Welcoming
Diederik Pen to LiveDifferent’s Board of Directors

We are thrilled to announce that Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines & WestJet Group COO, has joined LiveDifferent’s Board of Directors.

As a leader of Canada’s most respected airline and a champion for LiveDifferent’s causes, Diederik brings a wealth of leadership experience, compassion, and a deep commitment to community impact.

Diederik’s connection to LiveDifferent began in November 2024, when he and his wife, Hiske, joined a group of WestJetters in the Dominican Republic for the annual WestJet LiveDifferent Build. Together, they worked alongside local families and LiveDifferent’s on-the-ground team to construct homes and share life-changing experiences.

The impact of that week continued well beyond the trip. Diederik returned the following spring with his daughter, Vivienne, who chose to explore the Build community as part of a project for her studies in architecture.

It is clear that for Diederik, this work is personal. His heart for people, belief in the power of compassion, and alignment with LiveDifferent’s mission make him an incredible addition to our board.

We are grateful to have Diederik join the LiveDifferent team and look forward to all we will accomplish together in the years ahead.

Find out more about LiveDifferent’s partnership with WestJet and the impact it continues to make.

→ Learn more

With Love Gala 2025: Together We Thrive

On September 18th, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was filled with warmth, generosity, and community as over 400 guests gathered for LiveDifferent’s With Love Gala in Winnipeg.

The theme for the evening, “Together We Thrive,” captured the heart of what LiveDifferent is all about: when people unite in kindness, compassion, and shared purpose, we create possibilities far greater than any of us could on our own. This spirit was reflected throughout the night, from inspiring words to meaningful connections.

We were thrilled to have Ace Burpee as our lively emcee, keeping the evening full of energy and heart. Mayor Scott Gillingham shared a few words of encouragement, reminding us of the importance of investing in our young people. CEO Charles Roberts and Board Member Sheila North delivered powerful keynotes, highlighting the lasting impact LiveDifferent’s work is having across Canada and in Haiti.

Because of the generosity of our sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and every single attendee, the With Love Gala raised more than $180,000 in net proceeds—funds that will directly empower youth in Canada through mental wellness programming and support families and students in Haiti with education and opportunity.

It was truly an unforgettable evening of connection, compassion, and community. We showed what’s possible when we come together—together, we thrive.

We can’t wait to continue building on this momentum. Stay tuned for the 2026 With Love Gala date; we look forward to celebrating with you again.

Celebrating the second annual Weechihototan Build in Mexico

A story of resilience, leadership and compassion

Earlier this month, a group of 26 Indigenous youth and chaperones from three Premier First Nations in Northern Manitoba—Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, and Tataskweyak Cree Nation—embarked on the second annual Weechihototan Build, travelling to rural Baja California, Mexico. Over eight days, they joined forces with local families and LiveDifferent staff to construct two safe, secure homes for families living in extreme poverty, where homes often lack running water, kitchens, and proper sleeping space.

“The youth saw themselves in the families they were helping—facing similar challenges like limited access to clean water and overcrowded housing,” said Charles Roberts, CEO of LiveDifferent. “But they also found something deeper: a shared spirit of resilience and community. They didn’t just build homes, they built connection, understanding, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.”

Yet, as the Build unfolded, the participants were carrying unseen burdens. Wildfires were raging across Northern Manitoba. For many students, the most pressing question echoed loudly: Would we have homes to return to? Those from Tataskweyak Cree Nation were under evacuation orders, which thankfully saw their evacuation lifted shortly after the youth’s return to Canada—a relief marking that their homes and land were safe.

Despite the worry, the youth remained present, pouring their effort, energy, and cultural pride into every brick they laid. Each day was filled with laughter, sweat, and the deep bonds that form when collective purpose meets hard work. Their courage and commitment were both humbling and inspiring.

This initiative couldn’t have happened without immense support from the Chief and Councils of each participating community, dedicated chaperones, committed LiveDifferent staff, and Build-lead volunteers. A special thank-you to WestJet, whose generosity made the entire journey possible through the gift of flight.

