These remain very touch economic times of great uncertainty, with the number of average Canadians claiming insolvency, or teetering on insolvency, on the rise, government deficits bloated, wars overseas, and great political division. More and more, countries are looking to their wealthy class to set the pace in terms of altruism, addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
As we’ve said in the past, donors want to see tangibility. They want to see their money put into action. They want to see real results, positively impacting lives.
RAVEN raises legal defence funds to assist Indigenous Peoples who enforce their rights and title to protect their traditional territories in court to protect their lands and sovereignty. The organization works to safeguard ecosystems that are vital for biodiversity and the cultural practices of Indigenous communities. RAVEN seeks to increase awareness about Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and the importance of reconciliation through education campaigns and community engagement.
By advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and justice, RAVEN contributes to broader societal efforts for truth and reconciliation in Canada. To date, over its 15-year history, RAVEN has secured 22,347 donors, including 1,300 monthly donors, raising over $24.7 million.
There are so many campaigns they are presently involved in. The homeland of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation in northern Alberta is being taken over by Canada’s biggest fossil fuel extraction project: the oil sands, so they are going to court to defend its rights to hunt, fish and practice their culture as guaranteed under Treaty 6.
Gitxaała Nation is taking B.C. and several “free miners”, including Global Mineral Resources Corporation, to court over mineral claims in their territory that were registered without notification, consultation or consent. Grassy Narrows First Nation – Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek is taking Canada and Ontario to court over mercury contamination of their life-giving river in northern Ontario, a 50-year pursuit for justice.
Regarding Luxury caught up Danielle Wilson, Executive Director of RAVEN, for a discussion about the team behind the organization.
Can you tell us about the team you have in place? How is it organized?
RAVEN is a small organization with 11 full-time staff members and is guided by a Board of Directors of six members. Most of our employees and Board Members are Indigenous and/or Metis and we are proud to state that RAVEN is an Indigenous-led organization.
RAVEN has an Executive Director who supports the work of Communications, Campaigns, Development, and Operations. We also hire contracted services to provide some specialist services for accounting and bookkeeping, IT, and website support. RAVEN also has a strong network of volunteers who offer assistance during events and even technical support such as administrative services and computer skills.
What was the strategy behind putting the management team together at Raven?
The management team at RAVEN is small and consists of a lead person from each program area of RAVEN – Communications, Campaigns, Development, and Operations. The team meets weekly and staff are also responsible for leading Committee Meetings.
For example, the Executive Director is responsible for managing and leading the Financial Committee while the Communications Manager is responsible for the External Communications Committee. Select staff are required to attend some committee meetings but all staff can attend any meeting if they have an interest in the committee work.
Photo by Mark Basarab on Unsplash
Therefore, the RAVEN management team is committed to cross-portfolio collaboration and ensuring that RAVEN is led by the inclusion of all internal stakeholders in the operations of RAVEN. As such, RAVEN fosters a work environment that is built on trust and we believe in investing in our employees with comprehensive professional development for all staff members.
Most importantly, RAVEN strives to ensure that Indigenous values, beliefs, and ways of knowing and being are included in all aspects of our internal and external work. We always acknowledge the Nation territories to which we are grateful to work and live within and honour the specific protocols and beliefs of each of our Nation partners.
What is your mission and how does the team help drive that?
RAVEN’s mission is to raise legal defence funds to assist Indigenous Peoples who enforce their rights and title to protect their traditional territories. All staff of RAVEN are passionate and dedicated individuals who believe in the purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ pursuit of environmental justice.
Indigenous-led litigation is sparking transformative change across Canada, and RAVEN staff all work towards amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting their access to justice. All staff believe that our collective efforts are creating a path towards a more just future for all. We collectively feel that RAVEN is building a movement for lasting systemic change that will benefit current and future generations who reside on this land we call Canada.
Are you recruiting in 2025?
Yes, we are always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team, either as employees, volunteers, or Board members. We currently do not have any vacancies but we are always seeking means to expand our services and there is the opportunity for contract work as well for those wanting a slower approach to working with RAVEN.
What’s the type of individual you are looking for to join the team?
RAVEN is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and therefore we encourage all equity-seeking persons and minority groups to consider RAVEN as an employer of choice. Because of our mission to fundraise for the legal defense of Indigenous partners, we encourage Indigenous applicants and those who are allies of Indigenous peoples and their causes.
We seek individuals who understand historical and current inequities and injustices that Indigenous peoples in Canada face in their efforts to protect their traditional and ancestral territories.
Photo by Kimon Maritz on Unsplash
At RAVEN, the relationship with our Indigenous partners is sacred and built on a foundation of trust, so we seek individuals with high levels of cultural humility to ensure we are working respectfully with our Indigenous partners. Because we are a small organization, we lean toward hiring individuals with diverse skills and experience who are highly collaborative to continue the good work of RAVEN.
Click here to make a donation to RAVEN.
Top photo by Mark Basarab on Unsplash
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
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