The Manitoba government has created a new grant program to support events and activities that encourage Manitobans to reflect on the impacts of the residential school system.
Premier Wab Kinew announced the creation of the Orange Shirt Day fund this week, which contains $800,000 to be used on one-time grant funding for projects and initiatives that advance truth and reconciliation by raising awareness of Orange Shirt Day and creating opportunities for Manitobans to come together in observation, reflection, and commemoration.
Orange Shirt Day, also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, takes place on September 30th and was designated as a provincial statutory holiday in December of last year.
It is a day to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, honour the survivors and remember the children who never returned home.
Eligible applicants include grassroots or non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and leadership organizations, educational institutions, daycaresm and municipal governments throughout Manitoba.
Applications for the fund are now open and are due Aug. 1.
