Smokehouse Foundation

The Smokehouse Foundation is a Canadian Indigenous-led nonprofit organization committed to promoting the cultural, social, physical, and economic health and wellness of individuals and communities facing challenges related to remoteness, capacity limitations, or systemic marginalization. The foundation emphasizes building meaningful relationships with Indigenous and coastal communities in British Columbia, following their guidance and local knowledge to ensure that projects align with community priorities.

Mission and Philosophy

At its core, the Smokehouse Foundation seeks to empower remote and marginalized communities to maintain a lifestyle connected to nature while ensuring equitable participation in the broader, evolving modern society. It advocates that traditional lifestyles, access to nature, safety, and security should coexist harmoniously with inclusion, connectedness, and access to support systems.

The name "Smokehouse" symbolizes resilience and hope, reflecting the cultural significance of the smokehouse in Indigenous communities of coastal British Columbia. Traditionally, the smokehouse represents abundance, planning, community, and security—preserving resources and providing safety during winter months, which are times of wisdom, storytelling, and knowledge transfer between generations. The foundation’s work aims to revitalize and support the unique cultures and communities of the region by fostering these traditional values and practices.

Activities and Areas of Focus

The foundation supports projects and programs that enhance health and wellness across multiple dimensions:

• Cultural Wellness: Revitalizing Indigenous traditions, languages, and community practices.
• Social Wellness: Strengthening community bonds and knowledge sharing.
• Physical Wellness: Encouraging healthy lifestyles connected to land and nature.
• Economic Wellness: Facilitating economic opportunities that align with Indigenous values and sustainable practices.

The foundation operates mainly in Coastal British Columbia, focusing on Indigenous communities' stewardship and self-determined development.

Governance and Leadership

The Smokehouse Foundation is governed by a board of directors comprising Indigenous professionals and community leaders. Key figures include:

• Sammy Kent, Chair of the Board of Directors, an Indigenous researcher and professional agrologist with Cree and Dene heritage. He has experience in ecological design, Indigenous food sovereignty, and collaborative stewardship.
• Adrien Mullin, Vice-Chair, who has backgrounds in commercial fishing and environmental stewardship, focusing on youth education and non-resource-extractive economies in coastal communities.

The foundation’s team brings expertise in mentorship, facilitation, and coaching to support the delivery of community-driven programs.

Registration

The Smokehouse Foundation is a registered Canadian charity under Business Registration Number 734475338RR0001.

The Smokehouse Foundation stands as an example of Indigenous-led community development, blending traditional wisdom with modern approaches to foster sustainable wellness in remote and marginalized communities.