In a recent interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Nicole McDonald and Wanda Brascoupe, co-founders of Indigenous Philanthropy Advisors, shared their insights on the transformative power of Indigenous-led initiatives in philanthropy. Wanda emphasized how her Haudenosaunee heritage and deep connection to Indigenous teachings have shaped her approach to fostering meaningful, long-term relationships across sectors. Meanwhile, Nicole reflected on her journey from public service to philanthropy, highlighting the unique role that philanthropy plays in “derisking” innovative community-driven solutions. Together, they advocate for a philanthropic model that honors Indigenous autonomy, aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, and embraces the brilliance and resilience of Indigenous communities.
Wanda’s life purpose centres on leading with inclusion, shaped by her deep belief in human relationships. As a co-founder of a tech firm, she maintained successful business relationships for over 20 years. Her journey into Indigenous philanthropy began as a volunteer board member, eventually leading to national leadership roles. Wanda is a specialist in cross-sector philanthropic partnerships and a sought-after speaker on Indigenous philanthropy. During the global pandemic, she co-founded the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF), an all-Indigenous-led granting organization supporting only Indigenous-led charities and non-profits. As Co-Lead, IPRF has stewarded $40+ million with 30+ partners, enhancing community brilliance and answers. Wanda, Bear Clan, Skarù rę’, and Anishinabe, is a member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Her education spans Haudenosaunee laws, Harvard Business School Executive Education, and Carleton University MPNL candidate. She is most proud of her three daughters; all recent Cornell University graduates.
Nicole, born in Northern Saskatchewan on Treaty 6 Territory and Homeland of the Métis Nation, is Métis with ancestral roots in the Red River Valley. Her career has focused on enhancing well-being in Indigenous communities. Nicole entered the philanthropic sector in 2015 as Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the McConnell Foundation, later joining MakeWay as Director of National Programming in 2020. Previously, she worked in federal civil service for nearly a decade, contributing to public policy, intergovernmental initiatives, and federal programs such as the Indian Residential School Resolution and the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. Nicole also has extensive governance experience, serving on multiple Boards, including the Definity Insurance Foundation and SeedChange. After raising five children, she moved from Ontario to Quebec, where she now lives and works on the ancestral unceded territory of the Algonquin, Huron-Wendat, and Anishinabewaki Nations.
[Wanda] Your career has spanned both for-profit and non-profit sectors, with a strong focus on fostering long-term, meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples. How have your experiences and heritage influenced your approach to guiding and shaping change in these sectors?
Throughout my life and career, I have been deeply inspired by the brilliance and ingenuity of Indigenous Peoples. This inspiration guides my approach, as I understand that many people have had limited opportunities to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities. Without these connections, misunderstandings can easily lead to oversimplified stereotypes that overlook the true agency and innovative solutions within our communities. By creating space for deeper, more authentic relationships, I work to break down these preconceived limitations, allowing my work to have a greater impact across the sectors I engage with.
[Nicole] Your journey in philanthropy began a decade ago during which you’ve played a pivotal role in fostering relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. What strengths and opportunities have you found most impactful in this work, and how have you drawn on them to create meaningful change?
Ten years ago, I was in the federal public service and I was ready for a career change. I began working at the McConnell Foundation – one of Canada’s oldest family foundations. Before joining McConnell, I was barely aware of the philanthropic sector. I had always thought about funding for Indigenous communities coming from either government programs or from the corporate sector as part of their CSR work to repay communities from the impacts of natural resource extraction.
Moving into the philanthropic sector provided an interesting learning opportunity to start thinking about capital differently – both in terms of granting and investments. Government funding comes from public dollars, and so the appetite for “risk” is small. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to “derisk” innovative ways of generating change in communities, and is able to engage in long-term, flexible, adaptable, and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous partners. This, in turn, will help to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, where Indigenous voices and solutions are central to decision-making processes.
As co-founders of Indigenous Philanthropy Advisors, what actionable approaches do you advocate for private and public foundations to truly embrace the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action?
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, we are reminded of Commissioner Murray Sinclair’s powerful words: “Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us.” These words guided the creation of the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action. A decade later, the core principles remain vital: honouring Indigenous-led organizations, fostering relationships built on trust, listening, and genuine engagement, and committing to long-term reconciliation. This commitment extends beyond funding—it encompasses actions of ongoing learning, capacity building, and ensuring that our sectors efforts align with the answers and aspirations of that Indigenous communities have.
[Both] Can you share how the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) has supported community resilience and what long-term impact you hope it will have?
The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) was established at the onset of COVID-19 by Indigenous Peoples for Indigenous Peoples across the nation. This initiative quickly became a transformative moment in Canadian philanthropy. IPRF was intentionally designed to uplift Indigenous ways of knowing and being, harnessing the strengths inherent in these perspectives to support Indigenous-led organizations in a genuinely respectful and meaningful way. By fostering genuine partnerships, IPRF has created a space where organizations and allies can support the brilliance and solutions that emerge from Indigenous communities.
Early evaluations of the 1,200+ Indigenous-led organizations involved have highlighted that IPRF’s approach is respectful and inclusive but also honorable, flexible, and responsive to each community’s unique needs. The long-term impact of these methods has resulted in significantly better outcomes for communities. At the request of those served, these practices are now being recommended as a model for all other granting foundations, underscoring the value of Indigenous brilliance and the importance of building meaningful, respectful relationships.
[Wanda] Balancing traditional Haudenosaunee teachings with your Western education, including your graduate studies at Harvard Business School Executive Education and Carleton University, how do you incorporate both perspectives into your leadership and consulting work, particularly in the context of Indigenous philanthropy?
My leadership and IPA work are deeply rooted in Haudenosaunee teachings, which emphasize community, respect for the natural world, and collective decision-making. These principles guide my approach to Indigenous philanthropy, ensuring that my work is always aligned with the values and answers of Indigenous Peoples.
My Western education, particularly from Harvard Business School and Carleton University, has equipped me with analytical tools, strategic thinking, and Western perspectives. These skills are essential for navigating complex systems and making informed decisions in today’s context.
I consciously integrate both perspectives into my leadership style, ensuring that every decision considers both the communal and environmental impacts, alongside the efficiency and effectiveness advocated by my Western education. For example, in my consulting work, I apply strategic planning learned from my graduate education while maintaining an inclusive, community-centered process that reflects Haudenosaunee values.
This balanced approach allows me to advocate for ethical leadership and philanthropy that truly honours Indigenous autonomy and knowledge. It also emphasizes the importance of building long-term, meaningful relationships with stakeholders, drawing on the Haudenosaunee principles while leveraging my Western education to structure these relationships effectively.
