Topic: Today’s News

Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto Announces New Name and Brand

The biennial event formerly known as Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto has relaunched its brand as Indigenous Fashion Arts (IFA), a newly incorporated non-profit organization. Under the new moniker, IFA will continue to foster the deep connections between mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice. This exciting change recognizes IFA’s robust programming and initiatives beyond the biennial festival that focuses on creation, development and advocacy. 

The organization will present its flagship event, the four-day IFA Festival, as a live and online program at Harbourfront Centre June 9-12, 2022. The festival will feature runway presentations, a curated marketplace, outdoor programming, hands-on workshops and networking events, and the second Fashioning Resurgence Symposium in partnership with Fashion at the Creative School. 

“Indigenous fashion profoundly influences Canadian and global fashion and drives necessary and exciting systemic change,” says Executive & Artistic Director Sage Paul. “Harnessing Indigenous expression and ways of doing is vital to our movement in fashion and our new name reflects the broader context of the work we are doing.”

From boundary-breaking presentations to sold-out shows and a media reach in the millions (Source: CISION), IFA has made remarkable strides as an artist collective since 2017. After the 2020 digital festival, Christian Allaire (Vogue Magazine) said the IFA Festival “is currently one of the biggest showcases of Indigenous design in North America.” Indigenous governance practices at IFA have significantly contributed to that growth. 

IFA prioritizes Indigenous governance and leadership. Since our inception, we have worked with cultural leader Grandma Pauline Shirt to guide the direction of our practices. Since late 2020, IFA’s inaugural Board of Directors has provided guidance on governance and includes Jason Ryle (Saultaux), Jean Marshall (Anishinaabe) and Riley Kucheran (Anishinaabe). The Board of Directors brings tremendous experience to advancing the mission of IFA in its next phase of growth. 

The IFA team is growing and brings Indigenous community-based values to all their work. Executive & Artistic Director Sage Paul oversees strategy, operations and programming with Development Consultant Kerry Swanson’s guidance and fundraising. Long-time IFA team member Candace Scott-Moore moves into the Producer role to lead Festival production. IFA welcomes a new communications team led by Community Access Director Jessica Lea Fleming and Digital Strategy Director Savanna Chiblow. The leadership team strives to foster the next generation of leaders through collaborative efforts for emerging team members and the artists we serve.

IFA recognizes the legacy of the IFWTO Collective co-founders, Sage Paul, Kerry Swanson and Heather Haynes. The foundations laid from the beginning have equipped IFA to expand its programming and continue to support Indigenous artists and designers with a practice in fashion, craft and textiles. 

The 2022 festival features over 100 Indigenous artists and designers from Canada with international guests. That achievement is a testament to the necessity of Indigenous-led organizations. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and ticket sales for the highly anticipated third biennial Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival.

For more information about Indigenous Fashion Arts, please visit:indigenousfashionarts.com.

About Indigenous Fashion Arts

Indigenous Fashion Arts showcases and sustains Indigenous practices in fashion, craft and textiles through designer-focused initiatives, public engagement and sector innovation. Our programming illuminates and celebrates Indigenous people and our cultures. 

IFA’s primary activity is the biennial Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, featuring runway shows, a marketplace, panels series, an art exhibition, hands-on workshops, digital and on-demand programming and industry access. IFA is committed to nurturing the deep connections between mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice with amplified visibility of and leadership by Indigenous women-identifying people.

Wendake, April 11 2022. – The Assembly First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and its Commission on Health and Social Services have been closely following the work of the Parliamentary Commission on Bill 15, An Act to amend the Youth Protection Act, since its inception. The AFNQL expresses its consternation and serious preoccupation with the absence of any type of response by the province to their countless representations before the many forums
that study the situation of First Nation children and youth who find themselves confronted with Quebec’s Youth Protection system.

Over the past three decades, all first nations have reported the failure of a system that wilfully turns a blind eye to a reality that only first nations communities can speak to. More recently, as evidenced by the testimony of many experts in the field, the Viens Commission on the relations between indigenous people and certain public services, concluded that the Youth Protection Act must be amended to better reflect the cultural and social reality of First Nations. The Special Commission on the Rights of Children and Child Welfare, chaired by Madame Régine Laurent, in its chapter on First Nations and Inuit, also rendered a similar verdict.

