Ontario’s government, through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, has committed $412,500 to support the Anishinabek Nation “with a range of initiatives to educate and inform the public about the history and legacy of the Indian Residential School system.”
The Anishinabek Nation is an organization representing and advocating for 39 First Nations throughout Ontario. In a press release from March 30, the ministry mentioned these funds will “help survivors” within these First Nations to share their stories.
These funds will also support the implementation of a new multi-media campaign. This campaign, the ministry explained, “will create programming to combat the negative intergenerational affects caused by Indian Residential Schools,” and promote “healing and reconciliation.”
“Our government is committed to providing a full range of financial supports for communities and regional organizations like the Anishinabek Nation,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
“We continue to work with Indigenous partners to explore opportunities to deepen Ontarians’ collective awareness and understanding of the terrible legacy of the Indian Residential School System as we advance meaningful reconciliation,” the Minister added.
Part of the money will also “help identify the current resources available within the Anishinabek Nation to respond to the mental health and trauma-related impacts” caused by residential schools. Once investigated, the ministry mentioned this money will “help address the gaps survivors continue to face.”
The ministry also noted that Ontario “continues to seek direction from Indigenous partners” regarding the funding First Nations may need to conduct burial investigations at these residential schools.
Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe of the Anishinabek Nation, said “this investment will support important public education components of this history, legacy, and impacts that residential schools have had on our Nation.”
“Most importantly,” he added, “it will help encourage survivors and families to come together to share their stories of healing, strength, and survival.”
