Commemoration 2012-2013 - Project Descriptions

Project Lead: Assembly of First Nations and Aboriginal Healing Foundation
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Approved Funding: $1,609,068
Contact: AFN 1-866-869-6789

The Assembly of First Nations and Aboriginal Healing Foundation formed a partnership to develop a national framework that established commemorative plaques and monuments at the site of each of the Indian Residential Schools recognized under the Settlement Agreement.

Project Lead: Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (204) 943-1994

Taking inspiration from the stories and emotions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work, Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet developed a story reflecting the spirit of truth and reconciliation which offers a future based on hope and dreams. Aboriginal creative talent and artistry combined with a traditional ballet to create a work that honoured the national and historical significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The production will open in 2014-2015.

Project Lead: Carey Newman & Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $942,350
Contact: Blue Raven Gallery (250) 881-0528

Artist Carey Newman and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre have partnered to create a national blanket from reclaimed materials collected from Indian residential schools, symbolizing unity and belonging. Piecing together these articles, Carey illustrated the healing journey that has led to this commemorative project. Through the collection of the pieces, Canadians of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities were invited to participate in the reconciliatory process. A commemorative plaque was installed at each spot across the country from where pieces are collected.

Project Lead: Centre for Indian Scholars
Location: Morley, Alberta
Approved Funding: $80,000
Contact: (604) 822-9212

In July 2013, the Centre for Indian Scholars held the 2012 Indian Ecumenical Conference in Ermineskin, Alberta. This four-day conference brought together native Christian and traditional practitioners to address issues faced by intergenerational survivors, promote traditional languages, cultures and spiritual ways, and discussed social and environmental issues and hopes for the future.

Project Lead: Native Counseling Services of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Approved Funding: $ 586,290.00
Contact: (780) 447-9341

The National Day of Healing and Reconciliation, through the Native Counseling Services of Alberta and Project of Heart have partnered to establish permanent memorial-commemoration exhibits in each province and territory, made using the Project of Heart tiles created by children, youth and elders in schools across the country. Led by an Aboriginal artist in each region, the tiles will be used to create a lasting and permanent exhibit of resiliency and reconciliation for future generations. Project of Heart was designed and implemented by Sylvia Smith, an Ottawa-based high school teacher, as a means to engage and educate her own students, and others across the country in understanding, learning and reconciling with the history of Indian Residential Schools. Sylvia Smith is a recipient of the Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching History.

Project Lead: National Capital Radio Association
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Approved Funding: $372,768
Contact: (613) 321-1440

The National Capital Radio Association will use the power of radio to help reconcile Canadians with the history of Indian residential schools through the production of a series of radio documentaries on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former students' stories and the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Red Slam Jams will be held on campus radio stations across the country, showcasing Aboriginal artists in the field of spoken word, music, and multi-media art.

Project Lead: Centre d'amitié autochtone de Québec
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Approved Funding: $418,000
Contact: (418) 843-5818

The Centre d'amitié autochtone de Québec, the Native Friendship Centre of Québec, led the production of a documentary entitled Le Petit Sauvage, based on the life of Algonquin Chief, Dominique Rankin, and his experiences in Indian residential schools. This fifty two-minute, bilingual documentary based on the life of Chief Rankin also tells the story of thousands of other Aboriginal children who faced similar experiences. The documentary will be distributed nationally to promote healing and reconciliation.

Project Lead: Path to Freedom Films Ltd. – Georgina Lightning
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Approved Funding: $1,500,000
Contact: (780) 394-0567

The Trilogy for Healing is a film project created to promote and inspire the spirit of healing for the individual, the family, the community and the nation as a whole. One of the films in the trilogy, Path to Freedom, is a provocative permanent document that will continue to validate, educate, enlighten and encourage the healing and reconciliation process for former Residential School students and their families. This documentary weaves profiles of intimate stories and healing journeys that involve ceremony, traditions and dialogue from experts in culture, trauma and healing.

Project Lead: Ahousaht First Nation
Location: Ahousaht, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 670-9558

The Ahousaht First Nation was approved Commemoration funding to construct a traditional medicine place to create a space where former students and their families can gather outdoors to hold healing and reconciliation sessions. This structure was built in memory of the former students across Canada who have passed on. The structure is approximately 40' x 20', with a roof, posts, beams and a solid floor, and is surrounded by benches. The names of former students, past and present, are engraved in stone and placed around the wall of the medicinal pool.

Project Lead: Canim Lake Band Wellness Centre
Location: Canim Lake, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $48,420
Contact: (250) 397-7502

Canim Lake Band Wellness Centre developed a memory book, Collection of Memories, similar to a school year book allowing former students to create their own memory pages using pictures and documents – a permanent legacy for future generations. In addition, they hosted a Heritage Show dedicated to Indian residential school experiences, showcasing historical pictures and documents in October 2012. In March 2013, a series of two-day Community and Family Gatherings were held to allow families to share their personal experiences with their extended family members in a private family setting.

