A GLOBAL VISION FOR THE PROSPERITY OF ALL
Global Indigenous Development Trust is building global partnerships with forward thinkers who believe in best practices
An Indigenous Way of Thinking, a Modern Way Forward
We are a collective of Indigenous youth, leaders, Elders, and non-Indigenous allies working as a modern “think-and-do tank” grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. Guided by natural law and the wisdom of our ancestors, we blend deep inquiry with practical action to cultivate ideas, models, collaborations and shape systems that honour the interconnectedness of life and promote harmony between people, planet and purpose. Our mission is to bridge imagination and implementation, inspiring systemic change that reflects the inherent balance, justice and abundance found in nature herself.
Our Vision
Our Vision: A woven tapestry of sovereign peoples and thriving communities shaping a future of collective wellbeing for generations present and yet to come.
Our Purpose
Our Purpose: To empower Indigenous communities and ancestral wisdom, enabling a future that is healthy, abundant, free and fair for all.
Our Origin
Our Origins: GIDT is guided by some of Canada’s most respected Indigenous leaders, whose work has strengthened their communities through the development of strong leaders, dynamic teams, and empowered partnerships. A decade ago, Jerry and Sonia joined forces around a shared vision: communities thriving through their own knowledge, wisdom, and sovereign decision-making power.
Together we are writing our new collective story
A Global Village
A Global Village is a community of many Nations learning with and from one another, where knowledge is shared in ways that honour each people’s gifts and experiences. It reflects an Indigenous understanding of interconnectedness—recognizing that our wellbeing is woven together across lands, cultures, and generations. By exchanging stories, insights, and practices, we cultivate mutual respect and collective wisdom. This is how we strengthen our vision and mission as an organization: by weaving unity through shared experiences and learning, walking side by side with communities around the world, and grounding our work in reciprocity, relationship, and global kinship.
Our Best Practices
Lived Values
We are a values-driven organization grounded in integrity, truth, and service. Our accountability comes from embodying the principles we uphold—self-reliance, community-mindedness, and genuine care for people. We honour reciprocity in relationships and shared responsibility, recognizing that everyone has a meaningful role and is valued for their contribution. Guided by kindness, generosity, curiosity, and humility, we approach every partnership and project with transparency and respect. This lived commitment to our values builds the trust that donors and communities place in us, ensuring that our work remains aligned with our purpose and principles.
Corporate Governance & Accountability
We uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and are committed to transparency, gender equity, and strong fiscal responsibility. To reinforce these commitments, we have established robust policies including Anti-Corruption, Procurement, Gender Equity, and Finance and Accounting.
Our Board of Directors provides rigorous fiscal oversight, ensuring that financial practices, controls, and reporting meet the highest levels of accountability and integrity. The Board safeguards adherence to our governing documents and all relevant federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations, as well as recognized international standards and best practices. For programs operating outside Canada, we comply with the applicable laws, regulations, and conventions of the host jurisdiction, except where they conflict with Canadian law.
Through strategic leadership and diligent oversight, the Board guides and reviews GIDT’s vision, mandate, and organizational goals—ensuring that our operations remain transparent, accountable to our partner communities, and aligned with our mission and long-term priorities.
For a copy of our Policies, please Contact Us