To learn more about this unforgettable experience and its impact on Indigenous youth, watch Sheila North’s interview with CBC News, where she reflects on the transformative power of the Build.

👉 Watch the CBC interview here

Weechihototan is a Cree word meaning “Let’s help each other,”—and that spirit was alive in every nail, every shared meal, and every story told.

Together, with love: $211K raised to support youth programs

We’re thrilled to celebrate the success of this year’s With Love Gala, held on April 15, 2025, at WestJet’s campus in Calgary. It was a powerful evening of connection, storytelling, and impact—and thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised an amazing $211,000 in net proceeds to support youth across Canada and beyond.

From inspiring speeches to unforgettable performances, the night was filled with joy, heart, and a shared belief in a better future for youth. Guests came together in the spirit of compassion, enjoying an atmosphere of celebration and purpose—all in support of LiveDifferent’s mental wellness and humanitarian programming.

This ripple effect will be felt far and wide. Funds raised will help us reach more youth with the tools they need to build resilience, discover their value, and become compassionate leaders in their communities—locally and internationally.

A heartfelt thank you to WestJet, our event sponsor and host, and to every sponsor, volunteer, and guest who made the evening possible.

Together, we are building a brighter future—with love.

The ice road tour – a journey of impact and connection

For over a decade, LiveDifferent has worked alongside Indigenous communities to empower youth through meaningful programming. This year’s Ice Road Tour was no exception, bringing hope and encouragement to students in 10 remote communities across northern Manitoba.

Navigating challenging conditions, our team travelled ice roads to deliver 64 assemblies and workshops over 20 days, engaging 1,470 students with messages of resilience, self-worth, and cultural empowerment.

Building relationships beyond programming 

A key component of the Ice Road Tour’s success is the relationships built between the LiveDifferent team and the communities they visit. Beyond assemblies and workshops, the team engaged with students and community members in informal and meaningful ways, fostering trust and deeper connections. Some of these activities included:

• Hosting movie nights in the school gym to create a fun, relaxed environment for students and families.
• Teaching students how to skate and providing opportunities for physical activity and skill-building.
• Playing volleyball and other sports with students, encouraging teamwork and positive social interactions.
• Providing karaoke nights to offer a fun, positive activity and a safe space for students.
• Participating in community events, such as hockey tournaments, ice-fishing, talent shows, and fishing derbies, provided the team with a richer understanding of the culture and a deeper connection to the community.

These activities helped strengthen relationships and made LiveDifferent’s presence in the communities more impactful and memorable.

Tackling critical issues 

Indigenous youth face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges and school disengagement. LiveDifferent addressed these concerns head-on, integrating our Circles Program and the theme “What Really Matters?” to equip students with practical tools for navigating life’s pressures with purpose and self-awareness.

Real stories, real impact 

The impact of the Ice Road Tour was felt deeply within the communities. Students expressed newfound confidence, while educators saw a noticeable shift in engagement.

One teacher says, “I saw lots of kids that seemed to be shy or appear to be shy come out of their shell so to speak and that was really good that they were engaged and they felt that acceptance that warmth from the group that they made it open for everyone to participate nobody was singled out so that was perfect.

A future of possibilities 

LiveDifferent’s leadership team also played a role in laying the groundwork for future student engagement with LiveDifferent’s other programming. Agreements were made to send a group of youths and chaperones on a Build this June, furthering opportunities for cultural exchange and growth.

Despite challenges such as extreme weather and unexpected school closures, the Ice Road Tour reinforced the importance of meeting youth where they are at and providing them with hope, connection and support.

LiveDifferent remains committed to making a difference in Indigenous communities, and we invite you to be part of this journey. Visit livedifferent.com/donate to support future programs.

Celebrating the graduation of Academy students: A transformative journey

Academy: A unique cross-cultural experience

Academy is more than a gap-semester program; it’s a life-changing, immersive-learning experience. Over 13 weeks, students split their time between the stunning landscapes of Baja, Mexico, and the north shore of the Dominican Republic. They explore local cultures, develop new language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of global living conditions. The program is designed to help students grow as individuals while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

We’re celebrating an incredible milestone—the graduation of our Academy students! Over the past three months, these remarkable individuals have embarked on a journey of growth, learning and service. Their dedication to making a difference and embracing new challenges has left an indelible mark on their lives and the communities they served.

