OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 18, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today the 22 projects selected for Advocacy and Public Information Program (APIP) funding for 2012-2013. APIP has been funding organizations since 2007-2008, the first year of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (Settlement Agreement), to ensure that Aboriginal communities are aware of all aspects of the agreement.
"Our Government is committed to promoting reconciliation among Aboriginal people, their families and communities, and all Canadians," said Minister Duncan. "These investments help build new partnerships and promote and strengthen healing across Canada."
APIP was launched in 2007-2008. The program criteria are reviewed annually to ensure all efforts are being made to reach former Indian residential school students to inform them of benefits available to them under the Settlement Agreement. In the early years of the program, special efforts were made to communicate to former students located in remote and isolated communities, those in mental health institutions, and those who are homeless or incarcerated.
This year, the objectives have expanded to include education, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth forums, support for healing and reconciliation with a particular focus on youth and inter-generational former students, and promoting a better understanding of the impacts of the legacy of Indian residential schools. The 2012-2013 projects will also use their existing networks to inform former students of the September 19, 2012 Independent Assessment Process application deadline and other components of theSettlement Agreement.
The Harper Government is committed to a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian residential schools and recognizes that bringing closure to the legacy lies at the heart of reconciliation and a renewal of the relationships between Aboriginal people who attended these schools, their families and communities, and all Canadians.
Information on the Advocacy and Public Information Program and on previously funded projects can be found on AANDC's website.
