Ontario investing $7 million for residential school survivor healing and remembrance
Applications open for Indigenous community-led initiatives honouring survivors, missing children and families affected by residential schools.
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Ontario is opening applications for a $7 million fund to support Indigenous-led healing, commemoration and research addressing the impacts of the residential school system.
The Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF) provides up to $250,000 to eligible Indigenous communities and organizations for engagement, public education and research activities. Funding can support ceremonies, monuments, healing gardens, interpretive displays and commemorative plaques that foster reflection, remembrance and storytelling. The fund also continues to support mental health and addictions help, staffing and research.
Eligible applicants include Political Territorial Organizations, Tribal Councils, First Nation and Métis communities; regional or provincial organizations representing Indigenous peoples; and Indigenous service providers. Applications close September 16, 2026. Online information sessions will be held August 6 and August 11 to help applicants understand eligibility requirements.
The fund is part of a broader $20 million investment in 2026-27 continuing support for Indigenous-led burial investigations at former residential schools, trauma-informed supports to survivors and families, and public awareness. To date, Ontario has invested $144.5 million for identifying, investigating, protecting and commemorating burials at these institutions across the province. Minister Greg Rickford said the fund reflects Ontario's commitment to working with communities on "the sacred work of healing, truth-telling and commemoration."
How many projects are expected to apply, and how many will receive full funding?
What criteria will Ontario use to evaluate competing applications?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much is Ontario investing in the residential school survivor fund?
Ontario is opening a $7 million fund called the Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF) to support Indigenous-led healing, commemoration and research addressing the impacts of the residential school system.
What can the money be used for?
Funding can support ceremonies, monuments, healing gardens, interpretive displays and commemorative plaques that foster reflection, remembrance and storytelling, as well as mental health and addictions support, staffing and research.
When do applications close?
Applications for the Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund close on September 16, 2026.
How much can each applicant receive?
The Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund provides up to $250,000 to eligible Indigenous communities and organizations.
