The Ontario government has announced a transformative $7.7 million investment to help Indian Residential School survivors and their families heal from the deep emotional and cultural wounds left by these institutions. The funding will launch the Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF), aimed at delivering culturally appropriate mental health, wellness, and community support programs.
Applications are now open for Indigenous communities and organizations seeking up to $250,000 in funding for initiatives such as:
- Public education and awareness campaigns
- Survivor engagement programs
- Cultural and healing gatherings
- Commemoration projects
- Research activities that connect community members to ongoing burial investigations
“Ontario is continuing its steadfast support for Indigenous communities and organizations to deliver programs that support the healing of Residential School Survivors and their families,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “This investment is in direct response to what communities have told us they need – flexible, community-driven resources that address the impacts of this difficult work.”
Part of a Larger Reconciliation Effort
The IRSCEF is part of the $32.1 million committed in Ontario’s 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, which includes:
- $17.1 million for planned and ongoing burial investigations
- Up to $15 million for mental health, addictions, and trauma supports
Since burial sites have been discovered at several former residential schools, Ontario has prioritized support for survivors, families, and communities. The province has already invested $124.5 million to identify, investigate, protect, and commemorate burials across Ontario.
A Step Toward Healing and Truth
This funding comes at a critical time as Indigenous communities across Canada continue to grapple with the traumatic legacy of residential schools. The IRSCEF reflects Ontario’s commitment to truth-telling, healing, and education, ensuring survivors’ voices are heard and their needs are met.
Applications for funding will remain open through the Transfer Payment Ontario portal until September 8, 2025.