Highlights from the Academy Experience

Volunteering and community impact

The Academy students spent their mornings volunteering at a local Medical Dental Clinic, supporting healthcare professionals in providing essential care to underserved communities. Their compassion and commitment left a lasting impression on both the patients and the students themselves.

Learning and personal development

Afternoons were filled with enriching sessions focused on personal and professional growth:

• Economic inequality lessons: Delving into systemic challenges and exploring actionable solutions.
• Resilience workshops: Building mental strength and adaptability through Circles sessions.
• Skill-Building with Elias (staff member in Mexico): Gaining leadership skills and fostering community engagement.
• Mental and physical health focus: Emphasizing holistic self-care and wellness practices.

Cultural immersion and reflection

Evenings provided opportunities for deep connection with host families and thoughtful reflection. Students also honed their language skills in Spanish classes, further enriching their cross-cultural experience.

Weekend adventures in nature

To cap off their transformative journey in Mexico, the students hiked San Pedro Martir, immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. This shared adventure fostered camaraderie and offered moments for introspection.

A Journey of transformation

Throughout their time in the Academy, students:

• Volunteered in meaningful community projects, creating a positive and lasting impact.
• Developed a nuanced understanding of social justice and resilience.
• Built lifelong connections with host families and peers.
• Discovered their strengths by stepping out of their comfort zones.

Looking ahead

As these students graduate, they take with them not just memories but a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to inspire positive change in their own communities. We are immensely proud of their achievements and are excited to see the ripple effect of their experiences.

Thank you to our supporters

This program would not have been possible without the incredible support of our donors, partners, and host families. Together, we’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow and creating lasting change.

To our graduates: Congratulations! Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make in the world.

Join the next academy cohort

Are you ready to embark on your own transformative journey? The next Academy cohort is now open for enrollment! Discover how you can grow, learn, and make a difference while experiencing the vibrant cultures of Baja, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Sign up today and take the first step toward a life-changing experience!

Fueling Dreams: How One Experience Can Transform Lives

For Jordan Schwartz, LiveDifferent Builds weren’t just trips—they were life-changing milestones that shaped his perspective and purpose. His journey began in high school when he joined his first Build in the Dominican Republic.

“The first build that I went on was to the Dominican Republic, in between when I was in grade 11 going into grade 12. I did that as part of a school trip with Seycove Secondary, which has been doing trips with LiveDifferent for over a decade. It started in our social justice class, and my brother had done one of the first trips with what was called Hero Holiday before LiveDifferent Builds. He’d had an awesome experience, and I wanted to go through that too.”

For Jordan, it was more than just a trip with friends. “What motivated me to do my first Build with LiveDifferent was partially the opportunity to experience something with a group of friends I was very close with. We were all interested in travelling, seeing new cultures, and having new experiences in a completely different part of the world. But separate from that, I was also becoming more interested in how to make more of an impact within the community.”
The trip itself left an indelible mark.

“The culture shock was something that impacted us all fairly immediately. But as we started to spend more time with the people and the families we were working with, we realized just how happy they were and how much their values were the same as ours—around family, friends, and spending time in your community. It was actually way easier to connect with those people than I ever possibly could have imagined.”

Building lifelong skills and connections

The Build trip not only reshaped Jordan’s worldview but also equipped him with tangible skills and life lessons.

“When I think about the work that we did—installing a swing set, pouring a new basketball court, and supporting a house build—every day we were faced with a new set of challenges. You didn’t necessarily have a set role going into it. You had to find your way to add value, bring your unique skill set, and collaborate to get the job done. Above all, the group of friends I went on that trip with are still my closest group of friends over a decade later.”

These experiences influenced his career and commitment to giving back.

