June 26, 2025
A Message from our President
June is Pride month, as well as National Indigenous History month. It’s a time to celebrate both the LGBTQ+ community and the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across these lands. It is also a time to reflect on the progress made and challenges remaining in supporting and upholding the rights of both queer and Indigenous communities.
As a father of two queer women, my commitment to Pride and the rights of that community has a personal connection. Sure, I attended Toronto’s Pride parade before becoming a father, but my understanding of these issues is much deeper now.
With National Indigenous History month, I do not have a personal connection. My commitment and respect for Indigenous rights is rooted in the 94 Calls to Action prepared by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – whose reports were published ten years ago this December. As part of our commitment towards reconciliation, Small Change Fund is dedicating this year to learning and practicing Indigenous philanthropic approaches with humility and openness. We do this in hopes of better serving not only Indigenous organizations, but everyone we work with. We encourage others to take on their own journey of reflection, relationship-building and meaningful change.
These commemorative months raise awareness and foster support for important issues of rights and respect. They serve as focal points for campaigns, fundraising and community engagement, ultimately aiming to promote understanding and positive change. In this spirit, I encourage you to participate however you can – whether that’s reading about the background of these communities, attending an event or donating to a related cause.
– Burkhard 
Anishnabe-led Moose Protection
Waba Moko Ikwe (Shannon Chief) recently spoke to CBC’s The Witness about the decline of the moose populations across Anishnabe territories throughout her lifetime (you will find her interview from 6min 21s – 17min 20s). Waba recalls seeing 12 moose one winter’s night when visiting her grandmother in Long Point First Nation, “…like grandfathers standing around me.” But a sobering study in the winter of 2020 revealed that moose populations in the area had dropped by 35% over the preceding 12 years.
Now, Waba serves as the Project Coordinator for the Anishnabe Moose Committee (AMC) & Studies, who are fighting to protect the moose – work Small Change Fund is proud to support. The AMC is advocating for an extension of the moose sport hunting moratorium they achieved in September 2021, as well as working on an Anishnabe-led Moose Management Plan to support the health and wellbeing of the moose. You can learn more about the connection between moose protection, Anishnabe governance and climate policy in this piece written by Waba and AMC Land Studies coordinator, Jaimie Vincent.
Fighting for the Forks: Rain or Shine
On June 5, our partners from Forks of the Credit Preservation braved the rain to protest the proposed Caledon quarry outside Osprey Valley golf course on the first day of the Canadian Open. Owner Chris Humeniuk has agreed to accept ground water from the quarry into a holding pond on the course. This water will then flow into the Credit River – with significant impacts on the ecosystem and local water supply.
To help save the Forks, you can sign the Good Neighbours Protect Each Other’s Water petition and donate here.
Partner Post: A Global Green Roof Movement
June 6 marked World Green Roof Day, a day to celebrate the benefits of green roofs for people and nature around the world. Green Roof Infrastructure Network (GRIN), which unites Vancouver’s green roof community, was one of the earliest adopters when World Green Roof Day launched in 2020. Given its global nature, the day is celebrated virtually. Enter #WGRD into your social media platform of choice to experience the breadth and scope of green roof love around the world! The theme for 2025 was “education”. This ties in neatly to our project with Small Change Fund to map green roofs and their retrofit potential in communities across BC. Mapping existing and potential green roofs will provide strategic clarity for planners, decision makers and stakeholders when assessing climate risks and vulnerabilities. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
– Christine Thuring, Executive Director, GRIN
Breaking Free From Plastic
Award-winning documentary Plastic People continues to resonate with global audiences – and not a minute too soon. Plastic pollution remains an urgent threat to our environment and public health. International Plastics Treaty negotiations resume in Geneva this August and it’s critical for the public to get involved in shifting the narrative and raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.
Learn how you can take action and let us know if you are interested in hosting a screening – we’ll hook you up! Plus, keep an eye on our socials next month for lots of great Plastic Free July content.
Ben Addelman and Ziya Tong accepting the award for Best Direction, Documentary
Program at the Canadian Screen Awards. Picture by George Pimentel.
New Project: Peel Climate Champions
This project will help create and develop leadership opportunities for the BIPOC community in Peel, Ontario to enhance climate advocacy and representation. The project will emphasize intersectionality as a framework to achieving an equitable climate movement while building community resilience.
A Note From Our Partners at Glassworks Cooperative
This past weekend something truly special took root. We planted three beautiful trees on our property—two apple trees and one apricot—as living tributes to three extraordinary individuals who were such a meaningful part of our community: Gord Lawson, Frank Barningham and Mike Fellows. These trees aren’t just about fruit and shade (though we look forward to both!). They are about legacy, growth and gratitude. As they blossom and bear fruit in the seasons ahead, they will remind us of the kindness, strength and spirit these three brought into our lives. Here’s to honoring the past, nurturing the present and planting hope for the future.
We are partnering with Glassworks Cooperative to support a Sustainable, Attainable Housing Community for Owen Sound.
Small News Bites
- TONIGHT! Join our partners at Climate Momentum for their final event in the Climate Conversation series. Connecting for Climate Change Action “braids together Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science to make the transformations we need for tomorrow.” Register here to join in person or online!
- All donations are meaningful and appreciated — and those made in memoriam are just that little bit more poignant. Recently, a generous gift was made towards Protect Little Lakes Area from Aggregate Mining in memory of Blanche Pownall Garrett. Click here to read her family’s moving tribute.
- Our own Sophia Young recently joined The Starfish Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 Climate Conversations panel. Short on time to watch the full panel? You can check out the highlights here.
