one by one®: Legacy of Hope Foundation
Legacy of Hope Foundation is a national Indigenous charitable organization that has worked to promote healing and reconciliation in Canada for nearly 25 years. Its goal is to educate Canadians about the history and impact that the child welfare and residential and day school systems had on generations of Indigenous peoples. Legacy of Hope Foundation works to address ongoing discrimination and injustices; further equity, dignity and respectful treatment of Indigenous peoples; and foster reconciliation.
The foundation has more than 30 educational exhibitions—using art and other mediums—to inform the public about Indigenous history. It also offers curriculum projects for K-12 educators, plus activity guides, research documents, communication materials and podcasts. It hosts workshops and training for businesses to further educate communities. Topics include the residential and day school systems; the child welfare system; missing and murdered Indigenous women; and the impact of these colonial policies that is still felt by many First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities.
Sharing important history
While Legacy of Hope Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, it originated from a nonprofit called Aboriginal Healing Foundation. This “sister organization” launched in 1998 and ceased operations in 2014, passing many resources, research, testimonials from residential school survivors and more to Legacy of Hope Foundation.
Now the mission is carried out by about 23 employees and a team of both student and adult volunteers. This work spans from coast to coast, connecting with schools and educators, businesses, policing agencies and unions, communities, governments and other organizations.
Driven by fundamental guiding principles, the work of the organization must contribute to the health, safety, well-being and healing of survivors, their families and communities; address racism and injustices in Canada; and promote reconciliation.
Display signs for events attract attention
Legacy of Hope Foundation used a one by one grant to purchase sail signs for use during public outreach events. Throughout the summer, the organization’s staff participates in community engagement activities. Staff and volunteers visit art fairs and farmers markets, selling handmade jewelry, shirts and other goods to raise awareness and educate the public.
Before adding the sail signs to its event setup, the team did not have significant signage, sometimes making their booth hard to find in a crowded area. With the addition of eight-foot signs, Legacy of Hope Foundation is more visible than ever before.
A note from Cheryl
For nearly a quarter of a century, Legacy of Hope Foundation has worked to ensure the history of Canada’s Indigenous communities is known and understood. We were pleased to provide display signs for events to further its mission of promoting healing and reconciliation. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.