“The early experiences I had with LiveDifferent really opened my eyes to what it’s like to work with an organization focused on social impact. That actually helped me early in my career when I was making decisions about what types of customers I wanted to work with. I ended up working in a practice focused on nonprofits for over three years. Having been a volunteer and someone who had a transformational experience, I brought that perspective into my work.”

Investing in youth

Jordan’s connection to LiveDifferent has grown over the years, from being a volunteer to now supporting the Youth Impact Fund as a donor.

“I remember being a student and looking at this opportunity but thinking it was maybe out of reach financially. There’s so much transformative impact in an experience like this. It’s such a huge return on investment to help youth get started in their fundraising journey. By giving them just a little support to get off that $0 mark, it can make a huge impact—not just on that individual but on the group they bring along with them.”

For Jordan, LiveDifferent’s approach to inspiring youth is what sets it apart.

“LiveDifferent has always focused on creating that spark within youth to pursue social impact as part of their lives. That’s a way more sustainable way to approach systemic change than just looking for shiny stats to put in a press release.”

Join the movement

This holiday season, you can help fuel dreams for youth like Jordan by supporting the Youth Impact Fund. Every $25 donation not only supports students in reaching their goals but also enters you into a draw for a round-trip flight for two with WestJet.

Donate now

Your support can create a ripple effect of change that starts with youth and extends to communities around the world. Let’s fuel dreams together.

Celebrating the success of the With Love Gala

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of the With Love Gala, held at the stunning Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. It was a truly unforgettable evening, filled with impactful stories, meaningful connections, and live entertainment—all in support of empowering youth to realize their full potential.

This celebration of joy and compassion brought people together to make a big impact. The generosity and passion of our supporters created an atmosphere that was as inspiring as it was fun. From heartwarming speeches to performances that lifted spirits, the night was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a cause.

We are overjoyed to announce that through this event, $286,000 was raised! Every dollar will go directly to supporting LiveDifferent’s vital programming, which provides hope, resilience, and opportunities for youth both locally and abroad.

The ripple effect of this night will be felt far and wide, as the funds raised will ensure that we can continue to empower young people, helping them build brighter futures through mental wellness, education, and hands-on humanitarian experiences.

To everyone who contributed, whether through donations, participation, or simply sharing the evening with us, we cannot thank you enough. Your support means the world to us and to the youth we serve.

Together, we are making a difference—with love!

100 Acts for ReconciliACTION

THE RECONCILIATION JOURNEY can be undertaken through the following strategies:

√ Creating relationships with Indigenous peoples by attending community events (e.g., National Indigenous Peoples Day, Louis Riel Day, Arctic Games, round dances, community meals) and having a critical conversation about relevance and meaning.

√ Learning from local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers in a culturally relevant space (e.g. medicine walks, living with the land, sharing/talking circles, attending powwows, sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies, water walks, language camps).

√ Engaging in community outreach projects that have compassion and comprehension at their core (e.g., Project of Heart, Orange Shirt Day, I am a witness, Walking With Our Sisters, Shannen’s Dream, Jordan’s Principle, The REDress Project).

√ Participating in experiential activities that delve deeper into Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations (e.g., Imagine a Canada – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous Rights Blanket Exercise Workshop – KAIROS Canada, WE Schools – Indigenous Programming).

√ Evaluating individual and collective growth using (w)holistic models that include the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of life (e.g., Medicine Wheel, Indigenous Wellness Framework, First Nations Perspective on Health and Wellness).

Source: Adapted from EdCan Network site.

100 Acts of ReconciliACTION

Reconciliation is not about ‘feeling guilty’, it’s about learning the truth.  The following are 100 ‘Acts of Reconciliation’ that Allies can easily do. Many of these are small, everyday acts, that encourage people to think about Indigenous-settler relationships in new ways. We encourage you try each item on the list.

