Toronto Pearson invests $780,000 to strengthen Indigenous-led organisations and advance reconciliation across Canada

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is investing $780,000, its largest Nest Fund contribution to date, to support 10 Indigenous-led organisations in strengthening their operations and expanding opportunities for growth.

The funding forms part of the Propeller Project, Toronto Pearson’s community investment programme, and will help organisations build capacity in areas such as strategic planning, staffing and volunteer training, communications, fundraising, and evaluation.

“This investment is planting the seeds of the future, rooted in partnerships with Indigenous organisations and communities,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. “We recognise the responsibility in our Indigenous relations action plan, and through the Nest Fund, we’re taking meaningful steps together to build stronger, more connected communities.”

Over recent years, Toronto Pearson has strengthened its commitment to reconciliation through its Indigenous Relations Action Plan, which focuses on learning, authentic relationship-building, and community-level action. The Nest Fund investment is a practical demonstration of this ongoing work.

The 10 organisations benefiting from this initiative represent a wide range of activities aimed at promoting employment, education, culture, and community development across Ontario and beyond:

• Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle, which delivers employment and training programmes across Ontario.
• ENAGB Youth Program, offering mental, physical, and cultural support to Indigenous youth in Toronto.
• Indigenous Professional Association of Canada, promoting Indigenous leadership and professional development.
• Indigenous Tourism Ontario, developing the Indigenous tourism sector while preserving culture and strengthening communities.
• Moccasin Identifier, an education initiative from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, teaching treaty awareness through cultural symbols.
• Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, a key hub providing cultural, educational, and community services.
• Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation, offering professional and technical training support to First Nations.
• Ontario Native Women’s Association, working to end violence against Indigenous women and promote leadership and wellbeing.
• Six Nations Polytechnic Inc., a post-secondary institution rooted in Indigenous knowledge and language.
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, a national organisation fostering reconciliation through education and cultural awareness.

Through this funding, Toronto Pearson aims to empower Indigenous organisations to expand their impact, develop future leaders, and create sustainable growth. The investment reflects the airport’s broader goal of promoting inclusion, reconciliation, and social responsibility across its communities.

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