Canada’s Catholic bishops are making a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families and communities.
With a target of $30 million, this financial commitment will include initiatives in every region of the country. The time period is up to five years. The commitment will be achieved at the local level, with parishes across Canada being encouraged to participate and amplify the effort.
The announcement comes after the bishops’ plenary meeting last week and follows a national apology Sept. 24 by the Canadian bishops. Bishop Raymond Poisson, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he hoped that these efforts will support meaningful projects across Canada and make a significant difference in addressing the historical and ongoing trauma caused by the residential school system.
Funding for the projects will be determined locally, in consultation with First nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in each region.
The bishops will develop national principles, strategy and times, and communicate these initiatives this November.
Today’s news follows a national apology that was issued by the Canadian Bishops on Friday, 24 September 2021. In the weeks and months ahead, the CCCB will continue to provide updates on this work, as part of a long path towards healing and reconciliation.
- News Release: Canadian Bishops Announce $30M National Financial Pledge to Support Healing and Reconciliation Initiatives(PDF, 2 pages)
- Communiqué de presse: Les évêques du Canada annoncent un engagement financier national de 30 millions de dollars pour soutenir les initiatives de guérison et de réconciliation (PDF, 2 pages)
- Key Messages (PDF, 2 pages)
- Messages clés principaux (PDF, 2 pages)