Advocacy and Public Information Program

The Advocacy and Public Information Program (APIP) is a contribution funding program to support the sharing of information and to ensure that Aboriginal communities, particularly former students and their families, are aware of all aspects of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (Settlement Agreement). Partnerships between Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and national, regional and local Aboriginal organizations encourage dialogue and promote reconciliation among former students of the residential school system, their families and communities.

APIP was launched in 2007-2008. The program criteria are reviewed annually to ensure all efforts are being made to reach former Indian residential school students to inform them of benefits available to them under the Settlement Agreement. A special effort has been made to communicate to former students located in remote and isolated communities, those in mental health institutions, and those who are homeless or incarcerated. As well, APIP projects promote healing and reconciliation by helping Canadians to understand the Settlement Agreement and the impact that the legacy of Indian residential schools has had on Aboriginal communities.

In 2012-2013, APIP objectives were expanded to include:

  • Using existing networks to inform former students of the September 19, 2012 Independent Assessment Process application deadline and other components of the Settlement Agreement
  • Promoting healing and reconciliation among youth and inter-generational survivors
  • Helping Canadians, particularly Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth, to understand the impacts that the legacy of Indian residential schools has had on Aboriginal people and their communities in order to promote the goal of developing new partnerships for the future.

From 2007-2013, over $26 million has been fully invested into 138 regional and national projects across Canada.

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