Role of Journey for Healing in the funding ecosystem
Journey for Healing is the public face of the Archdiocese of Ottawa‑Cornwall’s financial and pastoral commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. Closely linked to the national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), a federally incorporated not‑for‑profit registered charity, the initiative mobilizes donations from individuals and parishes and channels them into grants for Indigenous‑led projects within the Archdiocese’s territory, including Ottawa and the Akwesasne area.
The IRF was created by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to fulfill a $30 million pledge in support of healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families and communities. The Archdiocese has committed to raising $1.2 million as its local share. All money raised locally is directed into the IRF but is earmarked for projects and initiatives carried out by local Indigenous groups and organizations.
Funding themes and eligible beneficiaries
Grants are intended for First Nations, Métis and Inuit groups and organizations, or for projects developed in close collaboration with them. The overarching aim is to support meaningful reconciliation as defined by Indigenous partners. Funding priorities, as described across the site, include:
- Healing and reconciliation for communities and families affected by colonialism and residential schools.
- Culture and language revitalization, such as Indigenous language instruction and cultural programming.
- Education and community building that foster mutual understanding and right relationships.
- Dialogues involving Indigenous Elders, spiritual leaders and youth, with a focus on Indigenous spirituality and culture.
Projects already funded range from arts‑based reconciliation events to language camps, pow wows, land‑based retreats, youth exchanges and cultural healing programs for women and families. The grant recipients page highlights specific organizations, grant amounts, and the outcomes supported, providing transparency about how funds are used.
General application and assessment process
The Diocesan Reconciliation Committee, established by the Archdiocese, plays a central role in the local funding process. It discerns community needs, helps identify potential initiatives and reviews proposals. Prospective applicants submit an application form outlining their organization, project description, requested amount (typically up to $50,000 per year) and budget. The committee assesses proposals based on local need, expected benefits, organizational capacity, adequacy of the budget and timeline, and alignment with Catholic teaching.
Where a group is not a registered charity, the Committee and IRF seek to partner it with a trusted registered charity that can legally receive and administer the funds on its behalf. Once the Committee finalizes an application, it is sent to the IRF Board, which makes the formal funding decision and releases funds to the organization carrying out the approved project.
Transparency, governance and community impact
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is governed by a board and corporate members with strong Indigenous representation and expertise in law, governance and community development. Journey for Healing emphasizes that none of the funds raised for reconciliation are used for campaign administration or for unrelated church expenses; instead, 100% of local contributions support Indigenous projects and initiatives.
By combining diocesan fundraising, Indigenous leadership, and an independent national fund structure, Journey for Healing serves as a dedicated channel for financial support to Indigenous‑driven healing and reconciliation efforts across the Archdiocese of Ottawa‑Cornwall.