(OTTAWA, ON – October 18, 2016): The NIB Trust Fund today announced more than 1, 200 individual applications that will be funded for a wide variety of educational programs across the country aimed at supporting healing and reconciliation.
Successful applicants for this first round of individual funding range from language and cultural revitalization programs, including learning one’s own language, to student support, certification/training and scholarship programs.
“On behalf of the NIB Trust Fund Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce this first round of funding for individual applicants,” said NIB Trust Fund Chair Phil Fontaine. “With more than 6,000 applicants, it is clear that there is a high level of interest across the country for activities and projects focused on healing and reconciliation. The successful applicants will now be able to pursue a wide range of training and apprenticeship opportunities, including learning their language, and learning their ceremonies. These funds will be life changing for the people affected by the impacts of the Indian residential school experience.”
The NIB Trust Fund allocates funds in accordance with the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which is the largest settlement agreement in Canadian history. The settlement agreement provided compensation to survivors for their experiences at residential school. Funds are now available to First Nation and Métis individuals, governments and organizations through a competitive application process.
“The support provided by the NIB Trust Fund is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of residential school survivors, First Nations leaders and all parties to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement and I am proud to be part of continuing its reconciliatory efforts,” said Mr. Fontaine, NIB Trust Fund Chair. “We thank all of the individuals that submitted applications, and we look forward to additional funding opportunities for many years to come.”
Plans are in place to issue a call later this year for group applications.
The NIB Trust Fund supports education programs provided by educational institutions, cultural centres, organizations, communities and individuals/groups.
For more information please visit www.nibtrust.ca.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Nicole Callihoo
NIB Trust Fund Program Director
1-888-268-0520 Ext. 238
ncallihoo@nibtrust.ca