Project Lead: Cook's Ferry Indian Band
Location: Spences Bridge, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $100,000
Contact: (250) 458-2224

To commemorate the legacy of Indian residential schools, the Cook's Ferry Indian Band created and installed headstones for deceased former Residential School students who were buried in the local graveyard. A traditional ceremony was held to honour former students and their families and to provide them with the opportunity to tell their stories.

Project Lead: Cowichan Tribes
Location: Duncan, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 748-3196

Cowichan Tribes hosted a Commemoration Day community event on March 27, 2013, a cultural celebration, that brought together the Cowichan Tribes community, local governments and various organizations to further affirm, validate and acknowledge the effects of the Indian residential school experience. The event provided a forum to create awareness about the truth of the Indian residential school experience and to improve the collective mindsets and attitudes, forging positive and shared outlooks that lend to reconciliation. The event included a barbecue, the hanging of a Commemoration plaque in honour of all former Indian residential school students and a speech acknowledging the strength of former Indian residential school students.

Project Lead: Esketemc
Location: Williams Lake, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 440-5611

The Esketemc community hosted a two-day gathering in February 2013 for former students of residential schools and their families, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community leaders, and community members to witness and honour the stories and healing journey of their communities. Activities included a traditional feast, traditional dancing, sacred ceremonies, storytelling, healing workshops, sharing and listening circles, and keynote speakers.

Project Lead: Inter Tribal Health Authority
Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 753-3990

The Inter Tribal Health Authority hosted a Commemorative Day for former residential school students and their families and local community members to honour former students of residential schools and to bring about healing and reconciliation within the community. 100 former residential school students were nominated to attend the dinner where they were blanketed in the traditional manner. The event was also open to the community to participate in the dancing, singing and storytelling. Pictures were collected and also taken at the event which will be gathered together for a memory board. Digital recordings of the event were put on a DVD along with the pictures for the former students and their families.

Project Lead: Mission Friendship Centre Society
Location: Mission, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (604) 826-1281

The Mission Friendship Centre Society is located approximately 50 kilometres east of Vancouver along the Frazer River. The Mission Friendship Centre Society hosted a Truth and Sharing presentation on February 9, 2013, a mini Pow-Wow and feast on March 9, 2013 and an honouring and blanketing ceremony on March 23, 2013. These commemoration events were conducted to honour former students of Indian residential schools, to conduct statement gathering and facilitate healing and reconciliation through the inclusion of the city of Mission, local schools and the general public.

Project Lead: Moricetown Band
Location: Moricetown, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 847-2133

The Moricetown Band carved a 30-foot Commemoration pole and held a pole-raising and celebration feast on October 4, 2013. This project and event revitalized ancestral traditions with the carving and rising of a totem pole that tells the story of the Wet'suwet'en people from pre-contact, through the Indian Residential Schools era, to the journey of healing and the return to a healthy nation. The pole-raising ceremony and celebration feast celebrated the completion of the totem pole and recognized the courage of former students of residential schools.

Project Lead: Mount Currie Band – Health Centre
Location: Mount Currie, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (604) 894-6656

The Lil'wat Nation hosted a three-day intergenerational commemoration community gathering to recognize the effects of the Indian residential school system. The ceremony was designed to symbolically offer the students a place of belonging in the community and to honour those students who never returned home.

Project Lead: Nazko First Nation
Location: Quesnel, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $49,950
Contact: (250) 992-9085

The Nazko First Nation completed a 219 page book of stories from 14 former residential school students entitled We Are Telling Our Stories For Our Children and Grandchildren which was compiled and translated for future generations of the Carrier people. The stories were told by community Elders recounting stories of their youth, including family life, Indian residential school experiences and their return home. A total of 750 copies of the book have been produced, and were passed on as a lasting legacy to younger generations for them to learn about the history of Indian residential schools in their community and of the traditional way of life.

Project Lead: Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society
Location: Williams Lake, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $36,431
Contact: (250) 989-0301

The Nenqayni Wellness Centre created a permanent memorial and hosted an unveiling gathering to bring together a variety of nations and people to honour and validate the experiences and healing of former residential school students from across Canada. The unveiling ceremony provided an opportunity for Aboriginal people to support one another while showcasing their traditions and strengths to non-Aboriginal groups and individuals.

