Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF)

About us

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF), founded in 2000, is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization.
The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and long-lasting intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System, Sixties Scoop, and other means cultural oppression against Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities.

Our mission is to educate towards creating just and equal relationships of reconciliation and healing for all Canadians, to expand awareness of and access to the rich legacy of the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the world, and to make known the histories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including the histories of injustice.

Our vision for Canada is that informed, capable, and respectful persons live as equals in a mutually beneficial, caring, dignified, and just relationship of reconciliation, for the better future of all Peoples and the Land.

Our work
• The LHF works in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, communities, and organizations, and with governmental agencies, foundations, educational institutions, and others across the country to develop educational materials, commemoration projects, and research initiatives that support our mission.
• The LHF works to raise awareness about the historical and contemporary truths that continue to occur so that we are better equipped to address racism and discrimination in Canada. Unfortunately, much of this information is often ignored by the public education system which underlines the need for more public education on the topics of the Residential School System, Sixties Scoop and the various forms of colonialism that have become embedded in Canadian society.
• We believe that by educating the public on the injustices against Indigenous Peoples we are positioned to highlight their contributions to the fabric of society and foster empathy, understanding and respect to build meaningful connections. The LHF hopes to inspire people to take actions that contribute to the equality, dignity and just relationships among all Canadian citizens.
• The LHF works with teachers, schoolboards and universities, policing agencies, governments and officials, banks, unions, private businesses, etc. to help meet these goals with a unique and comprehensive collection of resources, exhibitions, workshops, research reports, etc.

These include the following:
• Curriculum Resources: First Nations, Inuit and Métis experiences; Placing Indigenous voices at the forefront of collective thought; Comprehensive lesson plans, backgrounders, blackline masters and other teaching materials for grades 7-12 and beyond; New resources for Kindergarten to Grade 6.
• Exhibitions: Standalone exhibits assembled on-site that showcases a unique museum experience in schools, offices and events; Contain firsthand, Indigenous-centric accounts of key moments and experiences of the Residential School System and Sixties Scoop that promote healing and encourage acts of Reconciliation; Free to borrow with shipping and handling at the borrower’s expense.
• Workshops and Training: The ongoing intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System, the Sixties Scoop and the initiatives taken by Survivors and communities to heal and the steps needed to eliminate racism and foster meaningful relationships with allies; Working toward Reconciliation initiatives in your community, profession or organization.
• Research Reports: Research reports produced by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the impacts of Residential Schools in the areas of justice, domestic violence, suicide, health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples; Coverage of issues and factors that contribute to Indigenous-related inequities in Canadian society; Success factors, social wellness indicators and best practices for supporting Indigenous health, well-being, culture and economic prosperity.

Teresa Edwards is the Executive Director & In-House Legal Counsel of Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.