Where Policy Meets People: How EcoAnalytics’ Clean Cities Research Is Unlocking Climate Action in Canada’s Cities
Something keeps getting in the way of climate action. It is not a lack of research, nor a lack of concern. EcoAnalytics, a project on MakeWay’s shared platform, is trying to find out why by asking two questions at the heart of Canada’s climate future: what stands between us and meaningful action on biodiversity, and […]
“EntrepreNorth exists because of many people’s brilliance” — celebrating EntrepreNorth’s new chapter as an independent organization
EntrepreNorth was born out of the need for more culturally-relevant services and supports for Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs. They exist to empower a growing movement of Northern leaders who are building businesses rooted in who they are and where they come from. The initiative champions Indigenous innovation guided by identity, community wellbeing, and responsibility to the […]
Giving as a Way of Being: The Black Philanthropy Fund and the Black Canadian Fundraisers’ Collective
What began as a lunch among seven Black women fundraisers in the summer of 2018 has grown into one of the most quietly revolutionary forces in Canadian philanthropy. The Black Philanthropy Fund, a Community Advised Fund held at MakeWay, sits at the heart of the Black Canadian Fundraisers’ Collective (BCFC). Both are the work of […]
The Benefits of the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative Ripple Across British Columbia
As this 3-year, provincially funded Initiative concludes, the final impacts report celebrates the achievements of 44 First Nations across B.C., and what’s needed to sustain momentum. The final report from the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (IWI) tells the story of the remarkable work First Nations communities in British Columbia carried out through the province’s $15 million […]
MakeWay Welcomes Five Members to Board of Directors, Strengthening Organizational Governance and Leadership
MakeWay is honoured to share that we have welcomed five incredible leaders from across the country to our Board of Directors. We feel a profound sense of excitement to share that Emily Cabrera, Rebecca Mearns, Lauren Ravon, Jayla Rousseau-Thomas, and Riley Yesno have joined our Board, bringing an abundance of knowledge and experience —across careers, […]
Bringing People Together: How the Sîhtoskâtowin Program Creates Spaces for Shared Learning, Holistic Healing, and Restored Kinship
All throughout kisiskâciwan (a Cree word meaning “swift flowing river” – also known as Saskatchewan), Indigenous communities are leading transformative, and often life-changing, initiatives: from strengthening food security and sovereignty in remote regions; to building spaces that support deeper, more holistic healing; to starting innovative projects that cultivate cultural sharing, learning, and renewal. Last summer, […]
Community Resilience to Extreme Weather (CREW) is “Meeting its Moment” Tackling Extreme Heat and Connecting Neighbours
Are you ready for climate change impacts in your city or town? That is the question Community Resilience to Extreme Weather (CREW) wants to help people tackle. Founded in 2014, the project is responding to a need to optimize resources, raise awareness, prepare for, and respond to the effects of climate change in urban centres. […]
The Case for Public Investments in Indigenous Hunters and Guardians
Discover the social, economic, and cultural values of Indigenous Hunter and Guardian programs through four Northern case studies. Date: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. Time: 3:00 p.m. ET, 1:00 p.m. MT, noon PT. Northern communities have long understood the importance of Indigenous Hunter and Guardian programs. However, the full range of benefits these programs provide […]
The Economic and Social Benefits of Indigenous Hunter and Guardian Programs
Northern Indigenous communities have always sustained themselves through hunting, harvesting, and gathering food from the land. Today, full-time Hunter and Guardian programs are creating meaningful economic opportunities that support and renew these land-based lifeways. Communities deeply understand the value of these programs, yet their benefits are often overlooked in funding and policy decisions. Investments in […]
New Research: “Through the Looking-Glass: Investment Transparency of Canadian Foundations”
Over the last few years, MakeWay has been working to increase transparency around our investment practices, including disclosing who manages our funds and our investment portfolio. Alongside this internal work, we’ve partnered with researchers at Carleton University to better understand the opportunities and challenges related to investment transparency across Canadian foundations more broadly. We’re pleased […]
The Power of Showing Up: The Tegan and Sara Foundation Fund’s Commitment to Community-Led Change
What began as a fan-fueled connection at the merch tables of Tegan and Sara concerts has grown into one of the most intentional and community-rooted philanthropic efforts in queer justice today. The Tegan and Sara Foundation, founded by the acclaimed Canadian musicians, is not just a charitable vehicle – it’s a living, learning ecosystem. At […]
A New Community-Advised Funding Collaborative for Culture and Wellness in the Yukon
A new collaborative fund offering flexible, low-barrier grants will be available to initiatives advancing healing, education, and cultural continuity in the Yukon starting January 2026. The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) has announced the launch of the Culture Wellness Collaborative Fund, which will be led by Yukon First Nations and supported by the CYFN […]
The Harder Question of Giving: What Are Communities Really Asking of Us?
