Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

A Catholic Commitment to Healing and Reconciliation

Our Commitment

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund was established to accept donations from 73 Catholic Dioceses 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
  • Dialogues 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.

“There is no single step that can eliminate the pain felt by residential school survivors, but by listening, seeking relationships, and working collaboratively where we are able, we hope to learn how to walk together in a new path of hope.”

Bishop William McGrattan

Bishop of Calgary, Vice President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

Annual Report

We are pleased to present the first annual report of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) as part of our on-going commitment to transparency and good governance. It provides an overview of our activities and achievements from the past year, including financial information and project highlights and offers a comprehensive look at our continued journey towards healing and reconciliation.

Donate Now

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund has raised $18,690,750.60 to date, putting the fund on schedule to exceed its five-year $30 million commitment. Join Canada’s Bishops in supporting a better future for Indigenous people.

Goal: $30 Million
$18,690,750.60 – 62.30%

“Drawing strength from our experiences and using that understanding to help others guides us in assessing proposals, and grounds our efforts in the traditional teachings and ways of healing that are so important for Indigenous people.”

Rosella Kinoshameg

Chair Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF)

 

Pillar One

Healing and
Reconciliation for
Communities and Families

Pillar Two

Culture and Language Revitalization

Pillar Three

Education and Community Building

Pillar Four

Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture

Apply for Funding

The goal of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is for local dioceses to identify the priority, meaningful reconciliation work as determined by local Indigenous groups and organizations. To that end, project leads seeking funding are encouraged to reach out to the Catholic diocese or Regional Reconciliation Committee in their area.

For questions about the most appropriate diocese or Regional Reconciliation Committee, please reach out to admin@irfund.ca.

“The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is a critically important effort in support of the path of healing and reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples.”

Chief Wilton Littlechild

Cree Chief, Residential School Survivor