Project Lead: Nuxalk Nation Transition House
Location: Bella Coola, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $31,512
Contact: (250) 799-0070

The Nuxalk Nation Transition House hosted a Memorial Potlatch on April 5, 2013 to honour the past and present former residential school students, and to permanently memorialize the legacy of Indian residential schools. This was done with the creation and installation of a commemorative plaque, engraved with the names of all former students of Nuxalk ancestry, and the creation of carved walking stick and transformation mask. Cultural components of the potlatch included traditional song and dance, and an unveiling ceremony with traditional food that were well-attended by community members.

Project Lead: Port Alberni Friendship Centre
Location: Port Alberni, British Columbia
Approved Funding: 39,400
Contact: (250) 723-8281

On March 30, 2013, the Port Alberni Friendship Center hosted an event to acknowledge, honour, and commemorate former residential school students. The event included a traditional feast, traditional Nuu-chah-nulth protocols, an acknowledgement and honouring of former residential school students and the gifting of framed artworks to former students and family members of now deceased former students.

Project Lead: Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Location: Tofino, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 266-0705

The Tla-o-qui-aht Elders Group and the Tla-o-qui-aht Health Department worked together on this project to commemorate the legacy of Indian residential schools and its effects on the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations through the carving of a totem pole and a pole-raising event. On March 29, 2013, a totem pole raising ceremony was held and a commemorative plaque was unveiled in honour former Indian residential students. A community gathering and traditional feast followed.

Project Lead: Tseshaht First Nation
Location: Port Alberni, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 724-1225

The Tseshaht First Nation developed a Remembrance Park and Garden, a peaceful place that is welcoming, restful and promotes personal healing. The park was completed on October 7, 2013 and is marked with a monument dedicated to all members of the Tseshaht First Nation and other nations that were affected by the Indian Residential School system, and contains information on the Indian Residential School experience in English and Nuu-Chah-Nulth.

Project Lead: Yuutu?it?ath (Ucluelet First Nation)
Location: Ucluelet, British Columbia
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (250) 726-7343

The Ucluelet First Nation created a Spiritual Healing Entrance to the new Yuutu?it?ath multi-use facility to honour, recognize and memorialize the experiences of those members who were affected by the Indian residential schools legacy. This space includes a number of components such as a healing wall, a traditional cedar carved welcoming figure, a traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth garden, interpretive panels, and a time capsule containing historical artifacts. This project provides a peaceful, healing and sacred space that stands as an enduring reminder of the cultural resilience and traditions of the Yuutu?it?ath.

Project Lead: Athabasca Tribal Council
Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta
Approved Funding: $250,000
Contact: (780)791-6538

Athabasca Tribal Council partnered with five First Nations communities to commemorate the Indian residential schools legacy through the development and installation of commemorative monuments and plaques in each of the five communities. Unveiling ceremonies and events took place in each community, respecting the diverse traditions of the Cree, Dene and Métis people represented, and contributed to the overall healing and reconciliation in this region.

Project Lead: Cold Lake First Nations
Location: Cold Lake, Alberta
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (780) 594-7168

The Cold Lake First Nation designed, created and installed a permanent monument on Cold Lake First Nations lands. The interior wall of the monument bears a metal plate with engravings of the names of all attendees. A cobble stone pathway, a sculpture designed by former students, and landscaping using shrubbery donated by families of former students who have passed on complete the monument. This monument was unveiled during a two-day cultural event that celebrated the resiliency and strength of the Cold Lake First Nations peoples.

Project Lead: Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Approved Funding: $ 360,380
Contact: (780) 944-0334

The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools with a three-day gathering that honoured the women of Treaty Six and promoted reconciliation among former students and intergenerational survivors. Healing affirmations were made and traditional healing practices were incorporated to encourage former students and their families along the healing journey.

Project Lead: Creating Hope Society of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Approved Funding: $49,600
Contact: (780) 645-4455

The Creating Hope Society of Alberta held a one day commemorative event on October 12, 2012 which included a conference, a tree and plaque dedication and a round dance. The commemorative plaque and tree dedication at McDougall Park in Edmonton was a permanent lasting memorial in which community members in Edmonton (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools. The conference included several speakers and healing circles which led to a community wide-round dance and feast with over 800 people in attendance.

Project Lead: Francophonie jeunesse de l'Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Approved Funding: $100,000
Contact: (780) 469-1344

A mural donated by Francophonie jeunesse de l'Alberta in 1989 and displayed on the west wall of the Grandin LRT Station in Edmonton, Alberta was re-visioned, re-designed and re-installed. Under the direction of a prominent Aboriginal artist, with input from Aboriginal and Francophone youth, and in consultation with Elders and former residential school students, the new mural reconciles the shared history between Aboriginal peoples, the Francophone community, and Canadians. The new art installation replaced the existing mural at the Grandin LRT Station and was unveiled during a traditional ceremony.