Reflections from a talk at Hamilton Community Foundation’s Women4Change Gathering by Lee Burton Earlier this fall, I had the honour of joining the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Women4Change community for a conversation about what is emerging in Canadian philanthropy. The room was a beautiful reflection of Hamilton itself, diverse across culture, gender, and generation. I felt […]
Community-based Data Management for Northern Indigenous Land-Based Programs
Across Northern Canada, Indigenous land-based programs are gathering a wealth of information—photos, maps, audio recordings, field observations, and other types of data—to guide stewardship decisions. This information often carries cultural knowledge and responsibilities, and it must be collected, stored, and used in ways that respect Indigenous data rights and align with community values and needs. […]
Stewarding a Transformative Gift from MacKenzie Scott
At MakeWay, we often talk about what’s possible when resources and relationships move together in support of community-led change. Recently, that possibility grew in a profound way. We are humbled and deeply grateful to share that MakeWay has received a transformative donation of CAD $86 million from Yield Giving, the philanthropic initiative created by MacKenzie Scott. […]
A New Tool for Evaluating Indigenous Conservation Legal Pathways
Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories are leading some of the most ambitious conservation efforts on the planet. Just look at NWT: Our Land for the Future—an innovative $375 million funding partnership for Indigenous-led conservation—or at projects like Thaidene Nëné, a 6.5 million-acre protected area rooted in Dene Law. More than 20 Indigenous governments across the territory […]
“Love in Action”: Susan Wright’s Journey of Deepening Her Philanthropy
The change she hopes her philanthropy will bring: A greater awareness of me, us, and all of us. Susan Wright is many things to many people – an author, teacher, Integral Coach, and a matriarch to many. She is also a Fund Advisor who conducts her philanthropic giving through a Donor Advised Fund at MakeWay. […]
A Year in Donor Advised Funds with MakeWay: Our New Seasonal Cycle of Giving
Published by MakeWay’s Philanthropic Services team How can aligning philanthropy with the seasons create more meaningful giving and impact? At MakeWay, we draw deep inspiration and guidance from the changing rhythms of the seasons. Recently, we’ve woven these natural cycles into our donor advised fund (DAF) program, aligning giving with a cycle of reflection, intention-setting, […]
How IndigenEYEZ is helping Indigenous leaders restore the fabric of their communities
In nsyilxcən, the language of the syilx Okanagan people, Kelly Terbasket’s last name describes the process of unravelling or pulling apart a ball of tangled sinew or string. “That’s totally what I see as a metaphor for the work we’re doing,” she says. Kelly is the director and co-founder of IndigenEYEZ, a project on […]
What We’re Learning About Foundation Investment Transparency in Canada
Growing calls for equity and accountability are pushing philanthropy to become more transparent. Some foundations now share more about their operations, governance, and grantmaking. But the largest share of foundation wealth—investments—has been largely left out of the conversation. A few foundations have started to disclose aspects of their investing, often around impact investing, but unfortunately […]
How the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative Centres Learning and Unlearning
At MakeWay, we are proud to host several funding collaboratives that support positive change across Canada. Funding collaboratives are an innovative way for funders to pool resources, share knowledge, and reduce burdens on community partners—creating deeper and more coordinated impact. By applying to a collaborative rather than multiple individual funders, grant seekers often face simpler […]
Slowing Down to Move Forward: Rethinking Our Board Recruitment
At MakeWay, we’re continuously learning. Part of our learning journey is to stop and ask if what we’re doing is serving our mission and our aspirations. We find ourselves at one of those moments, and so, as an organisation we are reimagining how we recruit for our board of directors. We’ve learned that our current […]
MakeWay Welcomes Alex Sardar as New President and CEO
NEWS RELEASE – MakeWay’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that today Alex Sardar has joined the organization as its new President and CEO. Alex brings more than 20 years of experience as a trusted partner to communities advancing transformative change. His work has helped catalyze social movements and strengthened democracy, human rights, and […]
An Asset-Based Approach to Economic Development in the North
Cover image: Kluane National Park and Reserve, part of the traditional territory of the Southern Tutchone in the North (Photo by: Kalen Emsley) Mining has played a significant role in the Yukon’s economy, providing jobs, supporting communities, and contributing to exports. For decades, it has been a vital part of life in the Yukon for […]
Solidarity Across Sectors: Why Charities Should Stand with Canada Post Workers
Published by MakeWay’s Research and Policy Department Postal workers play a vital role in our communities and the charitable sector. They help keep people connected and make sure we all have access to essential information and services. As postal workers prepare for a possible strike, those of us in the charitable sector have an opportunity […]
The Next Step: Unique Funding Model for Indigenous Groups Now Fully Independent
We’re celebrating a special milestone for the Right Relations Collaborative (RRC), an Indigenous-led initiative that grew within MakeWay and is now transitioning into a fully independent organization. This transition is not only a testament to the strength of the model and the clarity of its leadership—it’s a powerful expression of self-determination. Being a good home […]
Watershed Reflections: Celebrating Indigenous-led Watershed Security work across ‘British Columbia’
Early this spring, members, partners, and friends of the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (IWI) gathered to celebrate the leadership of First Nations communities across ‘British Columbia’ who are stewarding and restoring their watersheds. Watershed Reflections celebrated some of the First Nations communities and organizations leading this work and marked the end of IWI’s three-year funding initiative. […]
Self-Determination Through Food: Gaagige Zaagibigaa’s Impact in Northern Ontario
