As Canada continues to face many challenges on the global scale, continued progress on issues affecting Indigenous workers and communities must remain a priority. In this context, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has been building partnerships with Indigenous nations across Canada, reflecting our union’s commitment to reconciliation.
Through this work, the SHF connected with the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation (KLF) and launched a pilot project to support youth from nine Coast Salish Nations on Vancouver Island: Halalt, Lyackson, Málexeł, Penelakut, Qualicum, Snaw-Naw-As, Snuneymuxw, Stz’uminus, and Ts’uubaa-asatxt.
As the first Indigenous-owned and led community foundation in British Columbia, KLF has developed its own approach to Indigenous philanthropy to foster generational change and empower Indigenous youth. Its work is grounded in ancient Coast Salish teachings and values, such as Snuw’uy’ulh (pronounced snu-WHY-uth), which serves as the foundation for living a good life. It is rooted in the belief that culture is central to well-being and emphasizes strength and abundance over scarcity.
Co-developed with Indigenous youth, KLF’s “Snuw’uy’ulh for Success” pathway supports programs for the transfer of traditional knowledge alongside practical skills. In 2025, for example, four Snaw-Naw-As Nation youth were mentored by a master canoe carver. Through hands-on training, participants learned carving skills as well as the value of apprenticeship, peer support, tool and workspace maintenance, hard work, commitment, and teamwork. Initiatives such as this one help youth build confidence, strengthen identity and self-worth, and deepen their connection to cultural teachings, the land, and the ways of their ancestors.
There are countless initiatives that can help unlock the potential of Indigenous youth. And just as reconciliation takes time, our hope is that sustained support from the SHF will help KLF deepen its community-led approach and expand opportunities for Coast Salish youth to play an integral role in their nation’s cultural and economic vitality.
Article from the SHF 2025 Annual Report.
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