It is clear to the AFNQL that the goal of First Nations governments is to achieve full autonomy in their management of youth protection. In the meantime, it is possible, if not essential, to change the legislative framework to bring it in line with the reality of First Nations. Instead, the CAQ government has chosen to impose what it thinks is good for the communities.

‘’Minister Carmant and his government’s determination to limit the governance capacity of our leaders is colonialism at its best. Would the minister’s word be worth more than that of our authorities and our experts, who are often the ones on the front lines to protect the interests of our young people?” questioned Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL, adding, “It is a blatantabuse of our good faith and especially that of our experts who have spared no effort and energy
to support the work of the various commissions that have had to examine these issues.”

In just a few days, the CAQ government has managed to go against the flow of important recommendations made by First Nations and supported by the Viens and Laurent commissions with respect to cultural safety, the success of our young people in school and youth protection adapted to the reality of First Nations. “The J’ai espoir plan that the minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs has been surfing on for months is sinking. These latest actions in the area of
youth protection do nothing to save it,” concludes the Chief of the AFNQL.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the regional political organization that brings
together the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow the AFNQL on Twitter
@APNQL

The following statements were issued by Gerri Sharpe, President of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, after the Government of Canada tabled its 2022-23 budget yesterday.

“Inuit women face stark social and economic inequities compared to other women in Canada. For example, the rate of violence experienced by Inuit women is 14 times the national average. Most Inuit women do not have access to culturally informed mental health or midwifery services in their communities.

“Pauktuutit is pleased to see the federal budget recognizes these unacceptable realities by investing in co-development of health strategies with Inuit that are culturally appropriate. We are also encouraged to see new funding for a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.”

General Comments:

“Budget 2022-23 must be backed by timely action to improve the safety and well-being of Inuit women. Pauktuutit is ready to do the hard work to achieve concrete progress on new Inuit specific shelters and transition housing, on increasing access to Inuit midwifery services across Inuit Nunangat, as well as on empowering the voices and leadership of Inuit women and gender-diverse people at the community, regional and national levels to help end gender-based violence.”

Shelters and Transition Housing & Progress on MMIWG:
“More than 70 per cent of women and children fleeing domestic violence across Inuit Nunangat do not have access to emergency shelters in their communities. Increased investments in infrastructure for Inuit communities must include new funding for shelters and transition housing. With a recent federal commitment for five new Inuit-specific shelters in 2021, we are seeing some concrete progress, but there is still a long way to go.”

“While this year’s budget did not specifically reference measures addressing the Calls for Justice in the final report of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Pauktuutit is focused on working with Inuit partners to implement the Inuit Action Plan, based on the federal government commitment of $2.2 billion over five years in last year’s budget, to end this tragedy, including for Inuit. However, there needs to be more concrete
action to achieve progress on the goal shared by the federal government and Pauktuutit to address the 46 Inuit-specific Calls for Justice in the National Inquiry’s Final Report.”

Community Mental Health Services:

“Pauktuutit is pleased to see proposed investments of $227.6 million over two years for a distinctions-based approach to mental health ‘that is developed and delivered by Indigenous peoples.’ For Inuit women and gender-diverse people, there is an urgent need for healing and counselling services that are culturally informed by our values, traditions, and language, and delivered in our communities by Inuit such as our Elders. Moving ahead, we will continue our focus on supporting immediate progress in this area.”

Access to Inuit Midwifery Services:

“Increasing Inuit midwifery education and services as Pauktuutit has recommended is a crucial way to reduce anti-Indigenous racism encountered by Inuit women forced to leave their communities to give birth in central Inuit Nunangat communities or the south. We will continue our work in this area to advance co-development of new distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation and to improve access to high-quality, culturally informed midwifery services for expectant mothers and their newborn babies.”

Empowering Inuit Women’s Leadership:

“Pauktuutit will continue to work to ensure that both a GBA+ (gender-based analysis plus) lens and evaluation metrics are applied to all areas of implementation of the federal government’s UNDRIP legislation, including justice and policing reforms, food sovereignty initiatives, and the impacts of climate change.”

Following the Pope’s apology, today our thoughts are with all the residential school survivors and the many generations of our people who were traumatically impacted by those that attended residential schools. None of us are untouched. We send strength and good energy and encourage them to seek help if needed. 

