Indigenous Healing & Reconciliation Fund – Special Collection – October 1st & 2nd 2022

While the Government of Canada released Catholic Entities in 2015 from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) based on a determination that all obligations had been met, Canada’s Bishops recognized that a “best efforts” campaign did not yield the results that were hoped for. In September 2021, the Catholic Bishops of Canada made a $30 million national pledge to establish and fund the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, ensuring the fund will:

• Have financial measures in place to ensure transparency and good governance;
• Be comprised of Indigenous and Catholic members;
• Fund projects identified by Diocesan/Regional Reconciliation committees comprising of Indigenous and Catholic membership;
• Ensure any administrative costs are on top of the $30 million being raised; and

Provide regular public updates.

73 dioceses throughout Canada have made specific commitments to suport the fund with the Archdiocese of Toronto pledging six million dollars over a period of five years. The approach to raising funds will vary from diocese to diocese throughout the country. In most dioceses, an opportunity for parishioners to support the fund will be offered, recognizing the desire of the Catholic community to contribute and participate in the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation. Parishioners in the Archdiocese of Toronto can contribute to the fund anytime by visiting:www.archtoronto.org/donate or through a special collection taking place in churches the weekend of October 1/2, 2022.

The directors of the Board include Indigenous leaders from across the country.  The most recent addition to the Board is the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, CM, ONB, LL.D, who has a lengthy history of working for justice for First Nations and other people. Members of the corporation who appoint Board directors are senior Catholic leaders representing service organizations like the Catholic Women’s League, St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Board of Directors announced in July 2022 that the fund is officially accepting proposals and distributing funds for projects in support of healing and reconciliation. Projects are determined locally in consultation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples – the first proposal received approval on July 15, 2022. The Fund has already collected $4.6 million from Catholic dioceses across the country, as part of a nationwide commitment to raise $30 million over the next five years. Project proposals from Diocesan / Regional Reconciliation Committees are being presented to the Fund, as part of an effort to support and encourage local collaboration between Catholic entities and Indigenous partners. All applications for funding must first be submitted through local Diocesan / Regional Reconciliation Committees.