HMQF Inaugural Reconnection Grant
HMQF Inaugural Reconnection Grant
Background:
The Indian Boarding Homes Program was created by the Government of Canada, placing children from First Nations, Métis and Inuit villages in communities to stay in private homes for the purpose of attending school. This Indian Boarding Homes Class Action settlement is in response to two legal actions (Superior Court of Quebec and Federal Court cases) filed on behalf of Indigenous children who suffered harassment, abuse, loss of language and culture, and other harms as a result of their participation in the Indian Boarding Homes Program. Through the litigation, plaintiffs sought compensation, recognition, and justice for their experiences and harms suffered. The Indian Boarding Homes Class Action provides compensation to people placed in these homes as part of this Indigenous class action settlement.
The Foundation:
Canada committed $50 million to establish a foundation dedicated to healing, truth, and cultural preservation. This foundation acknowledges the harm caused by the Indian Boarding Homes Program, while supporting efforts to promote healing, restore transparency, and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures for future generations. The newly established Indian Boarding Homes Foundation now known as the Hitgwin! Qaumata Miyopimâtisiwin Foundation (Stand Up/Rise, Shine, Live a Good Life Foundation) is pleased to announce its inaugural Reconnection Grant.
Reconnection Grant:
This is a Call for Proposals for grants of up to $30,000 each to support Indigenous communities and organizations in developing or enhancing events and initiatives that prioritize the involvement and support of Indian Boarding Homes Program Survivors. This one-time Reconnection Grant aims to support community-driven efforts that honour the lived experiences of boarding home survivors, foster healing, recovery, and wellness, and create meaningful opportunities for reconnection and recognition through Indigenous-led approaches. The intake for this Call for Proposals is September 30, 2025.
