Contribution (2024-2027)
$450,000
Right Relations Collaborative (RRC) addresses imbalanced power dynamics in conventional philanthropy by cultivating reciprocity between Indigenous leaders and philanthropic funders. Through its unique model, RRC brings together an Aunties Council (with ancestral responsibilities to their homelands) with a dedicated group of Funder Partners to create a space for honest collaboration. These two groups work together to illuminate and dismantle structural barriers and inequities inherent in philanthropy, increase the flow of funding to support Indigenous leaders and nurture healthy relationships between funders and Indigenous leaders.
“Apart from funding, McConnell’s involvement has had a meaningful impact on our work this year,” says Kim Hardy, Co-lead in the Right Relations Collaborative. “We were able to dig into building more mutual accountability between RRC Aunties and the RRC Funder Partner community.”
In addition to the deep reciprocity work, Funders contribute to a pooled fund governed and disbursed by the Aunties Council to provide direct, unconditional financial gifts to Indigenous community‑rooted organizations across British Columbia. Through this model, RRC is not only resourcing important community-based work, it is also strengthening the connection and networks of community-based Indigenous leaders, who can often experience isolation while doing their work.
“McConnell’s willingness to share their learnings and experience with other funders has opened important conversations and possibilities,” explains Hardy. “It has also been incredibly valuable to work with McConnell to deepen understanding and relationships within RRC Aunties’ homelands. We’re excited to continue growing this relationship in the years ahead.”
Through this collaboration, RRC is helping Funder Partners reflect on how they show up in relationships with Indigenous communities—not only through grants, but how they steward their assets, share power and commit to mutual accountability. The Funder Accountability Circle is one space where these dialogues are taking shape, inviting funders to have honest conversations on their efforts toward reconciliation, responsibility and right relations, all the while increasing the flow of philanthropic capital to Indigenous communities.
Thank you to Right Relations Collaborative for the images used on this page and other pages throughout this report.