(Ottawa, ON) September 13, 2021– The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is pleased to announce the completion of a pilot project funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The $75,000 Seed grant from OTF allowed the LHF to work with Knowledge Keepers and Elders, Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors and with Indigenous Youth from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation to learn about sustainable ways of growing food in their own communities.

Despite revolving pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, the project was able to meet all of its goals and objectives. This success was made possible thanks to extraordinary individuals, who each brought a critical element and skill to this project, bringing it to fruition. With support from key stakeholders, the LHF shifted the entire project from its original conception of in – person, into a blended-online model.

Teresa Edwards, Executive Director, and In-House Legal Counsel at the LHF stated, “Launching this pilot project during a pandemic was a challenging undertaking, but the spirit and drive of the volunteer youth in the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation was outstanding and carried this project to its completion. We are so grateful to OTF and to all the participants that made this Food Sovereignty Project come to life because now we can build on that knowledge and help other Nations across Canada to do the same.”

“The Legacy of Hope Foundation is to be commended for its innovative way to bring collaboration to a fruitful project. This kind of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation can really make a difference and allow initiatives such as the Seed Project to expand and benefit a lot of people.” Said Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier.

The LHF will build on the success of this program and expand upon it. Now that the model has been tested, the next step is to widen the reach of the model so that more Indigenous youth can benefit and be connected to the food that nourishes them and their families. This project builds the knowledge, skills and capacity of Indigenous youth while teaching them about healthy foods and cultural and Traditional Knowledge that they will carry with them for years to come in establishing their own food sovereignty needs in their area.

The LHF has been in operation for more than 21 years as a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School System, Sixties Scoop and other colonial acts of oppression on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Peoples.

The LHF has 22 exhibitions that are available for loan for free. One recent exhibition, Escaping Residential Schools: Running for their Lives, is now available through an animated virtual video, along with the Survivors’ Oral Testimonies. The exhibition examines the experience of Survivors of the Residential School System and raises awareness on the impacts it has on our communities. For more information on the project, please visit:
https://legacyofhope.ca/project/escapingrs/. The LHF is working on making its other exhibitions also available online.

The LHF also has curriculum from K-12 and for adults along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, Research, and podcasts aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of impacts on seven generations that attended Residential and Day Schools, were part of the Sixties Scoop, and its links to the high rates of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate racism and inspire action that fosters Reconciliation in Canada.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

For media inquiries:
Teresa Edwards, B.A. JD.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Phone: 613-237-4806 Ext. 303 info@legacyofhope.ca