DISCLAIMER: The IRI Program is focused on the recipients, rather than the donors. Chacruna appreciates the intention of building reciprocity with Indigenous communities, with the understanding that accepting contributions from businesses or individuals is not an endorsement of any kind. The purpose of IRI is to support the important work being done by Indigenous organizations without imposing an outside agenda or interfering with the progress of the grassroots, community-led projects being developed by local communities.

This means not placing additional expectations of public engagement or otherwise distracting from the initiatives being implemented by Indigenous participants. The Indigenous organizations involved in the IRI Program need decolonized philanthropy that is unrestricted, so that they can raise money for their salaries, their transportation and healthcare costs, the purchase of vital supplies for their projects, etc.; you are invited to use our resource to read about the work they’re doing or connect with them via their own channels.

Chacruna is not in a position of authority to negotiate or facilitate the participation of Indigenous community members in public-facing events or forums being conducted by donors or contributors. The supposed benefit of Indigenous participants being platformed or having their images and voices used by others is not something that the IRI Program is responsible for determining on anyone else’s behalf. Nor is the IRI Program designed to re-create the inherent power imbalance that exists when non-profits from the Global North offer conditional support to Indigenous groups. Chacruna’s role in this relationship is to be available to support the participating Indigenous organizations in whatever way they choose, without placing them in an awkward situation where they have no choice but to accept.

Chacruna acknowledges the limits of a program like IRI in achieving real “reciprocity” with the Indigenous people to whom so much is owed. The issue of Indigenous intellectual property needs to be addressed on a governmental and institutional level. However, this initiative is a way for immediate, direct support.