Embedding Reconciliation into the Core of our Work

Ina Gutium

PFC News

3 mins read

June 18, 2025

I feel especially grateful that for my first meeting as chair in June, the PFC board of directors had the privilege of being hosted by PFC member Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation in Nova Scotia. We spent two days at Asitu’lisk, an amazing forest and natural landscape and learning centre, which was recently returned to the Mi’kmaq people and is stewarded by Ulnooweg Education Centre.

Asitu’lisk is an enchanting natural landscape consisting of the ancient Forest Wapane’kati and the shores of Atuomkuk (Wentzell) Lake and the Pijnuiskaq (LaHave) River. It is a place where the ancestors of the Mi’kmaq flourished for thousands of years in Sin So’sepe’katik (Bridgewater), in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia).

The board and I were honoured to spend time at Asitu’lisk with Executive Director Chris Googoo, eat outstanding local food lovingly prepared by staff, walk in its forests, swim in its waters, and connect with one of its oldest residents, Grandmother Maple (pictured). In one of our discussions with Chris, he reminded us that those of us doing the work are merely stewards. Our role is to tend to the embers of social impact work so that future generations can carry the flame forward. That means listening deeply, acting with humility, and—most importantly—translating intention into action, and being transparent about that. At a time often filled with angst, fear and despair, his message of hope built on pragmatic, but long-term engagement resonates deeply.

In this year marking 10 years of Philanthropy’s Declaration of Action in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls for Action, many initiatives have been seeded and need to be commended. But there is so much more work ahead of us to achieve the vision of a just and shared future between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians who came from all over the world.

Our time at Asitu’lisk was more than reflective; it was a call for action. At PFC, we are committed to embedding Reconciliation into the core of our work—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a sustained, measurable effort. This includes dedicating resources to and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous-led philanthropic organizations and holding ourselves accountable to our intentions. As a signatory to Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action, which is marking its 10^th year anniversary, PFC will be hosting a Reconciliation Roundtable for PFC members. This space is an open dialogue with sector leaders and each other, to deepen our understanding, elevate Indigenous voices, and explore how transparency and reciprocity can guide our path forward.