Dear Survivors and Families of Survivors,
McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation (MDSSC) is the proud steward of the MDSSC Legacy Fund, a $200 million settlement created to support Federal Indian Day School Survivors in the areas of
- language and culture
- healing and wellness
- commemoration
- truth telling
Survivors and their families know their needs better than anyone else. It was with this understanding, humility, and deep respect that MDSCC launched an engagement process in Fall 2021. Our purpose: to get guidance and direction from Survivors on goals, priorities, values, and activities for the Corporation, given its four key areas of focus.
We have heard from many in our communities that this is a difficult time and how they are impacted by COVID-19. For the safety of communities and community members we are changing how we hear from Survivors and their families.
To do that, we are hosting four virtual MDSSC Legacy Fund National Outreach Sessions:
- January 25, 2022, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm (EST)
- February 2, 2022, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm (EST)
- February 9, 2022, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm (EST)
- February 14, 2022, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm (EST)
We recognize that the need for the Legacy Fund’s support is greater now than ever. This new approach will ensure that we can use what we learn from the outreach process to start funding as soon as possible.
As we launch these national sessions, we know how important it is to hold space for the diverse experiences, backgrounds, cultures, and languages of our Survivor community. Our aim is to create a safe and inclusive environment for Survivors and their families to share their views.
We’ll do this in several ways:
- Each session will be open to all Federal Indian Day School Survivors, regardless of where they live
- Where there are regional or community representatives or groups, we’ll ensure our facilitators and notetakers reflect the unique circumstances and preferences of those groups
- Sessions will be offered in French and English.
- In addition to the engagement sessions, there is an online form where Survivors can provide confidential feedback about their hopes, aspirations, and preferences for the Legacy Fund. This form is available in English and French and can be printed and shared with those who do not have access to computers. Click here to access the form.
- Every session will also include cultural and mental health supports.
Federal Indian Day School Survivors and their families can learn more and register for sessions here.
How you can help
We’re reaching out to encourage all Survivors and family members to participate in this outreach process. It is through your voice that we will have a clear understanding of how the Legacy Fund can support our diverse community now and into the future.
We will do everything possible to ensure that no voice is left out. If you need support signing up for one of the four sessions or providing feedback through the online form, please email us directly at and we will be happy to help.
We understand these discussions may bring up painful memories. The toll-free Hope for Wellness Help Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-855-242-3310 with counselling and crisis intervention services in English, French, Cree, Inuktitut, and Ojibway for to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Next steps in the process
The Legacy Fund was created to support four primary areas: language & culture, healing & wellness, commemoration, and truth telling. Grants from the Legacy Fund will be made based upon a process to be established by the Board of the MDSSC following the outreach engagement.
Following this outreach process, we will share a summary outlining what we’ve heard on the important themes and priorities. This will then help us develop the guidelines and procedures for Legacy Fund grant applications.
We’re aiming to have the first round of funding opportunities launch in Summer 2022.
We are grateful for your participation in this important process and look forward to hearing your feedback and ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
Thank you.
Sincerely from the MDSSC Board of Directors,
Chief Roger Augustine
Dr. James Igloliorte
Claudette Commanda