The pope’s apology has affected everyone differently. Some are happy because he finally apologized. Others do not care, they did not want an apology from him. Others are angry because he did not apologize on behalf of the church, only himself and “some others”. Others still want him to apologize on First Nation lands and face the people it impacted, not doing it safely from his home and country. The TRC recommendations said the apology had to be in Canada. Bottom line, the apology did not hit the mark for everyone. 

If the Pope comes to Canada to do a formal apology it must be far ranging and cover apologies for the colonization and reasons for the residential schools and the role the church played. He needs to not only admit as he did that it severely impaired our language, culture, communities and governance. 

Judith Sayers, President of the NTC states “People need to realize that an apology can never take away the intense and ongoing pain and trauma of sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse that was wrought upon our people in residential schools and the negative impacts that had on generations of our families and communities. Are words enough? Words are a start, but  it should never have taken this many years and so much effort to get an apology. The last residential school closed in 1996 and First Nations have been calling on the Pope all these years without an apology or even an acknowledgement.” 

Judith added “The apology would have meant more with concrete actions by the church to address the wrongs and how it could be righted-after all, that is what reconciliation is about. The Catholic church is wealthy and could certainly help with money to provide needed services in counselling, cultural healing activities, education, revival of our languages, to name a few.” 

Thanks is given for those who journeyed to Rome to seek the attention of the Pope and ask again for an apology. Their efforts are recognized and appreciated. How much stronger would that have been if there were throngs of indigenous people behind them on our own lands showing the pope the widespread need for total acknowledgement of the role of the church,

colonization, destruction of our families and culture. Did the Pope fully understand how deeply residential schools impeded the development of our people and governments? 

When the Pope comes to Canada the NTC ask that he give us concrete actions that the church will take to go along with an apology to show real remorse and starting to address the devastating damage the church had on generations of our people. Words cannot be enough. 

Residential School Help line 1-800-721-0066 

 Farm Credit Canada is now accepting applications from registered charities and non-profit organizations in rural Canada for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund. The fund will award $1.5 million in funding this year.

The application deadline is April 29, 2022 and FCC will announce the selected projects in September.

Rural community groups can view the eligibility requirements, past projects and apply online by visiting www.fccagrispiritfund.ca. 

For the past 17 years, FCC has awarded rural community groups between $5,000 and $25,000 in FCC AgriSpirit funding for various community improvement initiatives. This year, the fund will once again support projects that enrich the lives of residents in cities, towns or Indigenous communities with fewer than 150,000 people.

Examples include refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery, construction of community buildings or improvements/upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint and various other agriculture and food-related initiatives in rural communities.

Since inception of the FCC AgriSpirit Fund in 2004, FCC has supported 1,444 capital projects in rural Canada totaling $18 million in donations.

About Farm Credit Canada 

FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $44 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible, competitively priced financing, AgExpert management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a self-sustaining Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca. 

Le quotidien le Devoir publiait un article annonçant que le  gouvernement du Québec ne tiendrait pas sa parole relativement à son engagement,  annoncé en mars 2021, d’inclure la notion de sécurisation culturelle dans sa Loi sur les  services de santé et les services sociaux alimentant ainsi les insécurités vécues par les  Premières Nations à l’intérieur même de ce système.  

Loin d’être une idée issue d’une réelle compréhension des réalités que vivent les membres  des Premières Nations victimes de racisme et de discrimination dans les services publics,  cet engagement antérieur de la CAQ a plutôt été fait en réaction au décès tragique de Mme  Joyce Echaquan et aux plaintes subséquentes d’autres patientes d’origine autochtone à  l’hôpital de Joliette. Il s’agissait aussi de l’une des recommandations du rapport de la  commission Viens (C.E.R.P.).  

Cette mesure législative n’était qu’une bien petite arme pour combattre un aussi grand fléau  que celui du racisme dans le système de santé et des services sociaux, voilà maintenant que  le Québec fait volte-face et renonce à mettre en place cette timide mesure. Questionné par  le Devoir à ce sujet, le ministre des Affaires autochtones, Ian Lafrenière, a mentionné que  malgré ce recul, son gouvernement continuait « d’en parler ».  

« Pour combattre le racisme systémique envers les Premières Nations, il faudra bien plus  que des mots. Le gouvernement de la CAQ préfère s’isoler dans son déni de l’existence  même du racisme systémique qui souille le bien-être et la sécurité des populations des  Premières Nations. Une réalité pourtant dénoncée sur toutes les tribunes, tant par la  population que par les commissions d’enquête et, même par les partis d’opposition. Seul  le gouvernement de la CAQ ne voit pas de racisme systémique dans ses services publics.»  affirme Ghislain Picard, Chef de l’APNQL.  