After a thoughtful pause, Gaagige Zaagibigaa returns stronger than ever with its flagship Self-Determined Household Support Program—an inspiring conversation with project director Amber Sandy. Amber is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, with Anishinaabe ancestry on her father’s side and German and English ancestry on her mother’s. She grew up in […]
By the North, for the North: NJTI on Reclaiming Narrative Sovereignty with Trainings Rooted in Community
In late 2019, a diverse group of Indigenous and Northern media professionals gathered around veteran Northern journalist Sara Minogue’s kitchen table. The group, including notable figures such as Paul Andrew, Louie Goose, and Marie Wilson, confronted two critical questions: where are the Northerners and Indigenous journalists in our newsrooms? And how do we bring them […]
Dr. Ingrid Waldron’s Unexpected Journey to a Landmark Victory Against Environmental Racism in Canada—and What’s Next
The past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary for Dr. Ingrid Waldron, whose research inspired a Netflix documentary co-produced by Elliot Page and helped bring Canada’s first environmental racism legislation to life. In 2024, she returned to her academic roots and celebrated the publication of her second book. Dr. Waldron has become a household […]
The Duality of Black History and Futures Month: Grief and Hope, Pain and Progress, History and Future
February is Black History and Futures Month, and this year, we wanted to recognize the full complexity and emotions of this moment in time: the grief and hope, pain and progress, history and future. In this time of uncertainty and a growing need for community solidarity, this month asks us to reflect on and hold […]
Strengthening Support for Indigenous Leaders and Projects on MakeWay’s Shared Platform
When Travis Klemp stepped into the role of Manager of Indigenous Strategy for MakeWay’s Shared Platform in 2023, it might have seemed like a shift from his previous roles. Over the years, Travis has been a policy analyst, editor, creative writer, and community engagement specialist. But for Travis, this transition felt natural—a continuation of his […]
Leadership Transition at MakeWay
December 2, 2024—Today, we share important news about a significant leadership transition at MakeWay. It is with deep gratitude that we announce Joanna Kerr will be stepping down as President and CEO in March 2025, after six years of remarkable leadership. Joanna joined MakeWay in 2019, bringing clarity and strength that have guided our organization […]
A path towards “Fair Earth Living”
Written by OneEarth Living and MakeWay. Across this country, big changes are being made to restore nature and accelerate climate action. These include policy reforms around land-use or to advance the energy transition as well as technological advances like electric vehicles and heat pumps. They are what are known as the “supply side” solutions for […]
Honouring the Journey with MakeWay & Right Relations Collaborative
How can philanthropy work in true partnership to uplift Indigenous-led work? On Thursday, November 14, we held an online conversation with MakeWay and the Right Relations Collaborative, reflecting on our shared journey and the lessons we’ve learned over the past four years. When the Right Relations Collaborative launched in 2020, it sparked excitement across so-called […]
What we can learn from CommUnity Doulas’ successful pilot program
“This is what happens when we fund community care and support networks for parents” Play Video Watch the full interview with CommUnity Doulas Project Director, Jordyn Gibson. Why are Black women, parents and their babies more likely to experience negative health outcomes during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? When Jordyn Gibson started CommUnity Doulas in 2022, […]
Feeding the spirit: country foods gathering in Northern Manitoba strengthens relationships
Throughout the past year, MakeWay has been continually reminded of the immense value of bringing people together in-person to build relationships, share learnings, and spend time on the land or in ceremony. We recently connected with Cheryl Antonio about the country foods gathering she attended in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation last November. Cheryl is part of […]
How place-based kinship practices strengthen community-led work
Jennifer Kilabuk shares her journey building relationships in Nunavik by kelsie kilawna MakeWay · Introduction by Jennifer Kilabuk Jennifer Kilabuk is passionate about applying her Inuit teachings to honour how kinship is built within neighbouring Inuit communities. She is making waves across MakeWay, leading by example and reshaping how relationships are built in the North, […]
In Kinship and Love: A Message from Indigenous Kin to Black Community
To our Black Kin, As we find ourselves in our winter ceremonies, the Indigenous Employees Network at MakeWay is deep in the medicine of reflection of our shared stories that bind us. And in the spirit of Black History Month and beyond, in what has been very briefly known as North America, we wanted to […]
Meet the diverse new leaders joining MakeWay’s Board
As we kick off a new year, MakeWay is excited to welcome Katie Johnson, Mritunjay (MJ) Sinha, Cathy Galligos, and Barend van der Vorm to our dedicated Board of Directors. Bringing a wealth of experience and wisdom, they will guide MakeWay’s work at the intersection of social justice, and economic, cultural, and ecological wellbeing. “I am […]
MakeWay Foundation partners with SHARE to harness investment portfolio as a means for change
MakeWay Foundation (MakeWay) is a leading national charity and public foundation dedicated to providing innovative supports for environmental and social change initiatives across the country. By joining SHARE’s engagement program, MakeWay is adding to its diverse toolkit of solutions for achieving its vision of a healthy planet and equitable society. “If we want to build a […]
The case for investment transparency in philanthropy
Foundations hold the majority of our wealth in investments. Without legal requirements mandating disclosure, we must take the initiative to increase transparency. Many philanthropic foundations have come to appreciate the importance of increasing transparency around their wealth, funding practices, and governance to address power dynamics and build more equitable relationships with community partners. But something […]
#NarrativeBack: A Trauma-Informed Media Kit for Indigenous Kin
A few months ago, as wildfires spread through homelands across the country, kelsie kilawna, Senior Specialist, Cultural Collaboration and Storytelling, identified a need in her community and the communities of her neighbours: a tool to help respond to journalists and the media, who were knocking on doors and asking questions, oftentimes ignoring protocol and privacy. […]
How will changes to the Alternative Minimum Tax impact charities?
