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Deadline: January 23, 2026, 4pm EST;
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program provides funding (up to a maximum of $10,000 per organization) to eligible recipients for initiatives that increase awareness and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30).
Objectives and expected results for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component:
This funding, available through the Celebration and Commemoration Program, will provide up to a maximum of $10,000 in funding to eligible recipients to support initiatives that will:
- increase awareness and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (September 30), and/or the history and legacy of residential schools;
- honour children who did not return home, Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities; or
- provide an opportunity for Survivors, families, and communities to share their stories and advance inter-generational healing and reconciliation.
Eligible projects:
To be eligible for funding from the component, your project must:
- demonstrate that it meets the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation objectives;
- take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (September 30), during the month of September or in the week following September 30;
- be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry); and
- be open to the public and/or community.
Examples of eligible projects:
- community ceremonies;
- healing workshops, Elder, Survivor or Knowledge Keeper presentations;
- commemorative murals, cairns and plaques;
- educational and awareness materials, speaker series; and
- cultural and artistic initiatives.
The project must not be designed for fundraising purposes or generate commercial advantage or profit.
Who can apply:
To be eligible for funding, your organization must be:
- an Indigenous government, band council, or tribal council, or its delegated authority;
- an Indigenous not-for-profit organization or group;
- a for-profit Indigenous organization, provided that the project for which you are requesting funding will not result in income generation for your sole benefit;
- an Indigenous ad hoc committee that has formed for a specific project; or
- an Indigenous-led institution including accredited programs.
Non-Indigenous applicants are considered in exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Program. The organization must work in close partnership with an Indigenous organization and include a letter of support outlining their role in the project.
In the case of partnerships, one organization must assume the lead role and responsibility for the overall management and coordination of the project.