Toujours dans le Devoir, un second article nous apprenait que la CAQ avait aussi refusé la  proposition d’instaurer un poste de protecteur de l’élève autochtone, une idée allant aussi  dans le sens des recommandations de la commission Viens. L’argument du ministre à  l’appui de cette décision est qu’il y aura un même protecteur pour tous les élèves. Or, ce  raisonnement pose problème puisque les inégalités qui existent entre les élèves autochtones  et leurs vis-à-vis allochtones nécessitent des mesures adaptées qui permettront d’éliminer  ces écarts en matière de réussite scolaire entre ces populations. Notons aussi l’exclusion  par le ministre Carman de la recommandation d’instaurer un poste de commissaire adjoint  et une équipe consacrée exclusivement aux enjeux entourant les enfants autochtones avec  le Commissaire au bien-être et aux droits des enfants proposé dans le cadre de la  Commission Laurent. En voulant traiter tout le monde sur un pied d’égalité, le  gouvernement va renforcer les iniquités que connaissent trop bien les Premières Nations  dans le système d’éducation.  

Refus d’inclure la sécurisation culturelle dans une loi, refus de prendre des mesures  spécifiques pour sécuriser les Premières Nations dans le système scolaire, refus de  reconnaître le racisme systémique, etc. Les Chefs de l’APNQL affirment que le déni  systématique de ce gouvernement à l’endroit des réalités propres aux populations des  Premières Nations a assez duré. Devant un gouvernement qui se targue d’être dans l’action  et de rechercher des solutions concrètes, nous sommes en droit de douter de sa réelle bonne  foi.  

Le Devoir recently published an article announcing that the  Government of Quebec would not be honoring its commitment to include the notion of  cultural safety in its Health and Social Services Act, thus feeding the insecurities  experienced by First Nations within this system.  

Far from being a true understanding of the realities faced by First Nations people who  experience racism and discrimination in public services, this earlier commitment by the  CAQ was made in response to the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan and the subsequent  complaints of other Indigenous patients at the Joliette hospital. This was also one of the  recommendations of the Viens commission report (C.E.R.P.).  

This legislative measure was but a very small weapon to fight such a great scourge as  racism in the health and social services system and now, Quebec is backtracking and  refusing to implement this timid measure. Asked by Le Devoir about this change of heart,  the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Ian Lafrenière, said that despite this setback, his  government was still “discussing the idea”.  

“Fighting systemic racism against First Nations will take more than words. The CAQ  government prefers to isolate itself in its denial of the very existence of systemic racism  that threatens the well-being and safety of First Nations people, even though its existence  has been denounced in every forum, by the public and by the commissions of inquiry as  well as by the opposition parties. Only the CAQ government does not see systemic racism  in its public services,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.  

In the same article published by Le Devoir, we learn that the CAQ has also rejected a  proposal to establish a new Protector of Indigenous students position, an idea consistent  with recommendations of the Viens Commission. The minister’s argument in support of  this decision is that there will be one protector for all students. This reasoning is  problematic because the inequalities that exist between Indigenous students and their non 

Indigenous counterparts will require adapted measures to eliminate the gap in educational  achievement that exists between these populations. Also of note is Minister Carman’s  exclusion of the recommendation to establish an Assistant Commissioner position and a  team dedicated exclusively to issues impacting Indigenous children with the Commissioner  of well-being and the rights of children, proposed in the framework of the Commission  Laurent. By insisting on a one size fits all approach, the government is in fact reinforcing  the inequities that First Nations students continue to experience within the education  system.  

Refusal to include cultural safety in legislation, refusal to take specific measures to support  First Nations in their pursuit of academic achievement, refusal to recognize systemic  racism, etc. The AFNQL Chiefs are saying that the government’s systematic denial of the  unique realities experienced by First Nations has gone on for far too long. Faced with a  provincial government that prides itself on being proactive and seeking concrete solutions,  it is easy to see why First Nations are just not buying the good faith rhetoric being peddled  by this government.  