November 14, 2023 By MakeWay’s Research and Policy team Updates to the Alternative Minimum Tax reduce preferential tax rates for the ultra-wealthy, will likely have minimal impacts on charities Earlier this year, a Statistics Canada report on economic disparity showed that the gap between rich and poor was accelerating at the highest rate on record. […]
A Love Letter to our People – On National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Photo Caption: ‘A Heart Berry Feast’ medicine for the heart. Relation, come sit with us – we have something we want to tell you. It’s been said that before you came to this world as we know it the stars aligned. The Ancestors whispered your name and into this place you were born […]
Standing Together: An Indigenous Perspective on the Wildfires
‘Living as fire-dependent people.’ Digital Art by Lauren Marchand Learn how you can support those impacted by the wildfires throughout Indigenous homelands. By kelsie kilawna In my upbringing I lived in close kinship with fire and we were taught to not fear fire, we used it mindfully to caretake our homelands. Since I […]
Gifting to non-qualified donees: 5 issues revealed by the new T3010 form
By MakeWay’s Policy and Research team In May, the CRA Charities Directorate released a new version of Form T3010, the document that every charity in Canada submits to the federal government annually as the primary reporting requirement for maintaining charitable status. Normally, changes to a form would not garner much interest outside of some small […]
Spirits of Place: The Narwhal expands coverage of Indigenous-led conservation with MakeWay’s support
MakeWay is excited to announce that we are supporting The Narwhal to increase coverage of Indigenous-led conservation through a powerful new series called Spirits of Place.* Since launching in 2018, The Narwhal has become a leading non-profit journalism organization in Canada, attracting over 5,000 members who support its nuanced environmental reporting. In March 2021, it […]
Uncolonizing the workplace using Indigenous Kinship building practices
CAPTION: Xhastin Land Based Healing Camp created by Xhastin (Yvonne Jack,) with the support of community Elders. Xhastin is of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. Photo by kelsie kilawna. Written by kelsie kilawna As the late evening sun continued to shine on the mountains, our plane landed on the homelands of the Kwanlin Dün […]
What it takes to implement an Indigenous Protected Area: new report from MakeWay and The Firelight Group
A new research report from MakeWay and The Firelight Group sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of people involved in implementing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) agreements in the North.
Webinar: Implementing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada
Indigenous-led conservation is gaining exciting momentum in Canada. On May 30, MakeWay and The Firelight Group hosted an engaging panel discussion on successfully implementing Indigenous Conservation and Protected Area (IPCA) agreements.
Bo Aganaba, Executive Director of “Leading Change Canada”, joins MakeWay’s Board of Directors
MakeWay is excited to welcome Resiliency & Sustainability Advocate, Biboye (Bo) Aganaba (he/him), as the newest member of our Board of Directors! Bo is the Executive Director of Leading Change, where he is responsible for the operations, fundraising, and strategic planning of the organization. He lives and works from unceded Algonquin territory (Ottawa, ON). As […]
Supporting and connecting women leaders: meet the Womxn’s Leadership Collective for Nature and Climate Action
“I started at MakeWay at the start of the pandemic in 2020, and when I came on, others had been talking about creating the ‘Kitchen Cabinet’. It was such a beautiful space and way to connect. It was an intergenerational group. Twelve women who were meeting every three weeks on Fridays. I always left feeling […]
The Need for Seal Skin Processing Centres in Nunavut
In this interview, CBC Igalaaq talks with Emily Tagoona about the need for seal skin processing centres in Nunavut. This piece was translated by her daughter, Lori Tagoona, Senior Associate with MakeWay’s Northern program. Pauline Pemik: Welcome Emily Tagoona, thank you for joining us. I understand you went to Greenland to learn about Greenlandic approaches […]
4 Black-led Canadian Environmental orgs to support and follow: Black History/Futures Month and beyond
From environmental racism to climate justice to colonialism, Black leaders are standing up to address key environmental and social justice issues in Canada every day. This list highlights just a few of the many organizations that should be supported and celebrated this Black History/Futures Month and beyond. The Black Environmental Initiative (BE Initiative) The […]
MakeWay Submission to CRA
Last November, the CRA released draft guidelines for Grants to non-qualified donees, kicking off a 60-day consultation period. With recent changes to the Income Tax Act law, this guidance will serve as main resource for charities wishing to provide supports for non-charities delivering charitable work. We believe there are both positives and some key areas […]
Gratitude, learning and connection: meeting The Nawalakw Culture Project
In October, 2022, folks from MakeWay were invited by The Nawalakw Culture Project (Nawalakw) to spend time with their team in Alert Bay, BC. The Nawalakw movement is a catalyst for community renewal through language revitalization, wellness and healing in the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw territory in what is often referred to as the Great Bear Rainforest of […]
A visit to Mushkegowuk Territory
This summer, CEO, Joanna Kerr, spent 4 days in Northern Ontario hosted by the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council. This was a donor trip that included representatives from MakeWay, Moore Foundation, and OceanKind.