Project Lead: Fishing Lake Métis Settlement
Location: Sputinow, Alberta
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (780) 943-2202

The community of Fishing Lake Métis Settlement commemorated the legacy of Indian Residential Schools by building upon the healing and successes achieved in previous years of this digital storytelling project. Community youth worked with former residential school students, their families and elders to digitally record their Indian Residential School stories, and compile them into the community's digital museum. Bringing youth and elders together in this project to commemorate the experiences of former students helped this community to continue on its healing journey and contributed to lasting reconciliation.

Project Lead: Iyiniw Education & Training Institute
Location: St. Paul, Alberta
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (780) 645-6787

The Iyiniw Education & Training Institute Inc. hosted the 19th Annual Knowing our Spirits conference. Over the past 19 years, this conference has focused on the effects of colonization and Indian Residential Schools, addressing issues of loss of culture and language, abuse, lateral violence and provides attendees with the resources to improve their quality of life. In its 20th year, the conference brought in a wide range of speakers and workshops with topics such as healing, wellness, humour, craft making and spirituality

Project Lead: Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute
Location: St. Albert, Alberta
Funding Amount: $50,000
Contact: (780) 459-18840

The Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute has developed an experiential Cree language program that will give graduates a sense of accomplishment and pride as they learn creation stories, the origin of Cree syllabics, and acquire the language by taking eight modules addressing language, culture, traditional and spiritual values, fostering a positive state of inner harmony and peace towards reconciliation. The language program is now available.

Project Lead: Siksika Health Services
Location: Siksika, Alberta
Funding Amount: $50,000
Contact: (403) 734-5654

Siksika Health Services commemorated the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in a four-part project that involved the installation of a permanent memorial; the creation and installation of a residential school marker at the site of each of the Indian Residential Schools on the Siksika Reserve (Old Sun and Cluny); the development of a publication documenting former students' stories; and the development of a permanent exhibit that communicates the story of Indian Residential Schools to the Siksika Nation and all Canadians. Commemorative events were held to mark the unveiling and completion of these projects.

Project Lead: Tsuu T'ina Culture Program
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Approved Funding: $37,319
Contact: (403) 238-2677

The Tsuu T'ina Culture Program has developed and installed three commemorative headstones at the sites of burial grounds for residential school children on the Tsuu T'ina reserve (St. Barnabas School and Sarcee Boarding School), and at the reserve graveyard where former residential school students are buried. A ceremony and feast were held with community members to bless the headstones before placing them at the sites. They also conducted a research project to find the records for all Tsuut'ina Nation members who attended residential schools.

Project Lead: Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation
Location: Duck Lake, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (306) 467-4523

The Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation hosted a pow wow honouring former students of residential schools and celebrating First Nation resilience. This pow wow incorporated sacred ceremonies that supported healing and the preservation of a strong cultural identity. Additionally, a memorial monument was constructed and installed at the former site of St. Michael's Residential School, honouring those who attended Indian Residential Schools, those who have passed on, and those who are on their healing journeys.

Project Lead: Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Funding Amount: $50,000
Contact: (306) 956-1022

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations connected with Saskatchewan youth to strike a youth assembly to improve and enhance relationships between former students of Indian residential schools and intergenerational survivors. As a lasting component to this project, a soft-cover keepsake book was created using important documents such as the Prime Minister's Apology, a map of Indian residential schools across Canada, brief statements from former students, and other important pieces of Indian residential school history.

Project Lead: Keeseekoose First Nation
Location: Kamsack, Saskatchewan
Funding Amount: $50,000
Contact: (306) 590-8696

The St. Phillips Residential School Project Council, with the support of the Keeseekoose First Nation, commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools with a three-part project that included statement gathering in the language of the St. Phillips students using video and audio formats. A monument and commemorative plaques were installed at the site of the St. Phillips Residential School, and a variety of events and activities were held to educate the community and general public about the legacy of residential schools.

Project Lead: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Location: Marcelin, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (306) 466-4951

The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation hosted a series of events and workshops to commemorate the experiences of former students of Indian residential schools and to foster reconciliation through learning and storytelling with a special focus on intergenerational activities. As a lasting component, a commemoration wall was built at the site of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Veterans Memorial, from clay tiles, designed by event attendees, commemorating the Indian residential school experience.

Project Lead: Muskoday Pow wow Committee
Location: Muskoday, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $ 21,950
Contact: (306) 764-6737

The Muskoday Pow wow Committee held its 21^st annual traditional pow wow in 2012. To commemorate the legacy of Indian residential schools, this pow wow acknowledged the Indian Residential School experience with a commemorative event during the pow wow. As well, an unveiling ceremony celebrated the installation of a permanent memorial monument to honour former students of residential schools. This monument will be placed at the Clan Mother's Park on Muskoday First Nation grounds.

