The Ontario government has launched a new initiative to provide funding to Indigenous communities to support residential school survivors and their families impacted by ongoing burial investigations.
Beginning on Monday, those eligible can now apply to receive up to $150,000 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year as part of the $7.1 million Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund.
The funding can be used for several activities including community engagement, mental health and addictions support, research activities, public education and awareness, staffing support, and commemoration initiatives.
Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford said the initiative will support Indigenous-led programs and services that respond to the needs of survivors and their families.
“Our government is directly responding to Indigenous feedback,” said Rickford in a news release. “Ontario has heard from Indigenous partners and leadership that more support is needed for the broader network of communities and organizations involved in or impacted by investigations at Indian residential school sites.
Applications for funding can be submitted through the Ontario government’s Transfer Payment Ontario website until September 5. Funding is expected to be released beginning in the fall.