Reflections on Community Learning Trips
Facilitating cross-regional learning is a central goal of MakeWay’s National program team. The sharing of knowledge between individuals and across geographies fosters our ability to grow allowing us to work better together today than we did yesterday.
Bringing people together again: the Reel Youth Film Festival returns in-person with films highlighting youth stories and voices
For communities and organizations, 2022 presented the unique challenge of bringing people together after two years of pandemic lockdowns.
CommUNITY Doulas: recreating the village and supporting Black parents and families
“I feel like the purpose of this work is really to recreate the village, to re-establish networks, and to create systems of support [for Black parents]. That’s the community piece: bringing the village to the modern environment. Birth is really at the intersection of all the experiences of black people, and the struggles we face.” […]
Orange Shirt Day & National Day of Truth and Reconciliation resource list
Content & Trigger Warnings: mention of colonization, g*nocide, r*sidential schools Today is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. The significance of the orange shirt comes from residential school survivor Phyllis (Jack) Webstad who […]
From across the North, hunters, harvesters, and guardians gather at camp to create a shared vision for evaluation
The positive energy throughout the group was strong. Sounds of drums, laughter and talking, clicks of laptops and projectors coming to life, hammering, and boat engines across the calm lake water. Clanging dishes in the bustling kitchen where the next delicious meal for 25 hunters, harvesters, and guardians gathering on Mackenzie Island, about a 20-minute […]
A summer with MakeWay: Canada Summer Job student reflections
By Kate O’Connor, 2022 Canada Summer Jobs placement student This summer, I worked with MakeWay and OneEarth on the newly launched ‘Fair Earth Living’ initiative which aims to accelerate the ways that communities across Turtle Island can shift cultures and behaviors so we can all live happy lives in balance with nature. The concept of […]
Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell receives Order of Canada
MakeWay congratulates board director Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell on being appointed the Order of Canada for her commitment to bringing northern and Inuit voices to Parliament. Of Arviat, Nunavut, Nancy was elected as an MP (Nunavut’s first MP and first female MP for the Eastern Arctic) – in 1997. She was re-elected easily in the 2000, […]
The story behind MakeWay’s 2022-25 Strategy
In spring of 2021, Anishinaabe Elders T8aminik Rankin and Marie Josée Tardif, shared a powerful teaching with MakeWay staff and board known as the Seventh Fire Prophecy. Known for hundreds of years, this story tells of a time when western civilization has put all living things, even humans, on the brink of extinction. We were told of […]
Federal budget reflections: increased reporting requirements
By Todd Jaques, Director of Policy and Research For this third installment of federal budget reflections, we’re looking at increased reporting requirements. Of the three changes for charities included in the budget, this one offers the least detail, mentioned only in the section about the disbursement quota. Here’s what the budget has to say: The […]
Federal budget reflections: non-qualified donees
By Todd Jaques, Director of Policy and Research Last week, we looked at the federal budget’s proposed changes to the disbursement quota. Today, we’ll have a look at another change for the charitable sector that would allow charities to provide funding to non-charities, a diverse group generally referred to as non-qualified donees. It’s a bit […]
Federal budget reflections: the disbursement quota
By Todd Jaques, Director of Policy and Research Last week’s federal budget included a few hot topics for the philanthropic sector, if not the charitable sector more broadly, including an increase to the disbursement quota, changes to how charities can work with non-qualified donees, and some new reporting and transparency requirements. Over the next few blog […]
A phone call I’ll never forget: MakeWay receives transformative gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
I’m thrilled to share the exciting news that MakeWay is about to receive a transformative gift of USD 15million from MacKenzie Scott. You might have heard of this disruptive philanthropist who has been making headlines in the past few years with her ground breaking approach to giving. Scott publicly disclosed this gift today in her […]
Human-Cougar coexistence: Echo Conservation’s work protecting BC’s wildlife
Based in Vancouver, Echo Conservation has been working since 2014 to advance conservation initiatives in British Columbia, protecting wildlife and wilderness. “The name Echo was inspired by a region we worked in when we first started to protect grizzlies, wolves, and endangered mountain caribou,” says project director Thomas Knowles. Echo’s work is based on four […]
How Hinaani Design Helped Tell the Story of MakeWay’s Northern Program
For MakeWay’s new Northern Program booklet, graphic designer Nooks Lindell (Hinaani Designs) crafted a series of richly meaningful Northern images.
Building community resilience to extreme weather in Toronto
Shared platform project CREW is taking an innovative, grassroots approach to preparing for the effects of climate change in urban environments.
A MakeWay summer through 4 lenses: meet our Canada Summer Jobs students
Curious about how the next generation of changemakers experienced their summer at MakeWay? Explore our work through the eyes of the four students who helped make Summer 2021 a success.
Canada still does not have a National Water Strategy! 7 reasons why now is the time
A new way of thinking about how we govern water in Canada is possible: a collaborative model with collaborative leadership at federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous governance levels, to ensure protection from the threat of pollution, overuse, and the climate crisis.
10 partnerships making way for nature and communities thriving together: Our first year as MakeWay
A year ago, as we adjusted to a flurry of Zoom calls and working from home in June 2020, we launched our new name: MakeWay. While we couldn’t have the dance party we had originally envisioned, the new name has offered focus during a difficult year, and a clear call to action for us all […]
Honouring the children by moving to action
As details emerge and are shared from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory (Kamloops, B.C.) around the world and within our communities, we want to share a message of compassion, and extra care, to breathe deep, and practice kindness for yourself and others. Our hearts are with families, friends, and loved ones of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, and all Nations, mourning those lost to the Canadian Residential School System and generations who continue to suffer.
