richard, ISF Director.

In the spirit of reconciliation, the charitable and philanthropic sector can create a difference today by investing in the Indigenous Spirit Fund to help give youth a chance to become the leaders of tomorrow.

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