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The National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund launched

Author

Compiled by Debora Steel

Volume

33

Issue

10

Year

2015

The National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund launched a call for applications Dec. 10 to support education programs aimed at healing and reconciliation. Applications will be accepted from First Nation and Metis individuals, governments and organizations with preference for former students of Indian residential schools.

“Funds through the National Indian Brotherhood Trust are being made available at a time when there is unprecedented attention on the need for reconciliation in our country,” said Phil Fontaine, chair of the National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund. Fontaine was instrumental in achieving the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement of 2007.

For the purpose of the NIB Trust Fund, education programs are those provided by education institutions, cultural centres, organizations, communities and individuals/groups, whether short or long-term, informal or formal or certified or non-certified.

Successful applications will use the funds for educational expenses such as tuition, transportation, accommodations, meals, books, computer equipment and program supplies and traditional education, including Elders’ fees, guide fees, equipment, supplies, travel, fuel; and research.

The maximum benefit to an individual applicant is $20,000, and the maximum benefit for a group, organization or institution is $200,000. The NIB Trust Fund expects to approve applications to a total of up to $5 million before April 1, 2016. Applications for groups, organizations and institutions are available now and individual applications will be available Spring 2016.

The funds have been made available from a surplus of the compensation allocated for former students of Indian residential schools, consistent with the terms of the 2007 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. The funds are no longer tied to previous compensation packages, including Common Experience Payments, Independent Assessment Payments and Personal Education Credits. The funds will be held in Trust for beneficiaries to access by application. The deadline for the first round of applications is January 15, 2016.