The “Continuing Their Journey” (CTJ) Program is to support First Nation communities and Survivors with projects directly related to the burial sites and unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools. CTJ is specifically intended to address the traumas of the Indian Residential Schools System experienced by Survivors and their descendants residing in First Nation communities following the recovery and presence of unmarked graves at a former Indian Residential School site.
Driven by the collective vision of our Board of Trustees and the urgent need of our communities, the FG Foundation allocated $12.5 million to the CTJ Program to fund resources and support for those directly affected by unmarked burial grounds and missing children at Indian Residential School sites across Turtle Island.
The CTJ program is a vital resource for those impacted by the legacy of unmarked graves. Since its establishment in 2021, the CTJ program has funded 11 projects, totaling over $1.8 million. As Survivors and their communities navigate the complex journey of healing from this history, CTJ stands as an opportunity for support, providing meaningful assistance.
CTJ is committed to supporting projects specifically aimed at healing, ceremony, research, memorialization, and honouring the children who never returned from the former residential school sites. Led and guided by Survivors, these projects encompass a wide spectrum, including:
• Survivor Support Groups, Healing, and Ceremony: Offering mental health, cultural, and spiritual support following the recovery and presence of unmarked graves.
• Research, Engagement, and Knowledge Gathering: Undertaking research and investigations of unmarked graves and burial sites, both marked and unmarked.
• Memorialization, Commemoration, and Relocating: Honouring children who never returned home, and/or identifying potential burial sites and relocating them.
Community involvement and Survivor participation are essential for every CTJ program, demonstrating the strength, resilience, and commitment of survivors to honour the missing children.
The CTJ program funding amount may vary depending on fund availability. The application process for the CTJ program has rolling deadlines, providing multiple annual opportunities for communities and survivor groups to apply for support. Eligible applications must include written support from First Nations leadership, demonstrate meaningful Survivor involvement, and align with the program’s objectives related to burial sites and unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools.
The CTJ Program is an FG Foundation initiative, and applicants do not require qualified donee status or registered CRA charitable status to be considered eligible.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact info@fgfoundation.ca.