[Canada-wide] Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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).

Please be advised that, due to significant demand on the program, the level of funding available is limited. Consequently, applicants should anticipate receiving approximately half of the maximum eligible support.

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
• 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.

The following are not eligible:

• private individuals and political parties
• federal government, its institutions and portfolio agencies
• non-Indigenous organizations without a letter of support

In addition, organizations with overdue final program reports may be ineligible to receive funds from the program.

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)
• 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

Application deadline

Applications must be received by January 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (ET).

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

• Contact the Program for an application form.
• Read the Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing their application.
• Complete, sign and date the Application Form (electronic signatures are accepted).
• Submit their application by email to commemorationpensionnats-commemorationresidentialschools@pch.gc.ca

You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

Contact us

Commemorate Canada

Department of Canadian Heritage

15 Eddy St

Gatineau QC  J8X 4B5