Call for Indian Residential School Survivors

Help guide the development of the Indian Residential Schools National Monument (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit).

The Department of Canadian Heritage, together with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, is seeking the leadership of Survivors and intergenerational Survivors to serve on the Indian Residential Schools National Monument Steering Committee (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit).

In response to Call to Action #81 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Department of Canadian Heritage is creating a national monument to honour Survivors, their families, and communities – and to remember the children who never came home.

The monument will be placed on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation, on the West Terrace of Parliament Hill. This meaningful location was selected in collaboration and with consensus from the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation and was blessed by Elders in a ceremony in June 2023.

Building upon the work already completed by Survivors, this Survivor-led Steering Committee will oversee the next phase of the project. It is crucial that Survivors’ voices remain at the forefront of this important work and be reflected in every phase of the project.

The Survivor-led Committee will:

• Provide guidance and oversight to ensure the Monument project remains grounded in Indigenous values
• Support the development of educational content, communications and outreach materials, and on-site programming
• Help share information and raise awareness about the Monument within their communities

Who can join

The Steering Committee will reflect the voices and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across the country. Survivors and intergenerational Survivors are encouraged to come forward.

To take part, you should:

• Have attended a residential school, or have a parent who did
• Identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit
• Be open to serving a two-year term
• Be comfortable joining meetings online (support can be provided)
• Be available to travel to Ottawa up to twice a year – travel accommodations for those needing assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Members will be compensated for their time and contributions. Travel and related expenses will be covered by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Working together with care

This work is meaningful, emotional, and sometimes difficult. Steering Committee discussions may bring up painful memories or strong feelings. Trauma-informed health supports will be available, and all participants are encouraged to care for themselves and one another throughout the process.

Those who join the Steering Committee must adhere to a code of conduct to ensure we are treating one another with respect, compassion, and a shared commitment to creating a safe space for all voices to be heard.

How to apply

Step 1 – Email Appel81-Call81@pch.gc.ca to receive the application package.

Step 2 – Prepare your application with the following:

• Completed Steering Committee Application Form (provided in the application package).
• Signed copy of the Steering Committee Code of Conduct (provided in the application package).
• A short letter telling us why you want to be part of the National Steering Committee. This is your chance to share what this work means to you, what experiences you bring, and what you hope to contribute.
• A résumé or brief description of your background as a Survivor or intergenerational Survivor.

Step 3 – Submit your completed application to Appel81-Call81@pch.gc.ca

Need help or have questions?

Email: Appel81-Call81@pch.gc.ca

Phone Number: 1-873-455-2938

All applications must be received no later than midnight (Pacific time) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Applicants will receive an email within one to two business days confirming that their completed application has been received. All documents may be submitted in either French or English.

Information sent by email is not protected. Please ensure sensitive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number and birthdate, are not included in your application.

Privacy Notice Statement

The personal information you provide on this application is collected for potential ministerial appointment purposes. The information is collected under the authority of paragraph 4(2)(d) of the Department of Canadian Heritage Act and uses of this personal information is described in Standard Personal Information Bank PSU 919 - Members of Boards, Committees and Councils.

Your personal information is protected under the provisions of the federal Privacy Act. Under this Act, you have the right to access your personal information and request changes to incorrect information. If you wish to avail yourself of this right or require clarification about this Privacy Notice Statement, contact by email the Director of Access to Information and Privacy, Canadian Heritage. For further details on requests for access or correction, please consult the Info Source publication.