Grassroots groups unite to connect more people with water issues: Code Blue campaign 2020
Water is life. It’s a simple fact of life we rely on everyday. Especially in British Columbia, where freshwater powers our towns and cities, grows our food, and provides our recreation. In BC, and across Canada, the sources of our freshwater – our watersheds – are the envy of the world. However, our ability to […]
Remembering Pegi Dover
For forty years, Pegi worked to make this planet a better place. MakeWay is grateful to have had a long history of partnership and friendships with Pegi over the years, through the Environmental Funders Network, with the Northern Manitoba Food Culture and Community Collaborative, and the Artic Funders Collaborative.
Here’s what you need to know about CRA’s qualified donee status
Last week, the Northern Manitoba Food Culture and Community Collaborative (NMFCCC) hosted a webinar to share learnings about qualified donee status, how to register with the CRA, and creating pathways to access charitable dollars. In 2014, the Government of Canada changed some of their guidelines regulating how charitable organizations could deliver money. Under the new […]
The Together Project brings newcomers and volunteers together to build resilient communities in Toronto
The Together Project, a charitable initiative on the MakeWay Shared Platform, provides critical support to refugees in Canada, by connecting refugee newcomers with “Welcome Groups” of Canadian volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities.
A baseline on racial justice: where we’re at and where we’re headed
In June 2020, during the mass mobilizations around the world in defense of Black lives and urgent calls for racial justice, MakeWay staff came together at all levels to better understand our role and how we could do better.
Moving toward a regenerative economy: MakeWay team member Kim Hardy joins Integrated Capital Institute as a Fellow
Kim Hardy is Pacific Program Lead at MakeWay – she works with funders, changemakers, and innovators to amplify community driven solutions across British Columbia. Currently, Kim is a Fellow at Integrated Capital Institute, hosted by RSF Social Finance, where financial activists are leveraging capital as a tool for positive change. The curriculum is grounded in […]
Moose Hide Campaign: a movement to end violence against women and children
Violence against women and children and violence against the land are intertwined, says Moose Hide Campaign co-founder Raven Lacerte. At MakeWay, everything we do centers around a common goal of helping nature and communities thrive together, because we believe that interconnection is crucial. That’s why we want to take a moment this month to talk […]
MakeWay launches 2020 Year in Review
What an eventful year – the MakeWay 2020 Year in Review is now live! This year marks our 20th anniversary as an organization, and our first as MakeWay. We’re sharing community stories from coast to coast to coast, our grants list, our 60+ shared platform projects, and so much more.
Reframing social innovation through original ways of knowing and being: spotlight on Turtle Island Institute
At MakeWay, our shared platform is home to over 60 projects based from coast to coast to coast. Initiatives benefit from the support of a mission-aligned community, charitable expertise, and shared resources, so they can focus on the work closest to their heart. Over the last few months, we’ve been sitting down with our shared […]
20 reasons to celebrate: MakeWay turns 20!
Wow, time flies. It has been two decades since this organization began as a scrappy environmental non-profit working on conservation in the Great Bear Rainforest. Given that we can’t get together to dance and share stories of old times, we thought we would share 20 reasons to celebrate (because we all need some good news […]
Diverting waste and building community: Spotlight on Vancouver’s Binners’ Project
At MakeWay, our shared platform is home to over 60 projects based from coast to coast to coast. Initiatives benefit from the support of a mission-aligned community, charitable expertise, and shared resources, so they can focus on the work closest to their heart. Over the autumn, we’ve been sitting down with our shared platform projects […]
Inuit youth build self esteem and confidence through outdoor adventure: spotlight on Ayalik Project
At MakeWay, our shared platform is home to over 60 projects based from coast to coast to coast. Initiatives benefit from the support of a mission-aligned community, charitable expertise, and shared resources, so they can focus on the work closest to their heart. Over the next few months, we’re sitting down with our shared platform […]
Shared platform project spotlight: Western Arctic Youth Collective
At MakeWay, our shared platform is home to over 60 projects based from coast to coast to coast. Initiatives benefit from the support of a mission-aligned community, charitable expertise, and shared resources, so they can focus on the work closest to their heart. Over the next few months, we’re sitting down with our shared platform […]
Shared platform project spotlight: Project Neutral
Many grassroots and community-based initiatives struggle to drive real-world change while managing the demands of a stand alone charity. And so, MakeWay launched the shared platform model in Canada, one of the first of its kind. It takes a lot of hard work to create positive and lasting change. The precious time and energy available to […]
Cohort X forges a new approach to leadership
Six community leaders embodying a different paradigm of leading in the pursuit of climate and gender justice. This is the vision of Cohort X, a constellation of six community leaders coming together over the next nine months to reflect, engage, and learn from one another. The cohort will pursue a peer learning model, with support […]
Building trust, growing together: an update from UpSocial Canada
Earlier this summer, we heard from Geraldine Cahill, Director of UpSocial Canada, about the initiative’s work to collectively look after Toronto-based community organizations, and how that work has been shaped by COVID-19. As mid-September looms around the corner, she gives us an update on where UpSocial is at. I’d be lying if I said I’ve […]
Indigenous Response in the Canadian Arctic: Investing in culture and communities
Across the globe, we have all been forced to make changes in our lives, to pause and reflect. Many plagues have passed the earth, yet the COVID-19 pandemic is the first experienced by our generation, on such a grand scale. For inhabitants of the Canadian arctic, the health crisis has also created economic, social, and […]
UpSocial Canada’s Geraldine Cahill talks jumping in while locking down
Remember March 1, 2020? The world felt very different then. On that day, we officially launched our UpSocial Canada Caring Communities Challenge, extending an invitation to Toronto-based community organizations to join us in exploring how we might collectively look after each other better in the places where we are. In defining what we meant by […]
Tides Canada is now MakeWay!