Project Lead: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Location: Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (306) 632-2161

To commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation developed a memorial hallway inside the Moise Canada Cultural Centre with a photo display of former residential school students and community elders. An addition was added to the cultural centre to house a museum, exhibiting photos, artifacts and handicraft models. They also put on a cultural camp and held closing ceremonies to promote the healing process and to pay tribute to former students of the Indian Residential Schools system.

Project Lead: Prince Albert Grand Council
Location: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $287,000
Contact: (306) 953-7234

In commemoration of the Indian Residential School legacy, the Prince Albert Grand Council developed a two-phase project. The first phase was the development of a Denesuline dictionary that includes Denesuline cultural and spiritual traditions, and was dedicated to former residential school students from each of the three Denesuline communities – Black Lake, Fond du Lac and Hatchet Lake First Nation. Researchers went to each of the communities to interview elders and collect stories which will aid in curriculum development in the future. The second part of the project was the creation of a virtual museum to celebrate the resiliency and legacy of former residential school students.

Project Lead: Saskatoon Tribal Council
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (306) 956-6100

The Saskatoon Tribal Council commemorated the legacy of Indian Residential Schools through the placement of nine Indian residential school monuments, seven in each of the seven member First Nations, one in the Saskatoon Tribal Council building, and one within the city of Saskatoon. These monuments are representative of the strength, resilience and achievements of former residential school students, and memorialize a common history.

Project Lead: Thunder Spirit Consulting
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (306) 370-7257

Thunder Spirit Consulting created and presented a public dance performance using traditional dance, music and culture to tell the story of Indian residential schools on March 8, 2013, and held a panel discussion with former students to further discuss the residential school experience. This was an opportunity for all to learn about this chapter in Canadian history. A traditional feast and round dance was held to bring the community together to celebrate a rich history and culture. The event was digitally recorded and available as a lasting legacy of this commemoration initiative. Finally, a group was formed called Sohkapowin Inc. to maintain and upkeep the neglected graveyard near the St. Michael's Residential School site.

Project Lead: Achako Atamiskatowin Program & Cross Lake Band of Indians
Location: Cross Lake, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $200,000
Contact: (204) 676-2218

The Achako Atamiskatowin and Cross Lake Band of Indians commemorated the Indian Residential School experience for the ten surrounding and fly-in communities that were affected by the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. This commemoration event included a gathering and recording of personal statements from former students for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's archived collection, and incorporated traditional cultural dancing, drumming and customs to promote healing and reconciliation. A monument was installed to permanently memorialize the Indian residential school experience and to honour former students.

Project Lead: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $ 48,525
Contact: (204) 947-0394

Building on the Moving Gallery that was performed at the first Truth and Reconciliation Commission national event in Winnipeg in 2010, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People extended the Moving Gallery with new stories, hopes, healing words art in the form of spoken word and a visual art based theatrical production. A monument composed of four mural pieces designed by youth and former residential school students was permanently fixed to the wall of the Manitoba Theatre for Young People entrance. This project focused on stories of survival, intergenerational effects and the legacy of silence, and reconciliation.

Project Lead: McKay Indian Residential School Gathering Inc.
Location: York Factory, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $ 50,000
Contact: (204) 341-2090

The McKay Indian Residential School Gathering Inc. commemorated their Indian Residential School experience by preserving and sharing with the wider community a photographic record of the McKay Indian Residential School. They produced commemorative products that tell the stories of former students who attended the school which were distributed to the greater community. Finally, a gathering was held to honour former students at the site of the former residential school, which still stands in Dauphin, Manitoba.

Project Lead: Pinaymootang First Nation
Location: Fairford, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $ 30,000
Contact: (204) 659-5786

The Pinaymootang First Nation memorialized the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in their community through the installation of a commemorative cairn at the entrance of the Pinaymootang Health Centre. Colorado blue spruce trees were planted at the site in honour of former students, and a park area was established for community members to enjoy. A workshop was held in the community and Pinaymootang brought in various speakers to talk about their experiences in residential schools. The event took place in the community and elders were invited and a feast was held to close the event.

Project Lead: Pine Creek First Nation
Location: Camperville, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $ 50,000
Contact: (204) 524-2354

In honour of the former students of Residential Schools, the Pine Creek First Nation hosted two celebratory feasts, and designed and installed a monument to commemorate the Indian residential school experience. Youth and elders from the fifteen affected communities came together to pay tribute and honour former residential school students during the community's annual pow wow.

Project Lead: Poplar River First Nation
Location: Poplar River, Manitoba
Approved Funding: $49,660
Contact: (204) 244-2267

To commemorate the history of Indian Residential Schools, the Poplar River First Nation created and distributed a commemorative book and video that compiled 30 picture portraits and a collection of private interviews with former students about their experiences. A photo gallery, consisting of mounted pictures taken from the book and personal photo collections, is displayed in the Administration Building for visitors to learn about the history of Indian residential schools. Community meetings and feasts were held to celebrate the community's resiliency and to promote healing and reconciliation.

