BC announces funding to support residential school survivors

Indigenous service providers are receiving $1.5 million in provincial funding to address the urgent need for culturally safe and trauma-informed mental health and wellness supports for residential school survivors and Indigenous peoples as a result of the ongoing findings at former Indian Residential Schools.

“We know that the findings at former residential schools are deeply painful and that more survivors and their families are reaching out to Indigenous service providers for support. As we approach Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, it is important that we work with Indigenous partners to make sure mental health and cultural supports are available when they are needed,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

This funding is part of $12 million announced in June 2021 for the BC Residential School Response Fund.

Funding announced today will expand and strengthen existing mental health and wellness and cultural services. It will also provide resources for ongoing engagement and supports for survivors, intergenerational survivors and communities during this difficult time. This includes:

* enhancing the 24/7 cultural support line managed by the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, including additional counselling and cultural support staff;

* adding capacity for Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society to provide more in-person health and wellness and cultural supports, including services for communities carrying out work on the sites of former Indian Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals; and

* expanding the Métis Counselling Connection Program delivered by Métis Nation BC with a specific focus on the experience of Métis survivors.