• Learn the land acknowledgement in your region.
• Find your local reconciliation organization. If there isn’t one, consider joining together with others to start one.
• Attend a cultural event, such as a pow wow (yes, all folks are invited to these!).
• Purchase an item from an Indigenous artist. For instance, if you are interested in owning beaded earrings or a pair of moccasins, find an Indigenous artist who can craft these items for you and provide you with information about these special creations.
• Download an Indigenous podcast, like Ryan McMahon’s Red Man Laughing or Molly Swain and Chelsea Vowel’s Métis in Space.
• Read an autobiography written by an Indigenous person. A couple of ideas include Augie Merasty’s The Education of Augie Merasty, Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak- Fenton’s Fatty Legs: A True Story, and Mini Adola Freeman’s Life Among the Qallunaat.
• Find out if there was a residential school where you live. Maybe visit its former site.
• Watch CBC’s Eighth Fire or APTN’s series, First Contact.
• See if you can find sage in your area and learn how Indigenous people use(d) it.
• Visit the Manitoba museum, particularly its sections on the Treaties and Indigenous people.
• Learn a greeting in a local Indigenous language.
• Register for the University of Alberta’s online MOOC, called “Indigenous Canada,” for free.
• Initiate a conversation with a friend about an Indigenous issue in the news.
• Support protests by Indigenous peoples. 
• Eat at an Indigenous restaurant like ‘Feast Café Bistro’ or food truck.
• Seriously consider your own position as a settler Canadian. Do you uphold practices that contribute to the marginalization of Indigenous peoples?
• Learn why headdresses are not appropriate to wear outside of ceremony.
• Find a book that delves into Indigenous local histories.
• Donate to the Bear Clan Patrol (Manitoba).
• When discussing LGBTQ issues, always include two-spirit peoples (LGBTQ2S*).
• Invite your local reconciliation organization to hold a KAIROS Blanket Exercise at your place of employment.
• Buy some books for your children that explain the histories and legacies of residential school (see CBC’s list of suggestions).
• Ask yourself if stereotypes about Indigenous people align with your beliefs (for more on stereotypes, refer to Chelsea Vowel’s Indigenous Writes ).
• Educate yourself around the issue of ‘Racial Profiling’ and consider why this is an important issue for urban Indigenous populations.
• Learn your family history. Know where your ancestors came from and when they arrived in Canada. In addition, understand how your family story is part of a larger system that sought to dispossess Indigenous people from their ancestral lands.
• Acknowledge that as a nation, Canadians choose which histories are celebrated and which ones are erased.
• Learn the difference between Indigenous, Aboriginal, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit.
• Support local Indigenous authors by purchasing their books.
• Watch an educational documentary, such as We Were Children or The Pass System.
• Gently counter racist or stereotypical comments with fact-based information whether you are at a party, the office, or the gym.
• Understand and acknowledge that Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, was an architect of genocide. Say that aloud with us, “John A. Macdonald was an architect of genocide.”
• Show your support on social media. ‘Like’ pages and ‘share’ posts that support Indigenous endeavours.
• Listen to Indigenous music. If you do not know any, listen to CBC’s Reclaimed. Or start with an album by Tanya Tagaq or Leonard Sumner.
• Find the Indigenous section at your local library.
• Read the TRC. Seriously. Start with the Calls to Action, then the Executive Summary. You can even listen to it online at #ReadtheTRC. Better yet, invite your friends or colleagues to read it with you.
• Attend presentations and book launches of Indigenous scholars and authors.
• Hire Indigenous people for positions at your workplace.
• If you live in an area where there is a Treaty relationship, read the treaty document. It can be found on the TRCM website. http://www.trcm.ca
• Write to your municipal, provincial, and federal representatives and ask them how they are implementing the Calls to Action. Follow up with your school or employer about the 94 Calls to Action.
• Read Marilyn Poitras’ reasons for resigning her Commissioner’s position with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Inquiry.
• Learn about how the child welfare system is failing Indigenous families. Write a letter to your elected representative asking for change.
• Remember when Stephen Harper’s government sent body bags to the Wasagamack First Nation during the H1N1 influenza outbreak instead of trained medical professionals with vaccines?
• Did you know there was a separate and inferior health care system for Indigenous peoples? Read Maureen Lux’s book, Separate Beds (2016).
• Be aware that Indigenous people were restricted from voting in federal elections until 1960. And also understand that First Nations people were forced to choose between maintaining their Status under the Indian Act and going to university or serving in the armed forces, and women lost their status by marrying a non-Indigenous person.
• Do you have access to clean drinking water? You are lucky. Also, ‘luck’ really has nothing to do with it; these conditions were historically engineered.
• In a country that is ‘safe,’ such as Canada, 57% of Indigenous women are sexually assaulted during their lifetimes.
• Find out who was forced out of your area before you moved there, whether centuries ago or more recently with new housing developments.
• Write to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and ask that the government implement the promises he made to Indigenous people.