Project Lead: Chapleau Cree First Nation
Location: Chapleau, Ontario
Approved Funding: $42,300
Contact: (705) 864-0784

The Chapleau Cree First Nation restored the burial grounds located within the Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, and improved the overall condition of this sacred site to one that is suitable for visitation and acknowledgment of former residential school students who are buried at this site. A two-day ceremony was held to pay respect and homage to former residential school students, Acommemorative plaque was created and installed as a lasting memorial to former students, and to provide Canadians with the opportunity to learn about this history.

Project Lead: Chippewas of Nawash Language Nest
Location: Wiarton, Ontario
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (519) 534-3572

The Chippewas of Nawash Language Nest was formed in the 1990s to revitalize the language of the Nawash. To commemorate the effects of Indian residential schools, the Language Nest and local youth recorded the dialect of Anishinaabemowin from elders at the Maadooki Seniors Centre twice a week for 6 weeks. A commemorative feast was held to launch the video recording of the sessions as a means to honour former residential school students, revitalize the language and culture, and to address the needs of intergenerational survivors.

Project Lead: Fort Albany First Nation
Location: Fort Albany, Ontario
Approved Funding: $42,900
Contact: (705) 278-1044

The Sutherland Family and the community of Fort Albany commemorated the lives of Michael Sutherland, Michael Matinas and John Kioki, who perished after leaving St. Anne's Residential School over 70 years ago, never to be seen again. Their courage was commemorated by the Fort Albany and Attawapiskat communities with the installation of a permanent memorial at the site of the St. Anne's Residential School, and their lives were celebrated with a community-wide feast.

Project Lead: Grand Council Treaty 3
Location: Kenora, Ontario
Approved Funding: $392,000
Contact: 1-800-665-3384

The Grand Council Treaty 3 memorialized the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with the design, creation and establishment of commemorative monuments at the six residential school sites in Treaty 3 territory: Ceclia Jeffrey Indian Residential School, St. Mary's Residential School, St. Marguerite Residential School, McIntosh Residential School, Pelican Lake Residential School and Shoal Lake School Point. The monuments pay tribute to and honour former students and their families, and were marked with traditional ceremonies, gatherings, pow wow and a gala event.

Project Lead: Henvey Inlet First Nation
Location: Pickerel, Ontario
Approved Funding: $43,141
Contact: (705) 857-1221

The Henvey Inlet First Nation commemorated the effects of the Indian residential school system and multi-generational effects on the community with a four-day ceremony and gathering event. Sunrise ceremonies opened each day, with cedar baths and counseling services offered to those who needed them. Topics discussed were post traumatic stress disorder, intergenerational trauma, coping and learning, stress management, as well as community and family impacts of Indian residential schools. A major component of the conference was the incorporation of traditional culture to create awareness and understanding through singing, drumming and storytelling for a holistic approach to healing. Entertainment was provided in the evenings with community bingo, crafts, an open forum for discussion, a feast and closing ceremonies. A monument was also dedicated to the former students from their region.

Project Lead: Nipissing First Nation
Location: Garden Village, Ontario
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (705) 753-2050

The Nipissing First Nation represents nine communities scattered across the shores of Lake Nipissing. The Nipissing Nation installed two monuments, one in the eastern doorway and the other in the western doorway to the community, as permanent and lasting legacies to the former students of the Indian residential schools system. These monuments serve to educate members and non-members of the Nipissing community about the history of Indian residential schools, contribute to the identity and sense of unity and belonging of the Nipissing people, and to commemorate those students who have passed on to the spirit world. The unveiling of these monuments were followed by a three-day community event.

Project Lead: Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Approved Funding: $ 424,200
Contact: (807) 623-8228

In this regional commemoration initiative, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation's (NAN) educated and informed the public about this shared history. NAN reviewed, updated and created new curriculum for use by school boards, libraries and educational institutions. As well, NAN paid tribute to former students of Indian residential schools by installing a memorial with names engraved of those Nishnawbe Aski Nation students who never returned from Indian residential schools. A gathering and pow wow were held to commemorate and honour former students of the Indian residential school system.

Project Lead: Wasauksing First Nation
Location: Parry Sound, Ontario
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (705) 746-8022

The Wasauksing First Nation developed the The ‘I' of the Circle project, consisting of five parts, the Gift of Awareness, Gift of Languages, Gift of Pow wow, Gift of Give-away and Gift of Turtle. The Parry Sound Library was given a donation of books on Indian residential schools to raise awareness and educate Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people about the history and legacy of Indian residential schools. A language preservation project was also undertaken to digitally record the language and translate it as a means to its revitalization. A pow wow was held to honour former residential school students, , and a permanent monument was unveiled in the community as a lasting legacy.

