Premier Wab Kinew, minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, announced that the Manitoba government is increasing the Orange Shirt Day Fund and encouraging eligible organizations to apply.
“Last year, dozens of organizations across Manitoba were able to host events and activities that encouraged Manitobans to reflect on the impacts of the residential school system, thanks to the Orange Shirt Day Fund,” said Kinew. “This year, we’re making even more funding available to once again bring Manitobans together to reflect on the legacy of the residential school system, honour the survivors and commemorate the children who never returned home.”
The province is allocating up to $1 million for the Orange Shirt Day Fund in 2025, a 25 per cent increase over 2024. The fund will provide one-time grant funding for projects and initiatives that raise awareness of Orange Shirt Day, honour survivors and create opportunities for Manitobans to come together in observation, reflection and commemoration.
Eligible applicants include grassroots or non-profit organizations, Indigenous nations, communities and organizations, educational institutions and municipal governments throughout Manitoba.
In December 2023, the Manitoba government established Sept. 30 as Orange Shirt Day, a provincial statutory holiday.
The premier noted the investment aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and specifically responds to Call to Action 80 to establish a statutory holiday in honour of survivors, their families and communities to ensure the public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component in the truth and reconciliation process.
Applications for the fund are now open. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as incoming proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on June 16.
For more information on the grant program, including eligibility and how to apply, visit gov.mb.ca.