New $50,000 Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant introduced

OTTAWA – The Canada Post Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2022. Canadian charities, schools and community organizations that strive to make a difference in the lives of children and youth (up to the age of 21) can apply for grants up to $25,000. There are also up to three $50,000 Signature Grants available to national organizations that offer programming to support children and youth across Canada.

The Foundation welcomes applications from all communities across the country and values local grassroots initiatives, including literacy and language programs, youth outreach services, programs supporting Indigenous youth, gender diversity programs and arts and recreation projects.

Applications will be open until April 8 at noon (Eastern Time) and can be submitted through the Community Foundation website at canadapost.ca/community. Grant recipients will be announced in August 2022.

The new Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant

This year, the Foundation has introduced a new annual Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant, valued at $50,000. 

The Signature Grant will support educational initiatives for children and youth that increase the understanding of Indigenous culture and foster meaningful conversations in the spirit of Reconciliation. Such initiatives can include programs that facilitate access to Indigenous language resources; that build capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect; or that develop best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Indigenous history.

The Foundation created this Signature Grant to support the goals, recommendations and calls to action outlined in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Local and regional groups that represent First Nation, Métis, Inuit or Urban Indigenous peoples and that offer programs supporting these communities are invited to apply.

About the Foundation

The Canada Post Community Foundation is a registered charity that operates at arm’s length from Canada Post. It oversees an annual giving cycle that provides more than $1 million in grants annually. Since 2012, the Foundation has granted $11 million to more than 1,000 community projects nationwide. 100% of funds raised go directly to recipients in support of their efforts.

Le financement permettra de sensibiliser le public et de favoriser la guérison des 39 Premières Nations membres

 L’Ontario accorde 412 500 $ pour soutenir la Nation Anishinabée dans le cadre d’une série d’initiatives visant à éduquer et à informer le public sur l’histoire et l’héritage du système des pensionnats indiens sur son territoire, et à aider les survivants qui vivent dans les 39 Premières Nations membres de la Nation Anichinabée à partager leur histoire.

Ce financement permettra de soutenir la commémoration, la recherche et le partage d’informations, ainsi que l’éducation, la sensibilisation, le soutien et la défense des intérêts des survivants, de leurs familles et des communautés. Ce financement s’ajoute à celui accordé aux collectivités qui mènent des enquêtes sur les sépultures dans les anciens sites des pensionnats indiens de l’Ontario.

En outre, le financement soutiendra la mise en œuvre d’une campagne multimédia qui créera des programmes visant à combattre les effets négatifs intergénérationnels causés par les pensionnats indiens, tout en favorisant la guérison et la réconciliation. Ce financement permettra également d’identifier les ressources actuellement disponibles au sein de la Nation Anishinabée pour répondre à l’impact sur la santé mentale et les traumatismes des enquêtes en cours et futures du système des pensionnats indiens et aidera à combler les lacunes auxquelles les survivants continuent de faire face. 

« Notre gouvernement s’est engagé à fournir une gamme complète de soutiens financiers aux communautés et aux organisations régionales comme la Nation Anishinabée », a déclaré Greg Rickford, ministre des Affaires autochtones. « Nous continuons à travailler avec nos partenaires autochtones pour explorer les possibilités d’approfondir la sensibilisation et la compréhension collectives des Ontariens à l’égard du terrible héritage du système des pensionnats indiens, alors que nous faisons progresser une réconciliation significative. »

L’Ontario continue de solliciter l’avis de ses partenaires autochtones sur leurs besoins de financement pour les enquêtes sur les inhumations dans les pensionnats et les travaux connexes, et s’engage à faire en sorte que les communautés et les organismes puissent avoir accès à des fonds et à des soutiens provinciaux pour entreprendre ce travail essentiel. 

CITATIONS

« Nous saluons les efforts du gouvernement de l’Ontario pour soutenir les initiatives relatives aux pensionnats indiens pour les communautés Anishinabées. Cet investissement soutiendra d’importants volets d’éducation publique sur l’histoire, l’héritage et les répercussions des pensionnats indiens sur notre nation. Plus important encore, il contribuera à encourager les survivants et les familles à se réunir pour partager leurs histoires de guérison, de force et de survie. »

