Reflecting on Ten Years of the Philanthropic Declaration of Action

Photo credit: Jordan Lyall Photography

Below is the reflection shared by Dr. Marie Delorme, on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, at the 10 Year Anniversary of the Philanthropic Declaration of Action event at the Canadian Canoe Museum on November 27, 2025.

Good morning. Bozhoo. Tansi. Aanii. Ulakut.

We gathered today on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg and the Williams Treaty First Nations, who have cared for this land since time immemorial. Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors, leaders, youth, foundations, and community members came together for an important moment: marking 10 years of the Philanthropic Declaration of Action.

I was honoured to speak on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, who sends her warm regards and sincere regrets as she focuses on her health. She asked that I convey her deep respect and unwavering commitment to the work of reconciliation. I am humbled to stand in this role.

Throughout the morning, we heard eight powerful stories—stories of Indigenous leadership, innovation, and community strength. These stories remind us that reconciliation is not abstract. It is lived, breathed, taught by example, and carried by people rooted in their homelands and cultures.

Honouring a Decade of Commitment

The Philanthropic Declaration of Action is a commitment forged in the presence of Survivors, rooted in the TRC’s Calls to Action, and carried by philanthropic organizations that chose to step forward, listen deeply, and act with purpose. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey behind us, the lessons learned, and the path ahead.

Ten years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called Canada to attention—and to account. Residential school Survivors shared truths long denied, silenced, or ignored. Their courage opened a national conversation, and with it, the possibility of change.

As Her Excellency has said, their stories are “an extended hand inviting us to repair bridges between communities.” Those hands are still extended. Those teachings remain. And so does our responsibility.

At the heart of the Declaration are the seven sacred teachings—Truth, Humility, Honesty, Respect, Courage, Wisdom, and Love. They were not symbolic. They were directional. They asked the philanthropic sector to commit not just resources, but relationships; not just statements, but sustained action; not just good intentions, but transformational change.

Teachings From Today’s Speakers

Each of the eight speakers who joined us today offered a window into reconciliation in action.

Elder Peter Schuler reminded us of continuity—story, language, land—and that we are all grateful Treaty people.
Joshua Iserhoff emphasized that resilience is not measured by Indigenous endurance, but by the support we choose to provide.
Udlu Hanson shared Inuit-led solutions grounded in Inuit ways of knowing, reflecting the balance between two worlds.
Karen Joyner-Blom highlighted the power of reclaiming community vision and aligning philanthropy with community uniqueness.
Chris Googoo spoke of economic sovereignty and grassroots solutions that unlock Indigenous futures.
Stephanie Scott reminded us of the sacred responsibility of memory and the importance of a new era of truth-telling.
Erica McCloskey of the Mastercard Foundation reflected on the critical role of listening and partnership.
Dr. Michael DeGagné challenged us to consider what has changed, what hasn’t, and what remains essential.

Despite their diverse teachings, a shared thread emerged: reconciliation requires sustained commitment, shared responsibility, and long-term relationships rooted in trust.

Progress and Unfinished Work

Over the past decade, we’ve seen meaningful steps forward:
Growth in Indigenous-led philanthropic institutions
Greater presence of Indigenous languages and cultures in national spaces
Wider public understanding of Canada’s true history
Increased culturally grounded mental health supports
Recognition of traditional laws and teachings
More Indigenous youth accessing education and leadership opportunities
Growing national awareness of the children who never came home
A willingness to listen, challenge denialism, and embrace truth

Yet much work remains. Inequities persist. Communities continue to seek justice for missing children. Families still struggle for equitable services. Leaders call for land back, language revitalization, and culturally relevant programming. Philanthropic organizations are still learning what it means to stand in solidarity.

Progress is real—but so is the unfinished work.

The Path Forward

Looking ahead, the role of philanthropy in reconciliation begins with returning to the core teachings: Truth, Humility, Honesty, Respect, Courage, Wisdom, and Love.

As we envision the next ten years, five reflections guide the way:

Deepen relationships, not transactions.
Shift power, not just funding.
Embed Indigenous ways of knowing in organizational practices.
Commit to long-term, sustainable, flexible funding.
Walk forward together—with accountability and hope.

Her Excellency has said she sees a future where Indigenous youth can fully be themselves, pursue their aspirations, and give back to their communities—a future where diversity is Canada’s strength.

I too see Indigenous youth leading with confidence, philanthropic institutions reflecting community diversity, partnerships shaped by trust, and a sector that understands reconciliation not as a project, but a relationship. I see a country where Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples walk forward together with clarity, commitment, and compassion.

Closing Words

As we mark ten years of the Declaration, we honour the Survivors whose courage guides us, the leaders who shared their stories, the philanthropic partners who committed to this journey, and the Indigenous communities whose strength carries this country. And always, we honour the youth who will inherit the future we build today.

On behalf of Her Excellency, thank you for your ongoing commitment to reconciliation. As she often says:

“Please continue extending your hands. It will help us walk the path of reconciliation together—with hope in our hearts and for the generations to come.”

Mahsi. Merci. Nakurmiik. Thank you.

Dr. Marie Delorme – for Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada – 10 Years of the Philanthropic Declaration of Action – November 27, 2025