| | United in reconciliaction [Hello] hè (Delaware), Se:ko (Mohawk), Boozhoo (Anishinaabe), Taamishi (Metis) This month we invite you to read through a special edition of our newsletter; grab a mug of your favorite warm beverage and settle in, we appreciate you spending this time with us. In this special edition newsletter, we want to introduce you to some remarkable donors who have taken their support for the Anishnawabe Health Foundation to new heights. Shiv Bansal, and Zahra Dhanani and Mariko Nguyen, are powerful examples of how giving with thoughtful intention and purpose can activate meaningful partnerships. These donors are engaging in reconciliation through educating themselves, their own communities, and taking action. Reconciliation: The attempts made by individuals and institutions to understand colonization and its ongoing and past effects on Indigenous peoples. Reconciliation also refers to efforts made to address the harms caused by various policies and programs of colonization, such as residential schools. As you read through their donor stories below ask yourself: -
What does reconciliation really mean for non-Indigenous Canadians? -
How am I living in reconciliation during my everyday life. -
How can my support go further? As you will see in these donor stories sometimes the most powerful way to create change is through a conversation. Throughout this newsletter you will also get a look into this month's sensational fundraiser hosted by the Gardiner Museum, be introduced to our new team, and left with a sneak peek at what’s to come for the foundation! |
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| Shiv's Donation story: The power of a conversation Shiv Bansal is a successful real estate broker and owner of the Shiv Bansal Real Estate team. He is also a local philanthropist who is in his second year of supporting the Anishnawabe Health Foundation. What motivated Shiv to give? An honest conversation with his son on the Residential School system and its past and present impact on Indigenous people in Canada. “Until about ten years ago, I was not aware of the shameful treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the legacy of Residential Schools – my son was the one who first told me about this history,” says Shiv Bansal, “And then, a few years ago, I came to know about Anishnawbe Health Toronto, and the great work they do.” |
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| | Old's Cool: Heart of the community Zahra Dhanani and Mariko Nguyen opened Old’s Cool General Store based on two guiding principles: Relationships and spending time together in person matters. On their model of ‘making consciousness convenient’, Dhanani and Nguyen work to create a community-centered space in their neighborhood. The store, which features household items, gifts and goods from local artisans, also features a community fridge and a free library. Old’s Cool aims to support its local community, but also focuses on the support and representation of the Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC) community members and entrepreneurs. |
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| | Empty Bowls: Uniting ceramics, cuisine, and compassion On Thursday October 12th the Gardiner Museum hosted a vibrant Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Anishnawbe Health Foundation. Over 200 attendees were welcomed into the beautiful ceramics museum and invited to select their very own unique handmade ceramic bowl, generously donated by local potters. As attendees gathered in the Museum’s renowned Clay Restaurant, they were welcomed with the inviting aroma of 12 delicious soups scrumptiously awaiting to be tasted and savored. Each soup was crafted specially for the event by renowned Ontario chefs. photo credits: Brittany Carmichael |
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| | | | | Audrey Rochette, Executive Director of the Anishnawabe Health Foundation Audrey is Anishinaabe from Waabadowgang-Whitesand First Nation. Throughout her career, Audrey has had a strong focus on implementing the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as fostering Indigenous partnerships, building strategic frameworks, and managing operations. "The gifts we have received from our traditional ways of being can shape our communities to thrive in health and wellness, that is a core value for our team. I look forward to connecting through this lens." Audrey can be contacted at arochette@aht.ca |
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| Emma Cooper, Donor Relations & Office Coordinator Emma (she/her) is a member of the Delaware Nation of the Six Nations of the Grand River. Throughout her career Emma has worked in the music industry, digital marketing, advertising, and corporate communications. With a variety of experience at her disposal, Emma’s interest has always been people-centered and fueled by a desire to help others. In her role as Donor Relations & Office Coordinator, Emma enjoys meeting and communicating with AHF supporters. “A way I connect with my culture is by smudging. For me, it is such a beneficial way to get in the right headspace as I start my day.” Emma can be contacted at ecooper@aht.ca |
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| Brooke Harrison, Senior Marketing, Communications and Donor Relations Manager Brooke (she/her) is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. She believes in the power of storytelling and creating value through human centered communication. In her career, Brooke has focused on advocating for accessible education for Indigenous people in Canada, and environmental sustainability. Brooke is an experienced communicator and has created numerous communication, and marketing strategies, and campaigns. As the Senior Marketing, Communications and Donor Relations Manager at the Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Brooke is the resident multi-media storyteller, and works closely with internal and external stakeholders. She is responsible for creating our communication strategy, while maintaining organization stability and donor engagement. “A way I connect with my Mohawk culture is through beadwork, to me beading is a form of meditation, and is a healing practice.” Brooke can be contacted at Bharrison@aht.ca |
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| Lisa Zangerl, Operations Manager Lisa Zangerl (she/her) is Métis with an ancestorial connection to the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, she grew up in a small community in the Ottawa Valley. Lisa’s professional background includes years of dedication to serving Indigenous communities in the post-secondary educational and federal spheres, as well as a vast array of experience working within social service agencies and organizations. As Operations Manager at the Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Lisa plays a critical role in supporting strategic development, financial sustainability, donor relations, human resources, and administrative and operations management. "Smudging is a routine I incorporate on a daily basis. Sacred medicines hold many benefits in contributing to a balanced, positive lifestyle". Lisa can be contacted at lzangerl@aht.ca |
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| Our Senior Development Officer is coming soon - stay tuned! |
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| What’s to come.... A new home for Anishnawbe Health As we move towards 2024 with a new team, we also look forward to the upcoming opening of our new Health Centre. After the success of the Capital Campaign and the groundbreaking in 2021, we are thrilled to say the Health Centre is nearing completion. We are so excited to show you, our supporters, the special details that make the Health Centre unique and centered in Indigenous beliefs and practices – including our community garden, our open atrium, and our ceremonial space. Stay tuned for our community launch day by watching our socials and continuing to be an active member of our community. Chi miigwech for your support, we invite you to have a conversation with a community member you think would be interested in joining our cause, all it takes is one conversation to initiate a path to reconciliation! |
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