Today, we announce that Tides Canada has changed its name to MakeWay. A quiet leader in environmental and social justice philanthropy in Canada for the last 20 years, the new MakeWay name reflects the momentum of change that this organization stands for.
In it for the long haul: Tides Canada’s commitment to enabling community-led transformation in the North
This letter, written by Tides Canada Northern Canada Program Lead Steve Ellis, was originally published in NNSL media as a letter to the editor. The original published letter can be found here. The publisher of NNSL Media lobbed me a bit of a softball in his article “Krause talk buries obvious conclusion” (Yellowknifer, Wednesday, […]
Joanna Kerr speaks to EnergiMedia: Pulling back the curtain on Tides Canada
This article first appeared on Energi Media on June 23, 2019. By Markham Hislop Postmedia newspapers have for years provided a platform to spread Vivan Krause’s conspiracy narrative about Tides Canada When Vivian Krause comments upon the influence of American foundation money on Canadian oil and gas development, she often refers to “Tides” funding. Over the years, […]
Winning over hearts and minds: mental health and wellness within the charitable sector
Employee mental health and wellness are important issues for the charitable sector. Many of the people working in the sector deal with work place stressors including long hours, limited resources, and dealing with sensitive or traumatic issues. These factors can affect the mental health of people working in our sector which, in turn, puts the […]
Happy National Philanthropy Day 2018
On National Philanthropy Day, Tides Canada wants to thank you for helping us provide uncommon solutions for the common good.
Government of Canada will table new legislation to remove limits on the political activities of Canadian charities
An August 15 joint statement from the Minister of National Revenue and the Minister of Finance announced that new legislation will be tabled in the fall regarding the political activities of charities.
Key lessons in developing a Collaborative’s theory of change
Program Lead Julie Price shares lessons from developing a theory of change for the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative in concert with large group of northern community members, advisors, funders, and partner organizations.
Tides Canada commits to open data for its grantmaking
For many years, Tides Canada has been publishing detailed lists of grants in our online annual reports. This spring, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we are building on that practice by committing to publish our grants as open data and are increasing the frequency of our reporting by publishing grants listings on a quarterly basis.
Please be aware of a Tides Canada Facebook page impersonation
We recently learned that there is a fake Facebook page impersonating Tides Canada. Although this activity has not compromised the safety and integrity of Tides Canada’s internal data, we are sharing this news with our online community to ensure your safety and privacy is protected.
Ten years on – transition time for Give Green Canada
After 10 years, Give Green Canada (G2) is winding down at Tides Canada. We look back on the impact of the project and how it is transitioning to its next phase in 2018.
Remembering Bruce Hill, fellow advocate and friend
Tides Canada lost a long-time collaborator and dear friend when Bruce Hill, a pillar of environmental advocacy and strong, public voice for conservation in British Columbia, recently passed away.
Rainforest Solutions Project wins prestigious Fuller Challenge for Great Bear Rainforest conservation
Tides Canada project Rainforest Solutions Project is the recipient of the prestigious 2016 Fuller Challenge from the Buckminster Fuller Institute. The Challenge awards $100,000 for work that pushes the boundaries of socially-responsible design thinking and considers ecological, economic, and social impacts.
Celebrating 10 years with Reel Youth
This month marks Reel Youth’s 10-year anniversary with Tides Canada and 10-year anniversary leading the youth component of the Vancouver International Film Festival. Reel Youth began in response to the challenge that most media is controlled by adults but young people have unique perspectives, and can use film making to express themselves and be advocates for positive change.
2015 Year in Review
See highlights from a cross section of the remarkable work we activate across the country—from local community-led initiatives to large-scale multi-party partnerships.
Interview with Steve Ellis, Program Lead, Northern Canada, Tides Canada
Tides Canada’s Steve Ellis, Program Lead, Northern Canada, recently chatted with CEGN about the NWT On the Land Collaborative Fund.
Tides Canada partners to produce National Observer series on people and history behind the Great Bear Rainforest agreements
Tides Canada is proud to partner with the National Observer for an in-depth series highlighting the stories, people, and history behind the unique Great Bear Rainforest conservation agreements.
Is 2016 the climate change tipping point? Tides Canada and Toronto Star climate and economy series wraps up
As announced in September, Tides Canada has been partnering with The Toronto Star to produce a series of articles covering key climate issues in Canada leading up to and following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in December 2015. The series is now complete.
