Frequently Asked Questions - Commemoration Activities 2012-2013 - Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement

What is Commemoration?

Commemoration is a component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement that supports regional and national activities that honour, educate, remember and/or pay tribute to former Indian Residential School (IRS) students, their families and their communities.

Commemoration activities will build upon the existing strong foundation of reconciliation efforts by the Government of Canada, such as the historic Apology by the Prime Minister in 2008; the permanent installation of stained glass artwork in Centre Block on Parliament Hill; and the gestures of reconciliation offered by the Government of Canada at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s three national events.

How much money has been allocated for commemoration initiatives? Will additional funding be allocated?

A total of $20 million dollars has been identified for funding for Commemoration under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. No additional funding will be allocated.

How is this funding being distributed?

The distribution of funding is based on the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

How is Commemoration managed?

Commemoration is jointly managed by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

What is the TRC’s role?

The TRC’s role is to receive and review proposals to ensure they meet the program objectives, as set out in Schedule J     of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and make recommendations to AANDC for funding.

What is AANDC’s role?

AANDC’s role is to approve and fund the projects recommended by the TRC as set out in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and following Treasury Board guidelines.

When will the second call for proposals for Commemoration funding be announced?

On January 27, 2012, the TRC announced the second call for proposals for Commemoration that ended on March 30, 2012. The TRC received almost 200 proposals totaling over $30 million dollars and have indicated that they will start the review process in May 2012.

Once the TRC provides AANDC with its recommendations, AANDC will undergo an assessment of each recommended submission according to the Commemoration Initiative Terms and Conditions for the processing of contribution agreements.

For more information and updates on Commemoration, visit the TRC website  .