Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

A Catholic Commitment to Healing & Reconciliation

Last updated September 2024

1. What is the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF)?

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, a national initiative, was established to accept donations from 73 Catholic entities across the country, and to advance healing and reconciliation initiatives, fulfilling the $30 million financial commitment made by Canada’s Bishops in September, 2021.

The fund seeks to support projects that are determined locally, in collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners. The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund has established the following criteria for grant applications:

Healing and reconciliation for communities and families;
Culture and language revitalization;
Education and community building; and
Dialogue for promoting indigenous spirituality and culture.

The fund has been designed to meet the highest standards of transparency and good governance and is overseen by a Board of Directors made up of Indigenous leaders. As of September 2024, the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund has raised $15,087,459.70 putting the fund on track for its five-year, $30 million commitment. To learn more about the IRF, visit their website at: www.irfund.ca.

2. How is the Archdiocese of Toronto involved with the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund?

In February 2022, the archdiocese formally announced it would commit to the fund through a pledge of $6 million, over a five year period. In addition to raising awareness and offering opportunities to support the healing and reconciliation fund financially throughout the year, the archdiocese invites the faithful to participate in an annual special collection held in the fall, following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In 2024, the parish collection takes place the weekend of October 5/6. Individuals can make an online donation anytime by clicking here. Close to 50% of our $6 million commitment has been raised to date. In December 2023, the archdiocese announced the allocation of $2.7 million to support eight projects through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. You can learn more about the archdiocesan funded projects here. The archdiocese will also draw on funds in existing operations and assets, ensuring the $6 million pledge is fulfilled.

3. How will my donation be utilized in working with the national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund?

Since the announcement of our financial commitment, the archdiocese has been working to nurture and strengthen relationships with local Indigenous partners. We have also established an Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Committee comprised of Indigenous community members along with others with experience in finance and community knowledge.

Our current efforts are focused on identifying and supporting projects, both at the local level and in under-resourced areas across the country. Project requests/proposals are reviewed at the local level through our archdiocesan committee to ensure they meet the IRF criteria. Eight projects representing close to 50% of our $6 million pledge have been funded to date.

In short, we raise funds locally, identify projects through our archdiocesan committee and send both funds and proposals to the national body for swift approval that will allow money to flow quickly to approved projects. We also fund a number of projects that will receive multi-year funding to help support stability and sustainability.

4. How can I learn more about the Archdiocese of Toronto supported projects that have been approved and funding associated with these initiatives?

As projects are approved, we will provide additional information regarding this activity and funds allocated to date online at: www.archtoronto.org/healingandreconciliation. The first eight projects supported by archdiocesan funds are as follows:

Aboriginal Legal Services located in Toronto, Ontario will receive $538,000 to help fund their Giiwedin Anang Indigenous family dispute resolution program.
Embrace Life Council located in Iqaluit, Nunavut will receive $250,000 over five years. The funds will be used for grief care packages to assist those mourning the loss of a loved one by suicide.
Indigenous Spirit Fund, a branch of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Ontario will receive $400,000 over four years to enrich their “On the Land“ culture camp program curriculum. This is in addition to $100,000 from Catholic Charities earlier this year, via its ShareLife allocation, bringing the total funding to $500,000.
Keeseekoose First Nation located in Saskatchewan received $30,000 in support of their “Truth Telling Gathering” earlier this year, supported also by the Archdiocese of Regina. The event was dedicated to honouring Indigenous cultures, fostering understanding and empowering communities.
Native Peoples’ Mission located in Toronto, Ontario will receive $150,000 over five years to expand programs and outreach of the mission.
Ontario Native Women’s Association, Thunder Bay, Ontario will receive $475,000 over five years to enhance existing programming including activities related to healing and reconciliation for Indigenous women, culture and language revitalization, education and community building and spiritual and cultural teachings with elders and knowledge keepers.
Teach For Canada – Gakinaamaage located in Toronto, Ontario will receive $450,000 over three years. The funds will be used for their initiative to invest in local educators in First Nations schools in remote locations, benefitting more than 4,300 students annually.
Wigwamen Terrace located in Toronto, Ontario will receive $475,000 over five years allowing the organization to hire additional support staff in order to provide their elderly Indigenous residents with assistance with navigating technology, access to mental health services and maintaining connections with Indigenous cultural and spiritual communities and resources.

5. How does one submit a project for consideration?

To submit a project proposal you wish to be considered or to discuss our efforts in greater detail, please e-mail communications@archtoronto.org.