• Reg Niganobe, chef du Grand Conseil, Nation Anishinabée

FAITS EN BREF

• La Nation Anishinabée est une organisation des Premières Nations et un défenseur politique qui représente 39 Premières Nations de la province de l’Ontario.
• Environ 8000 des quelque 80 000 survivants des pensionnats indiens du Canada vivaient en Ontario au moment de la signature de la Convention de règlement relative aux pensionnats indiens.
• Le 29 octobre 2021, la province a annoncé un investissement de plus de 36 millions de dollars dans les services communautaires de santé mentale et de lutte contre les dépendances destinés aux communautés autochtones de la province, y compris les services destinés aux survivants des pensionnats indiens et à leurs familles.
• Le 4 novembre 2021, le gouvernement de l’Ontario a annoncé qu’il s’engageait à verser un financement supplémentaire de 10 millions de dollars, en plus des 10 millions de dollars annoncés initialement en juin 2021, pour soutenir l’identification, l’enquête, la protection et la commémoration des sépultures des pensionnats indiens dans toute la province.
• Une ligne d’écoute téléphonique de résolution des questions de pensionnats indiens est disponible pour apporter un soutien aux anciens élèves des pensionnats indiens. Vous pouvez accéder à des services d’orientation émotionnelle et de crise en appelant la ligne d’écoute téléphonique 24 heures sur 24 au 1-866-925-4419. Il existe également la ligne d’aide Hope for Wellness au 1-855-242-3310, qui comprend une fonction de clavardage en ligne sur son site Web.

RESSOURCES SUPPLÉMENTAIRES

• L’Ontario investit dans la santé mentale et les toxicomanies Soutien aux communautés autochtones
• Programme de soutien en santé – Résolution des questions des pensionnats indiens
• Enfants disparus des pensionnats – financement de l’aide communautaire
• Appels à l’action 71 à 76 de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation
• Ligne d’écoute téléphonique de Résolution des questions de pensionnats indiens
• Ligne d’écoute d’espoir pour le mieux-être – Hope for Wellness

Funding will promote public awareness and healing for 39 member First Nations

Ontario is providing $412,500 to support the Anishinabek Nation with a range of initiatives to educate and inform the public about the history and legacy of the Indian Residential School (IRS) System in its territory, and to help Survivors living in the 39 Anishinabek Nation member First Nations share their stories.

This funding will support commemoration, research and information sharing, as well as education, outreach, and support and advocacy for Survivors, their families, and communities. This funding is in addition to the IRS funding for communities that are leading burial investigations at former IRS sites across Ontario.

In addition, funding will support the implementation of a multi-media campaign that will create programming to combat the negative intergenerational affects caused by Indian Residential Schools while promoting healing and reconciliation. This funding will also help identify the current resources available within the Anishinabek Nation to respond to the mental health and trauma-related impact of ongoing and future IRS investigations and will help address the gaps Survivors continue to face. 

“Our government is committed to providing a full range of financial supports for communities and regional organizations like the Anishinabek Nation,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “We continue to work with Indigenous partners to explore opportunities to deepen Ontarians’ collective awareness and understanding of the terrible legacy of the Indian Residential School System as we advance meaningful reconciliation.”

Ontario continues to seek direction from Indigenous partners on their funding needs for IRS burial investigations and related work and is committed to ensuring that communities and organizations can access funding and provincial supports to undertake this critical work. 

QUOTES

“We commend the Ontario Government’s efforts to support Indian Residential School initiatives for Anishinabek communities. This investment will support important public education components of the history, legacy, and impacts that Residential Schools have had on our Nation. Most importantly, it will help encourage Survivors and families to come together to share their stories of healing, strength, and survival.”

Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe, Anishinabek Nation

QUICK FACTS

• The Anishinabek Nation is a First Nation organization and political advocate representing 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario.
• Roughly 8,000 of Canada’s estimated 80,000 Indian Residential School Survivors lived in Ontario at the time of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement.
• On October 29, 2021, the province announced an investment of more than $36 million in community-led mental health and addictions supports for Indigenous communities across the province, including supports for Indian Residential School Survivors and their families.
• On November 4, 2021, the Ontario government announced it was committing an additional $10 million in funding, beyond the original $10 million announcement in June 2021, to support the identification, investigation, protection and commemoration of Indian Residential School burials across the province.
• A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former Indian Residential School students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. There is also the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, including an online chat function through their website.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Ontario Investing in Mental Health and Addictions Supports for Indigenous Communities
• Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
• Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 71 to 76
• National Residential School Crisis Line
• Hope for Wellness Help Line