Communities impacted by the Federal Indian Day School program are now able to apply for funds to help survivors and their families heal from the trauma.
Announcing the funding on Tuesday, the McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation (MDSSC) is offering $25,000 to communities to establish a survivor committee or, in communities where such organizations are already in place, up to $250,000 over four years for projects listed as a priority by the survivor committee.
"One of the most important things about the Legacy Fund is that decisions about funding are being guided by Survivors, for Survivors," said MDSSC board member Gloria Wells. "Every part of this process respects the voices of our people and puts communities in the lead, where they decide what they need to heal and provide support not just for Survivors but for future generations."
Applications for the first round of funding must be in by Sept. 30 and must include a budget and a letter of support.
Funding for communities that have already established survivor committees is divided into four categories: Healing and Wellness, which is eligible for up to $250,000 per year for up to four years; Language and Culture, which is eligible for up to $100,000 per year for up to four years; and Commemoration and Truth Telling, both are eligible for up to $100,000 in a one-time payment or spread out over four years.
Funds stem from the $1.4 billion class action lawsuit which resulted in the Federal Indian Day Schools Class Action Settlement. The lawsuit was spearheaded by Garry McLean, a member of Lake Manitoba First Nation who represented hundreds of thousands of survivors as the plaintiff. He passed away a few weeks before the launch of the MDSSC, which is named in his honour.
A of eligible communities lists off all the Day Schools in Canada and their respective communities. It includes 29 locations in the Northwest Territories, 27 locations in Nunavut and eight in Yukon.
"We know that healing does not happen overnight, and every community will approach this journey in their own way and in their own time," said MDSCC board member Roger Augustine. "The Legacy Fund was built to create space for Survivors to gather, share their stories, and create positive pathways for support for Survivors, communities and their families."
A 24-hour Hope for Wellness support phone line for survivors of the day school system can be reached by phoning (855) 242-3310 SA国际影视传媒� counselling and crisis intervention services are offered in English, French, Cree, Inuktitut, and Ojibway and are culturally sensitive.
