The McLean Legacy Fund is now accepting applications for projects focused on healing, cultural revitalization, and commemoration for survivors of Federal Indian Day Schools and their families. Named after Garry McLean, a Manitoba-based advocate for day school survivors, the fund is part of a \$1.47 billion settlement, which includes a \$200 million legacy fund. McLean, who led a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada, passed away in 2019 just before the final settlement agreement was reached.
Federal Indian Day Schools, like residential schools, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children and erase their languages and cultures. Approximately 200,000 Indigenous children attended these schools across Canada. The legacy fund, managed by the McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation, is designed to support healing, wellness, language and culture preservation, and truth-telling initiatives for survivors and their families.
The first funding call opened with two categories: up to \$25,000 for establishing survivor committees, and up to \$100,000 or \$250,000 annually for community programs. Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels praised McLean’s advocacy for survivors, stating that his legacy would continue to uplift future generations. The deadline for funding applications is at the end of September.
Read the full story on CBC: