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 for Indigenous-led and community-driven work means supporting initiatives as they grow and, when the time is right, standing with them in ways that honour their long-term vision, including their independence.
To celebrate this exciting moment for the RRC, we partnered with journalist Odette Auger and Future of Good to spotlight the joyful, power-balanced philanthropic space it’s creating to support Indigenous organizations across the lands colonially known as “British Columbia.”
This story was originally published by Future of Good on May 12, 2025.
The Next Step: Unique Funding Model for Indigenous Groups Now Fully Independent
Want to fund the Right Relations Collaborative? You’ll have to ask the Aunties
Author Odette Auger.
A unique way of funding Indigenous groups that flips the colonial power dynamic on its head has grown to the point where they are now fully independent, according to their leaders.
“People call our approach radical,” said Cúagilákv, Jess H̓áust̓i, co-lead of the Right Relations Collaborative. “And on some level I know it is, but it’s also very basic. This is the way things need to be done through an Indigenous lens—in a values-led way.”
The collaborative supports Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations that may not fit traditional charity or “qualified donee” models, challenging funders to find ways to support this broader range of community work.
The work is guided by a council of Aunties, who collaborate to ensure that cultural values, community priorities, and self-determination are at the heart of decision-making.
“The Aunties are here to stand up for our people,” said Aunties Council member Marilyn Baptiste (Xeni Gwet’in Tŝilhqot’in). “We’re turning the tables—funders now apply to us. We have the power to say no when something doesn’t align with our values.”
This transformative collaboration was launched in 2023 and was initially administered by MakeWay. However, two years later, RRC is now on its own and thriving, said Cúagilákv.
“It has always felt like there is this deeply colonial and capitalistic power dynamic,” in philanthropy, Cúagilákv said.
“The Right Relations Collaborative has not only redefined what ethical philanthropic engagement with Indigenous communities looks like,” explained Lee Burton, Director of Philanthropic Services at MakeWay, “but has also challenged us at MakeWay to reimagine some of our own practices—to rethink funding, decision-making, and accountability.”
The RCC “continues to push the sector to move beyond performative allyship and into genuine, long-term commitment to justice and equity,” Burton added.
Safe, just and equitable partners
Changing how organizations and funders interact with Indigenous communities begins with setting the terms for healthy relationships, said Cúagilákv.
To that end, the RRC created an engagement framework to vet funders that shifts the power dynamic, while fostering right relations.
If the funder’s values align–and only then, they are invited to provide multi-year, unrestricted funding to a pooled fund. The RRC identifies truth-based philanthropy as values aligned, centring reciprocal trust, and being relational, safe, just, equitable, and transparent.
“We get to know a funder and decide whether we are values-aligned enough,” Cúagilákv said.
Requiring funders to prove their alignment with Indigenous communities’ values before entering into partnerships ensures the funder “is going to be a safe, just and equitable partner,” they added.
This approach also promotes transparency, and the engagement framework supports potential funders to reflect on their “money story.” It forces funders to consider how conventional philanthropic practices uphold white supremacy.
“It’s a necessary rebalancing of power in philanthropy,” said Burton.
“We hope to see more funders step up, listen, and commit to the deep, relationship-based work required to truly support Indigenous sovereignty,” she says.
As the philanthropic sector begins to understand the deep harms of itself as an extractive system, the RRC provides structured, facilitated learning opportunities for potential funders on how to dismantle these inequities. This shift represents a radical departure from Indigenous communities having little say in how philanthropy allocates its financial resources. Instead, the RRC fosters trust-based relationships, prioritizing mutual respect, shared accountability, and the voices of those directly affected by the decisions.
Guided by the Aunties Council
The Aunties Council is made up of respected Indigenous leaders who work from a shared sense of responsibility to the community. The Aunties prioritize supporting each other through the work.
“Fundraising for community work has driven me to the point of burnout so many times over the last 20 years,” Cúagilákv said, explaining the emotional and intellectual toll of working within a system that is not for the benefit of Indigenous communities.
Systemic inequalities are embedded in all aspects of historical philanthropy. When funders operate from a paternalistic standpoint, they impose top-down solutions, disrespecting communities’ autonomy and knowledge, said Cúagilákv.
“Working that way doesn’t feel good in your body or your spirit,” they added. “I want my relationships with the philanthropic sector to be rooted in the same collective power and joyful, mutual liberation as my community worry.”
By centring Indigenous leadership and community-rooted solutions, the RRC challenges the extractive systems of the past and nourishes potential for a more equitable future, said Cúagilákv.
Advocating for community-led initiatives, the Aunties are excited about the wide range of successful RRC-funded projects.
“We’ve supported household-level wellness supports, energy sovereignty projects, food sovereignty work, community infrastructure development, and leadership capacity building that spans multiple generations,” said Cúagilákv.
Generational transformation
The Aunties’ Council is a force for immediate change and a vehicle for generational transformation.
“This isn’t just about projects—it’s about empowering each other to keep moving forward,” said Baptiste. She envisions their work as a legacy, mentoring young leaders to advance this transformative vision.
“It’s about creating a space where we support each other in the most healthy and strong way,” she said.
“Holding important, valuable strength-based place for us to be who we are and to just share with each other, grow with each other … and not be afraid that somebody or something is going to judge us and basically put a stop to our great dreams and our strength.”
“I think it’s just the simple honour and strength of being able to float or fly on our own,” she added.
About the Author
Odette Auger is a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, living in the Ayajuthem-speaking part of the Salish Sea. She’s an award-winning journalist with bylines including APTN National News, Windspeaker.com, The Tyee.
Learn more about how MakeWay supports an equitable cahritable sector and discover other inspiring initiatives within our network of funding collaboratives.
