Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Mental health supports available

Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program provides funding (up to a maximum of $10,000 per organization) to eligible recipients for initiatives that increase awareness and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30).

Who can apply

The following organizations are eligible for funding:

an Indigenous government, band council, tribal council, or its delegated authority
an Indigenous not-for-profit organization or group
a for-profit Indigenous organization, provided that the project for which you are requesting funding will not result in income generation for your sole benefit
an Indigenous ad hoc committee that has formed for a specific project
an Indigenous-led institution including accredited programs
in exceptional circumstances to be approved by the program, a non-Indigenous organization, in close partnership with an Indigenous organization (Note: letters of support from Indigenous partner organizations are required)

In the case of partnerships, one organization must assume the lead role and responsibility for the overall management and coordination of the project.

The following organizations are not eligible:

private individuals, and political parties; and
federal departments, their institutions and portfolio agencies.

Eligible projects

To be eligible for funding from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component, your project must:

demonstrate that it meets the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation objectives
take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), during the month of September or in the week following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required to participate)
be open to the public

Examples of eligible projects:

community ceremonies
healing workshops, Elder, Survivor or Knowledge Keeper presentations
commemorative murals, cairns and plaques
educational and awareness materials, speaker series
cultural and artistic initiatives

Application deadline

The deadline to apply is January 23, 2023.

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

read the Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing your application
complete, sign and date the Application Form (electronic signatures are accepted)^{Footnote *}
submit your application by email to commemorationpensionnats-commemorationresidentialschools@pch.gc.ca

You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

Contact us

Commemorate Canada
Department of Canadian Heritage
25 Eddy St
Suite 100

Gatineau QC K1A 0M5

Email: commemorationpensionnats-commemorationresidentialschools@pch.gc.ca
Telephone: 819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
TTY: 1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm (ET).

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