• Does your child have a school nearby? Realize that it receives better funding that on-reserve schools. By at least 30%.
• Actively seek out Indigenous heroes and role models. How about Dr. Nadine Caron, the first First Nations woman to become a surgeon? Or Mohawk athlete Waneek Horn-Miller? Or a historical figure, such as Thanadelthur?
• Do you have an Indigenous political candidate in your area? Even though they might not be affiliated with your political party of choice, phone or email them and start a conversation.
• Recognize that Indigenous legal orders and laws guiding society existed in this land before the authority of the Canadian nation state.
• When travelling, know whose land you are visiting while on vacation or travelling for work.
• Support Indigenous parents by learning the issues that they are faced with, which are often scenarios that settler Canadians take for granted. For instance, the use of Indigenous names on government documents and how that can be problematic. But also how these ‘issues’ can be resolved by speaking out!
• Check out #NODAPL.
• Acknowledge that current (and sometimes vexed) First Nations politics are governed by the Indian Act.
• Learn about why the opinions of Senator Lynn Beyak are problematic.
• Did you know that in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, territorial law acknowledges Indigenous custom adoptions?
• This year was the twenty-seventh anniversary of the so-called ‘Oka Crisis.’ What do you know about it?
• Ever wonder why only English and French are Canada’s official languages when there are at least sixty Indigenous languages in this land?
• Read about the Daniels Decision and why it is important.
• Learn about Chanie Wenjack’s story by watching this Heritage Minute. Know that his story was shared by thousands of other Indigenous children.
• Did you know that two remarkably successful Hollywood films included Indigenous actors? Watch The Revenant’s Melaw Nakeh’ko and Wonder Woman’s Eugene Brave Rock!
• Watch Alethea Arnaquq-Baril’s Angry Inuk.
• If you are invited to ceremony – definitely go. This is an honour!
• If you actually want to see the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people change and commit to making reconciliation a part of your every-day ethos.
• Consider the line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Chelsea Vowel has a good blogpost about this.
• Observe what is celebrated and recognized in the monuments, parks, and street names in your city. Think about how public history could be told differently.
• Learn the original names of places in Manitoba. Learn what places were and are important to Indigenous people.
• Discover the world of Indigenous blogging. Zoe Todd, Erica Violet Lee, Billy-Ray Belcourt, and Chelsea Vowel are among the best.
• Consider the words that you use. For example, do not call your group of friends a “tribe,” describe a meeting as a “pow-wow,” or call a non-Indigenous leader “Chief.”
• Learn the stories behind some of your favourite music. For example, read about how Lillian Shirt’s grandmother may have inspired the song “Imagine” by John Lennon.
• Visit the website of the nearest First Nation(s) or Indigenous communities. Read their short introduction and history.
• Find opportunities to learn about how Indigenous people experience the place where you live. Look for a local speaker’s series or an online resource.
• Volunteer your time to an Indigenous non-profit organization.
• Support Indigenous media (newspapers, radio stations, social media sites, and TV stations).
• Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our government has committed to implementing it.
• Read the Indian Act.
• Read the report on the Royal Commission of Aboriginal Peoples. also known as RCAP.
• Is there any public art by Indigenous artists in your area? If so, visit it and learn about the artists.
• Read In This Together: Fifteen True Stories of Real Reconciliation (2016) and write down your own “lightbulb” moment when you realized the harsh reality of colonization in Canada.
• Make reconciliation a family project and complete items on this list together. Bring your children to events, learn words in an Indigenous language together, and organize a youth blanket exercise, for example.
• Start your own Heart Garden with messages of support for residential school survivors.
• Start to learn and understand cultural protocol. Know this will change according to Indigenous nation and region.
• Look up and learn about an Indigenous athlete. We have NHL players and Olympians among the mix!
• The Bering Land bridge is one way of telling migration history. But Indigenous people have their own explanation of ancient histories and that needs to be respected. Read about these conversations here and here.
• Look for and share the positive stories about Indigenous people, not just the negative ones.
• Invite local Indigenous people in to your event or organization.
• Give an honorarium if you expect an Indigenous person to contribute their time and effort.
• Cite Indigenous authors and academics in your work.
• Want to incorporate Indigenous elements or policies into your workplace? Hire an Indigenous consultant.
• Ask yourself how to support Indigenous families who have lost loved ones as the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls unravels.
• Encourage the institution you work for or study at to formally acknowledge the territory.
• Make a financial donation to a local Indigenous organization.
• Support initiatives to change the racist names of sports teams. Learn why this is so important to many Indigenous people.
• Read fiction by Indigenous authors. 
• Next time you want to talk to an Indigenous person about their background, ask what community they belong to and learn the name of their people.
• Visit Walking With Our Sisters website and discover if they are coming to your region.
• Read about the story of one missing or murdered Indigenous woman in your region.

