British Columbia (BC) is an extraordinary place. From ancient, abundant ecosystems, to culturally rich communities, it is one of the most bio-culturally diverse places in North America. These lands and waters have taken care of people for millennia, and people in turn, must take care of them.
In the face of the interconnected ecological, social, and economic challenges we face, we know that the relationships we have with the natural world, the economy, and each other, must be transformed. MakeWay’s BC program works with communities and changemakers to do just that.
Through funding, capacity building, peer networks, and our unique solutions toolkit, we support community-led initiatives that advance our five interconnected program priorities.
We work to advance healthy lands, waters, peoples, cultures, and economies, recognizing that all these elements are intertwined and undertaken in partnership with Indigenous communities and changemakers. We work towards solutions rooted in justice, equity, and the advancement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Land, water, and air are the heart of all life. From ancient forests to salmon rich watersheds, the lands and waters that make up BC sustain communities in countless ways. For the over 200 distinct First Nations who have stewarded these territories since time immemorial, these lands and waters are an extension of cultures, identities, and overall wellbeing. For others, they represent a place of new beginnings, economic livelihoods, or refuge. For all of us, these ecosystems give us fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, and make-up the places that we call ‘home’.
MakeWay works with communities and changemakers who are at the forefront of sustaining, restoring, and caring for these places now and for future generations.
In the words of Leroy Littlebear and Cynthia Chambers, “if creation is to continue, then it must be renewed. Renewal ceremonies, the telling and retelling of creation stories, the singing and re-singing of the songs, are all humans’ part in the maintenance of creation…they are tools of wayfinding in place and through life”.
Across Turtle Island, the impacts that colonization had, and continues to have, on Indigenous communities, cannot be understated. The truth about Canada, and what we now refer to as ‘British Columbia’, is that it was built on the theft of Indigenous lands, and the attempted destruction of Indigenous cultures, languages, spiritualities, and overall ways of life.
Today, against the tremendous odds imposed by ongoing systemic struggles, Indigenous communities are making way for healing and resurgence. This work is not only critical to achieving justice but is paving the way for better futures.
MakeWay is proud to support this work and is committed to deepening resources and fostering reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities in doing so.
Few things are more central in our lives than food. For Indigenous communities, food is not just something to be consumed, but a relationship that is central to culture, family, community, economy, land, water, soil, and air. Whether tending to a garden or berry patch, setting a fish trap, or preparing a meal together, these relationships are some of the most intimate ways that people express care for one another and the natural world.
MakeWay supports communities and organizations working towards a range of holistic food revitalization work, including Indigenous food systems, food sovereignty, and food security.
BC’s natural abundance and rich ecosystems have supported sustainable livelihoods for generations. For Indigenous communities, this has been the case since time beyond memory. But colonization and our current economic systems have disrupted this balance. A belief in infinite growth and capitalist policies have led to environmental degradation, failing industries, and a rapidly widening gap between rich and poor. Communities demand systemic change where economies are sustainable, inclusive, and work with nature and cultures, not against them.
MakeWay supports creative and sustainable locally-led economic solutions where communities and nature can thrive together.
Community-based leaders and bold changemakers are at the heart of the good work happening across BC. They know the best solutions for the challenges their communities face.
In order to advance this demanding, often isolating, work leaders need safe spaces, funds, and organizational supports.
MakeWay is committed to strengthening diverse, healthy, resilient leadership – especially young and Indigenous leaders – through tools, resources, funding, and networks.
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