![](https://internationalfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_1420-e1584647757549.jpg)
![](https://internationalfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_1420-e1584647757549.jpg)
by April Ingham, Executive Director, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) and Member of the Indigenous Led Funds Working Group hosted by IFIP
On behalf of the peoples of the South Pacific and Indigenous peoples in Canada, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) organization is Canada’s oldest NGO committed to the peoples of the South Pacific and in working with Indigenous peoples. Over our history we have supported the elimination of nuclear testing in the South Pacific, helped to secure the freedom of East Timor and shed a bright light on the human rights abuses against the peoples of West Papua. We are turning 45 this year and our rich history is one of solidarity and impact. Despite our small size we are resilient and powerful like the peoples of the South Pacific.
![](https://internationalfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_1229-e1584647744775.jpg)
April Ingham checks out a LÁVVU (Sami teepee)
PPP works in partnership with our allies in addressing community identified challenges head on through self-determined processes. In 2015 our organization responded to a climate catastrophe in Vanuatu. We helped trusted organisations who were filling gaps in the recovery from this extreme weather event. Through our combined efforts in partnership with South Pacific diaspora and with the support of our Canadian allies and partners, we raised funds for community projects including storm shelters, traditional food security workshops, resupplying hospitals and rebuilding infrastructure. After several subsequent campaigns we branded this as an ongoing effort and named it Pacific Resilience Fund, with the goal to increase support throughout the South Pacific.
![](https://internationalfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_1236.jpg)
Detail of Reindeer mural at the Ájtte, Swedish Mountain and Sami Museum
Given our geographic focus, I never thought I would ever find myself in the Arctic! But here I found myself as a student and an observer of an Indigenous Led fund model in action while at Pawanaka’s, meeting in Sampi Territories this past February. Pawanka Fund is an Indigenous Led Fund comprised of representatives of seven geographic regions. This is why I am thrilled to serve as an observer of the fund’s guiding committee. Every one of the committee members is a respected Indigenous global leader or ally, and together they are committed to transform philanthropy through administering Indigenous led funds through self-determined processes. Each is committed to ensuring a global way of knowing and learning initiative as central to this process.
![](https://internationalfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_1329.jpg)
Slow Food Sami Traditional Foods and Value Added Project (presentation)