Can I create a charity that supports Indigenous Communities in Canada?

Charitable organizations that serve the needs of Indigenous communities fall under the recognized category of philanthropic purposes. These purposes extend beyond providing direct assistance to the community and include other beneficial activities acknowledged as charitable under the law. This rule is for groups that help Indigenous people in Canada.

To become a charity, a group has to prove that what they do helps the public or is a big part of it. Courts have affirmed that organizations with restricted purposes and activities related to the needs of Aboriginal Peoples of Canada qualify as philanthropic entities, meeting the public benefit test.

Groups that create programs for Indigenous peoples that respect their traditions, customs, and cultural needs can become charities.

Organizations may be eligible under the broader category of charitable purposes, including shelters for youth or victims of abuse

·        family counseling services

·        suicide prevention lines

·        rape crisis centers

·        counseling centers for alcoholism and substance abuse

·        organizations addressing medical conditions prevalent in Aboriginal communities,

·        youth groups, drop-in centers, seniors' recreational associations

·        community centers

·        and facilitators for community well-being.

However, organizations cannot justify restricting their benefits solely to the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. These include

·        hospitals

·        ambulance services

·        fire protection services

·        disaster relief funds

·        rescue and safety organizations

·        Meals on Wheels

·        block parents

·        recycling services

·        environmental protection organizations

·        parks

·        recreational grounds.

If an indigenous charity only allows people from one nation and excludes others, it doesn't meet the requirement of benefiting the public. To be allowed to target a specific indigenous nation, the organization must demonstrate that it addresses a charitable need specific to that limited group(e.g., issues faced only by the Métis or a particular nation).

‍