The Houssian Foundation’s 2024 theme was connection. This theme emerged from the feedback so many of you gave us about the value you find in connecting with each other – in-person, across portfolios, and on issues you are tackling every day.
It’s a focus that is likely to carry forward in years to come as we collectively face both immense possibility and significant challenge. We believe that connection and interconnectedness is the most impactful way through this time.
Personally, connections with all of you is what feeds me in this work every day.
To wrap up the year that was, we want to highlight initiatives that represent connections – across communities, organizations, sectors and geographies.
Highlights from 2024
- Protecting the Great Bear Sea: After two decades of Indigenous-led collaboration, Coastal First Nations, government partners, and funders achieved a milestone agreement to protect the Great Bear Sea off the northwest coast of British Columbia. This initiative brings $335 million in new investments to safeguard the land and waters. We are proud to support this historic effort.
- Feminist Leadership and Organizing: THF Grantee partner, Oxfam, convened 40 leaders from Canadian feminist organizations for a knowledge-sharing and strategy session on reproductive justice, housing, workers’ rights, and gender-based violence. Charged with hope, the Feminist Influencing Group gathering emphasized the transformative power of in-person collaboration to sustain feminist movements.
- Moving Forward to Zero Carbon Homes and Buildings: For the last year, THF has been bringing together partners to maintain the momentum underway towards zero carbon homes and buildings. Alongside many other partners, clean Energy Canada, the Pembina Institute, and Zero Emissions Innovation Centre on policy, and of Neighbours United in organizing has been critical to recent affirming (and re-affirming!) decisions in municipalities across British Columbia in support of zero carbon buildings.
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence: YWCA Metro Vancouver – alongside a group of powerful advocates – launched an initiative to name gender-based violence for what it is – an epidemic. You can read about this effort and sign their letter to the Premier here.
- Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week: VIFW highlights how fashion can build connections with Indigenous values, wisdom, and history. It also serves as a vehicle for raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across the country. This powerful event is not to be missed. Mark your calendar for 2025!
These highlights – among many other gatherings, site visits, learning calls and meetings – reaffirm the profound impact of coming together. As we reflect on 2024 and look to 2025, we are grateful for the opportunity to work and learn alongside such dedicated partners and communities.
Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season.
Warmly,
Mira
Grantee Partners in Action:
Saint James Music Academy offers high-quality music education and mentorship to youth in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, fostering talent, hope, and a strong sense of belonging. Earlier this year, we had the privilege of documenting the inspiring dedication and passion of the faculty and musicians in a short film, thanks to filmmaker Carmen Pollard and her team.
Curious on how much your household can save by making a switch off of fossil fuels? THF grantee partner Clean Energy Canada has created an interactive calculator to show how much your household can save by switching to clean energy solutions.
YWCA’s CEO, Erin Seely calls for attention and policy towards gender-based violence in this powerful op-ed.
With support from Coast Funds, the Gitxaała Nation has implemented sustainability upgrades at the Crest Hotel in Prince Rupert, including the installation of heat pumps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This project underscores Indigenous leadership in advancing environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and long-term community prosperity.