Memorize her name and learn about her life.

• Familiarize yourself with Cindy Blackstock’s important work

100 Acts for ReconciliACTION author: Renée McGurry

Announcing LiveDifferent’s Compassion Fundraisers: Join us in changing lives

We are thrilled to announce an exciting initiative that embodies the spirit of giving and support: the launch of LiveDifferent’s Compassion Fundraisers. This initiative aims to address critical needs within communities that are close to our hearts, located in Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. And we need your passionate involvement to make a significant impact!

Why Compassion Fundraisers?

Our journey has led us to witness firsthand the challenges and hardships faced by communities in Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. From educational deficiencies to healthcare access issues, the needs are vast and varied. It is our belief that together, we can forge a path towards sustainable development and improved living conditions in these regions. By starting a Compassion Fundraiser, you’re not just raising funds; you’re raising hope, dreams, and the potential for a brighter future.

How can you get involved?

Claiming a fundraiser from the list provided is the first step towards making a tangible difference. Whether you’re an individual with a passion for change or a group looking to contribute to a worthy cause, we invite you to join us. Once you claim your fundraiser, LiveDifferent’s dedicated team will work closely with you to launch your personalized fundraising campaign. We’ll provide the tools, guidance, and support you need to ensure your campaign is successful and impactful.

The power of your contribution

Every donation, no matter its size, has the power to change lives. To make your fundraising journey even more rewarding, we’re excited to offer an incredible incentive. For every $25 donated to your fundraiser, donors receive one entry for a chance to win one roundtrip flight for two guests on WestJet! This means the more you donate, the more chances you have to win. It’s our way of saying thank you for your dedication and generosity.

Together, we make a difference

The Compassion Fundraisers initiative is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement toward compassion, solidarity and change. By joining hands with LiveDifferent, you’re not only supporting communities in need but also becoming part of a larger mission to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live differently and thrive.

We believe that together, we can overcome the obstacles that divide us and build bridges that unite us. Your participation in Compassion Fundraisers can ignite a chain of positive change that reaches far beyond your immediate circle. Let’s make a difference together—one fundraiser at a time.

Join us in this journey of transformation and hope. Claim your fundraiser today and start your campaign with LiveDifferent. Together, we can change lives, one donation at a time.

• Choose a fundraiser from our list: Lead the campaign solo or unite with friends, family or colleagues to start a group fundraiser.
• Campaign set up: Our Gratitude and Engagement Specialist will help set up your fundraising page and offer continuous support, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
• Spread the word: Amplify your impact by sharing your campaign across your networks by using online tools or in-person fundraising events. The more people you reach, the greater the difference you can make.

Claim your fundraiser today! 

*Terms and conditions apply.