Project Lead: Union of Ontario Indians
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Approved Funding: $350,000
Contact: (705) 497-9127

On March 25, 2013, The Union of Ontario Indians held a commemoration event in North Bay, Ontario to unveil a monument that was designed and developed to commemorate the legacy of Indian residential schools. The ceremony also included the release of educational resources developed about Indian residential schools, such as narrative picture books, videos and computer-based educational materials. These tools can be designed, produced and printed for use in curriculum to promote awareness of the history of Indian residential schools.

Project Lead: Conseil de Bande Itum
Location: Uashat, Quebec
Approved Funding: $202,655
Contact: (418) 927-2660

The Conseil de Bande Itum hosted a four-day gathering for former students in the ten regional communities to pay tribute to their Indian residential school experience. A monument was designed, created and installed at the site of the Notre Dame Residential School to permanently commemorate the school's former students. The completion of the monument was marked with an unveiling ceremony.

Project Lead: Espace Art Nature
Location: Neuville, Quebec
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (418) 876-2209

Espace Art Nature created and developed an artistic production based on the testimonies from Recueil d'histoires de vie des survivants des pensionnats indiens du Québec. This production was first presented at Initiatives et Changement's Projet Citoyen dialogue circle that took place in Victoriaville in March 2012. Espace Art Nature anticipated that this production would start dialogue about the history and effects of Indian residential schools in Quebec.

Project Lead: Première Nation d'Abitibiwinni
Location: Pikogan, Quebec
Approved Funding: $400,000
Contact: (819) 732-6591

In August 2013, Premiere Nation d'Abitibiwinni held a four-day regional event for seven surrounding communities to commemorate the Indian residential school experiences of former students in this region. The event provided former students with the opportunity to give testimony to their experience, and to promote healing and reconciliation for these individuals, families and communities. Commemorative monuments and information panels were designed and installed in each of the seven communities to permanently memorialize the legacy of Indian residential schools.

Project Lead: Les Pléiades Associées
Location: Quebec, Quebec
Approved Funding: $165,338
Contact: 418-614-1260

Les Pléiades Associées commemorated the effects of Indian residential schools by hosting a series of testimony-gathering events across Quebec to give former students the opportunity to share their stories with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members. A wampum belt was created using artifacts and testimony contributions from various communities and was presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at the National Event in Quebec.

Project Lead: Listuguj Mi'gmag Government
Location: Listuguj, Quebec
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (418) 788-2136

The Listuguj Mi'gmag Government conducted a research project to collect information about the residential school experience for First Nation members from Listuguj. This project is the start of the development of healing gardens for the Lituguj Elders Continuing Care Facility. The research will be permanently housed at the elders continuing care facility as well as the preliminary plans for the creation of a healing garden.

Project Lead: Mohawk Language Custodian Association
Location: Kanehsatake, Quebec
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (450) 479-1651

To commemorate the history of Indian residential schools and the experiences of former students from Kanehsatake, efforts were focused on the preservation of the Mohawk language through various artistic forms of expression (music, poetry and traditional art forms), and the development of curricula to teach the language and culture through a series of classes to younger generations. As well, commemorative plaques were placed at each of the two schools in Kanehsatake as a permanent memorial to former students of residential schools.

Project Lead: Timiskaming First Nation
Location: Timiskaming, Quebec
Approved Funding: $46,000
Contact: (819) 723-2335

Timiskaming First Nation and a number of surrounding communities gathered to commemorate the legacy of Indian residential schools with a community pow wow themed Honouring the Survivor. This event promoted awareness of the history of Indian residential schools and strengthened healing and reconciliation within the community. A cultural camp for youth was held incorporating traditional activities such as canoeing, archery, and blueberry picking, providing youth with the opportunity to learn traditional skills from Elders. Finally, a commemorative monument was designed, installed and unveiled to pay tribute to former students' experiences.

Project Lead: Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec
Location: Wendake, Quebec
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (418) 842-6354

The Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) held a Makushan, a banquet for former students in each of the friendship centres in the RCAAQ network. These gatherings allowed former students the opportunity to step out of isolation and to come together to meet and celebrate their strengths. The community of Manawan hosted a two-day healing gathering for former students. A memorial book was created and distributed to all friendship centres in Quebec to honour the Indian residential school experiences of former students in Quebec.

Project Lead: Theresa Cremo Memorial Health Centre
Location: Waycobah, Nova Scotia
Approved Funding: $29,280
Contact: (902) 756-3358

The We'koqma'q Residential School Survivors group and the Theresa Cremo Memorial Health Centre commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools with the creation and installation of a memorial monument, to be placed in front of the community school. An unveiling celebration and feast were held, providing former students, their families and communities with the opportunity to come together to honour and validate their Indian residential school experiences as they continue on their journey of healing and reconciliation.

