The “Season of Giving” reminds me of the inspiration and lessons I learned from the World Summit on Indigenous Philanthropy this past fall and helps me to reflect on the true meaning of the season.
The Summit, organized by the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, was grounded in four values: Reciprocity, Respect, Responsibility, and Relationships. Roberta Jamieson, a Mohawk woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario, opened the Summit with a prayer that recognized “Mother Earth for our constant thankfulness to her for all her gifts, which sustain our lives.” She taught us about the concept of indigenous reciprocity and its relation to the concept of western philanthropy. Continue reading.