The Roman catholic archdiocese of winnipeg is now accepting applications for the funding of projects for indigenous healing and reconciliation projects
In a pastoral letter on November 23, 2021, the Most Reverend Archbishop Gagnon announced the establishment in our Archdiocese of the Solidarity Fund for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. This is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg to establish a fund to assist with programs designed for healing and reconciliation among residential school survivors and their families.
In early 2022, the Canadian Catholic Bishops established the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. This fund was established in response to the commitment to raise $30 million toward healing and reconciliation and to ensure the highest standards of transparency and good governance. It is overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of Indigenous leaders. The Fund is compromised of the contributions pledged and collected by the Dioceses of Canada.
In the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, once a detailed request is made, the request is reviewed by a committee of local Indigenous elders. If approved, the request is forwarded to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, where the Board also reviews the request.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is a registered charity, and recipients of monies from the Fund must also be registered charities.
The criteria used in the review of a request are whether the project promotes:
- Healing and reconciliations for communities and families.
- Culture and language revitalization.
- Education and community building.
- Dialogues for promoting Indigenous spirituality and culture.
To apply, please provide a letter outlining the request for the funds in detail and providing all supporting documentation. Please send this letter to:
The Solidarity Fund for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Winnipeg
1495 Pembina Highway
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2C6
For for more information, contact Patti Fitzmaurice at 204-452-2227 ext. 238.