Project Lead: Lottie Johnson, Eskasoni First Nation
Location: Eskasoni, Nova Scotia
Approved Funding: $ 50,000
Contact: (902) 379-2262

To commemorate the experiences of former students of Indian residential schools, the community of Eskasoni installed a granite monument and four accompanying benches at the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre. Engraved into the monument is a poem by the renowned Mi'kmaq poet, the late Rita Joe, entitled I Lost My Talk. The poem speaks to the loss of culture and language as an experience resulting from attending Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. A two-day cross-cultural event was held to unveil the monument and included traditional cultural components to promote reconciliation among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members.

Project Lead: The Confederacy of Mainland M'ikmaq
Location: Truro, Nova Scotia
Approved Funding: $100,000
Contact: 1-877-892-2424

The Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools by creating three curricula units for grades four to six, seven to nine, and ten to twelve that address the history of Indian residential schools in the context of healing. An exhibit of interpretive panels was also created using the stories gathered during a series of community gatherings in each of the ten communities and became available for use at conferences and gatherings. These resources contribute to educating Canadians about the history of Indian residential schools and serve as a lasting commemoration of the Indian residential school experience.

Project Lead: Wagmatcook First Nation
Location: Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia
Approved Funding: $45,700
Contact: (902) 577-8008

The Wagmatcook First Nation commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools with a Grand Entry, a Welcome Home Ceremony, an Honour Song for former students, the development and unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and various other traditional ceremonies that brought the community together to pay tribute to former students and promote healing and reconciliation.

Project Lead: Hamlet of Cambridge Bay
Location: Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (867) 983-4674

The Hamlet of Cambridge Bay commemorated former students of residential schools by installing a soapstone monument to represent the effects that the residential school system has had on the fabric of the Inuit family. The site of this monument is a quiet place by the water where former students and their families can gather to reflect on the intergenerational effects of residential schools, creating dialogue to promote healing and reconciliation within the community. A traditional cultural event was held to unveil the monument.

Project Lead: Inuvik Community Corporation
Location: Inuvik, Northwest Territories
Approved Funding: $ 12,600
Contact: (867) 777-7052

The Inuvik Community Corporation commemorated the legacy of residential schools by holding a seven-day Inuvialuktun Language Immersion Camp at Reindeer Station. This language revitalization camp was structured to provide participants with a fully-immersed Inuvialuktun experience by spending a week on the land in an isolated, safe location practicing the language in everyday living. Participants were then placed in public settings where they led opening prayers, blessings and contributed to the revitalization of Inuvialuktun in the community.

Project Lead: Katlodeeche First Nation
Location: Hay River First Nation, Northwest Territories
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (867) 874-6701

The Katlodeeche First Nation commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools by creating a commemorative bronze plaque and shrine dedicated to former students of the Indian residential school system. Additionally, local park grounds were cleaned up, re-fenced, and seating was extended. The park is the site for the installation of the commemorative shrine and plaque, restoring the space to one where former students, their families and community members can gather to reflect and create new and positive memories.

Project Lead: Norman Wells Métis Women's Society
Location: Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
Approved Funding: $200,000
Contact: (867) 587-2517

The Norman Wells Métis Women's Society permanently commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools with the creation of a community photo album, booklet and the installation of a commemorative monument displaying the names of former students from Norman Wells. A honourary prayer ceremony and community feast was held to bring the community together to pay tribute and honour former students, using traditional ceremony, prayers and customs to bring about healing and reconciliation.

Project Lead:Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre
Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Approved Funding: $ 50,000
Contact: ( 867) 645-4878

The Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet commemorated the residential school experience by holding a two-phase event that honours former students, their families and communities in a celebration of fellowship. The first phase focused on honouring former students, while the second phase acknowledged the families of former students. Both phases incorporated foundational aspects of Inuit culture, traditional history and healing, and were held at culturally significant sites.

Project Lead: Trondek Hwech'in Health and Social Services
Location:Dawson, Yukon
Approved Funding: $50,000
Contact: (867) 993-7151

The Trondek Hwech'in Health and Social Services commemorated the legacy of Indian residential schools by undertaking a multi-faceted project that included purchasing and distributing copies of the book titled Nawtr'udah'a: Finding Our Way Home, an excellent resource to share the history of Indian residential schools. In honour of former students, local youth donated their artwork and plants to the community garden. The broader communities were engaged through the installation of a commemorative plaque at the annual Moosehide Gathering and through a community-wide art exhibition based on the theme of Indian residential schools and reconciliation.