Summer Update and Fall Planning

The Isa Mundo Foundation is getting ready for our upcoming October trip to Mexico - which means our team is deep into the logistics and planning. We will be checking in on projects, organizing community visits, and making sure our groundwork is completely dialed in before we head down.

When you spend your time sorting out international schedules and travel, people often ask what it's all about. For us, it always comes back to the people, the communities, and the real connections we share. Sometimes, those connections happen right in our own backyard, reminding us why we do what we do.

Take this summer, for example.

We had the privilege of supporting a remarkable 14-year-old Inuk youth from Nunavut as he traveled west for an unforgettable cultural exchange in Vancouer, Squamish and Whistler. At just 14, he has already shown incredible leadership, resilience, and a deep dedication to his community, sharing his Inuit heritage through national gatherings and reconciliation events.

During his time on Coast Salish territory and the traditional lands of the Lil’wat Nation, he connected with other Indigenous cultures, experienced the beauty of BC, and built relationships that bridge communities from coast to coast.

Journeys like this take a community to make happen. A huge thank you goes out to our friends at Harbour Air, whose ongoing support for youth mobility made this seamless travel experience possible. Working with partners who genuinely care about championing the next generation makes all the difference.

Whether we're facilitating cross-country youth exchanges right here in BC or gearing up for our November visits to the communities we serve in Mexico, the heart of it all remains the exact same: re-connect the world, one project at a time.

To learn more about our Indigenous Cultural Exchange - see post from Harbour Air.

Honouring Indigenous Knowledge, Protecting the Future

Today, August 9, we recognize the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.  

This year’s theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,” is a reminder that Indigenous knowledge is not something from the past. It continues to live through people, families and communities — passed from one generation to another.

Around the world, Indigenous Peoples continue to protect languages, cultures, lands and knowledge systems that are essential not only to their own communities, but to our shared future. Yet recognition alone is not enough. Indigenous Peoples must continue to be heard, acknowledged and supported in protecting their rights, cultures and ways of life.

At Isa Mundo, this continues to guide the way we approach our work.

From supporting primary education and learning opportunities in communities in Mexico and Peru, to protecting culture and creating opportunities for young people, to conservation and youth leadership initiatives in the Philippines, we have learned that meaningful support starts by listening. Communities know their own needs. Our role is not to arrive with all the answers, but to build relationships, connect resources and support local ideas.

This year’s theme also reminds us of the importance of knowledge passed between generations. Whether through education, cultural traditions, environmental stewardship or the work of community knowledge holders, protecting this knowledge helps protect the future.

As we mark International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we remain committed to working alongside Indigenous communities and supporting projects that strengthen education, cultural continuity, youth and conservation.

One community. One partnership. One project at a time.

Learn more about this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and the UN theme: United Nations — International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples