Ontario government investing $7.7 million in supports for residential school survivors

The Ontario government says it’s investing $7.7 million to launch the Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF).

The IRSCEF will be available to communities and organizations that provide mental health and wellness support to survivors and families impacted by ongoing burial investigations at former residential schools.

“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,” Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation said in a statement.

“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. We are committed to walking this path with Indigenous partners by supporting healing, truth-telling and education in a way that reflects their priorities and leadership.”

Eligible communities and organizations could receive up to $250,000 for initiatives such as public education and awareness, survivor engagement, gatherings, commemoration initiatives and research activities.

Applications are open through the Ontario government’s Transfer Payment Ontario website until Sept. 8, 2025.

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