#12DaysofChange: Celebrating 2015 changemakers and milestones
Once again we counted down the year by celebrating changemakers and milestones. From a new office in Yellowknife to tackling algae blooms in Lake Erie, here is a recap of our 2015 #12DaysofChange.
Our Toronto Star series monthly round-up: Paris Climate Change Conference
Our partnership with The Toronto Star to produce a series of articles about pressing climate and economic issues continued in December.
Our Toronto Star series monthly round-up: investing green, Keystone, real estate, and more
Our partnership with The Toronto Star to produce a series of articles about pressing climate issues in Canada leading up to and following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, December 2015 continued in November.
Launch of On the Land: a year of photos, interviews, and videos of people who call Canada’s North their home
Over the next year, the On the Land project will showcase the people of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and the land and water that are so vital to their traditions and livelihoods. The project is a partnership between Tides Canada and Pat Kane, a Yellowknife photographer.
Our Toronto Star series monthly round-up: climate action plans, the TPP, and more
Our partnership with The Toronto Star to produce a series of articles about pressing climate issues in Canada leading up to and following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, December 2015 continued in October.
A new shared home in Yellowknife
Tides Canada recently hosted an Open House at our new downtown Yellowknife office. More than 60 visitors came by to see the new space where our Northern Canada program lead, Steve Ellis, is stationed along with some new officemates—three projects on the shared platform, Dene Nahjo, Northern Youth Leadership, and Arctic Funders Collaborative.
Our Toronto Star series monthly round-up: coal-free Alberta, CO2 concrete blocks, and more
We recently announced a partnership with The Toronto Star to produce a series of articles about pressing climate issues in Canada leading up to and following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, December 2015. Read the first month’s articles.
1 gift + 1 match = double the impact
Tides Canada is tackling tough social and environmental problems that require uncommon solutions. We rely on the generosity of donors to help us advance solutions to the environmental and social issues that matter most to Canadians. Until the end of the calendar year, donations made to Tides Canada will be matched 1-for-1 by a generous supporter.
Tides Canada partners with The Toronto Star for climate and economy series
The Toronto Star, Canada’s largest circulation paper, and Tides Canada are partnering to produce a series of articles to address pressing climate issues in Canada leading up to and following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, December 2015.
Frame Lake Rehabilitation Project receives RBC Blue Water Fund support
With the Frame Lake Rehabilitation Project, Tides Canada, in collaboration with the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Carleton University, hopes to restore Frame Lake to a healthy aquatic ecosystem that can once again support fish, recreational activity, and tourism.
Tides Canada’s 2014 Annual Report
We are pleased to share our 2014 Annual Report, featuring Tides Canada’s recent work to create a healthy environment, build resilient communities, and create a prosperous country for future generations.
Binners join the Khatsahlano lineup
Are you planning on going to the West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Street Party on Saturday, July 11 in Vancouver? If so, you may see a team in green shirts around waste bins, sorting out refundable containers like cans and bottles. These urban recyclers are from the Vancouver-based the Binners’ Project.
Historic milestone reached for the Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) on BC’s coast
Congratulations to the 18 First Nations and Province of British Columbia who celebrated a historic milestone with the signing of the Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) marine plans for coastal BC. The MaPP plans provide recommendations for key areas of marine management, including uses, stewardship, and economic development on the North Pacific Coast.
ImpactOntario 2015: Invest for Impact
Tides Canada is proud to have supported ImpactOntario 2015 in partnership with MaRS, SVX, the Government of Ontario, and Deloitte on May 25 in Toronto. The conference brought world-changing Ontario ventures together with leading investors for a full day of learning, networking, and impact investment opportunities.
Welcome to our new website!
Welcome to Tides Canada’s new website, which features a contemporary expression of our work and a fresh look. We’re excited to use our new website to share with you the full scope of our work, stories of impact, and ways to do more good.
Connecting sustainable seafood businesses with investors, resources with Fish 2.0
Driving business growth while creating positive environmental and social change might seem a bold endeavour, but the team at Fish 2.0 not only believe it can be done, they’ve created the forum to make it happen. Now in its second installment, Fish 2.0 is a business competition that connects global sustainable seafood and aquaculture businesses with potential investors. Tides Canada is proud to once again support Fish 2.0 as part of our work to advance aquaculture solutions.
Discover the history and stories behind your city’s unique neighbourhoods on a Jane’s Walk
Jane’s Walk is a series of free walking tours that engage a range of local people and institutions to share and further discover their city’s unique neighbourhoods. This year’s Jane’s Walk festival weekend is taking place May 1-3.
Building knowledge, sense of belonging, through the Koeye River fish weir
We highlight an initiative that seeks to deepen our understanding of the Koeye River—an important watershed on the central BC coast—and the resources that it supports. The Qqs Projects Society’s salmon program is run in collaboration with the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Society and supported by Tides Canada.
Tides Canada response to leaked RCMP report
Tides Canada President & CEO Ross McMillan responds to the recently leaked January 2014 RCMP report which incorrectly names Tides Canada as a part of an “anti-Canadian petroleum movement” involving violent extremist and criminal activity.
Supporting Northern solutions for Northern challenges: Tides Canada’s Dave and Kim reflect on their travels
Tides Canada’s Dave Secord and Kim Hardy reflect on their year’s travels, where they met with Northerners from Inuvik to Pond Inlet to find out what role philanthropy could play in supporting Northern solutions for Northern challenges.