Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Current status: Closed

Please note: The application intake is now closed. The deadline to submit an application was January 23, 2024. You may contact the program in the Fall of 2024 for more information about the next intake process.

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 (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
  • federal departments, their institutions and portfolio agencies

Eligible projects

To be eligible for funding, your project must:

  • demonstrate that it meets the objectives of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • 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 or community, or to both

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

Applications must be received by January 23, 2024, 11:59 pm (local time).

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

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
15 Eddy St
Gatineau QC  J8X 4B5

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, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Eastern time)

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