Pacific Peoples' Partnership Association

The Pacific Peoples' Partnership Association is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity (Business Registration Number: 119254977RR0001) dedicated to supporting Indigenous peoples and South Pacific Islanders. It is Canada's only nonprofit focused specifically on the island nations of the South Pacific, with activities rooted in Lekwungen territories in Victoria, British Columbia.

History and Mission

Founded in 1975, the Pacific Peoples' Partnership Association has for over four decades supported the aspirations of South Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples regarding peace, environmental sustainability, social justice, and community-led development. The organization works through partnerships to promote gender equity, climate resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability, both in South Pacific Islander communities and Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.

Its mission centers on facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative programs that empower Indigenous and Pacific Islander communities to pursue self-determined, sustainable development goals. The organization emphasizes Indigenous leadership and cross-cultural dialogue as fundamental to its approach.

Vision and Values

The Association envisions healthy and resilient communities across the Pacific that thrive through mutual respect and shared learning. Its core values include:

• Promoting human rights and social justice
• Embodying gender equality and women's rights
• Encouraging empowerment, democratic ownership, and participation
• Supporting environmental sustainability
• Ensuring transparency and accountability
• Fostering equitable partnerships and solidarity
• Creating and sharing knowledge through mutual learning
• Committing to positive, sustainable change

Activities and Programs

The Pacific Peoples' Partnership Association organizes educational programs and arts-based cross-cultural events that address the effects of colonization and climate change. It facilitates ongoing Indigenous knowledge exchanges between communities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific Island nations across Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia.

Their programs focus on climate resilience and gender equity in South Pacific communities. They also promote dialogue and cooperation among Indigenous peoples from multiple countries, supporting community-led development initiatives.

Geographic Reach

While based in Canada, the organization’s programming and partnerships extend to more than 20 countries worldwide, predominantly in the South Pacific region and among Indigenous communities in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Legal Status

The Pacific Peoples' Partnership Association is a federally registered charity in Canada, compliant with the Canada Revenue Agency regulations, which enables it to issue tax receipts for donations. Its charitable registration number is 119254977RR0001.

This organization represents a vital bridge linking Indigenous peoples across the Pacific and Canada, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and empowerment in addressing some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges faced by these communities.