News Releases and Media Advisories

Regina, October 9, 2014 -- The Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat (IRSAS) is accepting proposals for Group IAP, a program that supports healing and reconciliation for former students of Indian residential schools, their families, and communities.

Group IAP is part of the Independent Assessment Process (IAP), a claimant-centred process that provides compensation to former students for abuse they suffered at Indian Residential Schools.

“Group IAP provides an opportunity for individuals to come together with others who have shared similar experiences to provide mutual support as they prepare for, and go through the IAP process,” said Chief Adjudicator Dan Shapiro.

The deadline for groups to submit a proposal for consideration for funding for the 2015-16 fiscal year is 3 pm (EST) December 15, 2014. In order to be eligible, a group must be a not-for profit incorporated entity, or be associated with an incorporated non-profit entity at the time of application. All group members must have had their individual claims for compensation accepted into the IAP. They must also share a common bond, such as being from the same community or having attended the same residential school.

Funding under Group IAP can be used to support a variety of healing activities, including:

• Traditional and cultural activities such as sweats, round dances, pow-wows, sharing circles, healing circles, and potlatch ceremonies;
• Non-traditional activities such as counseling workshops and parenting skills workshops;
• Life skills workshops such as setting up a bank account, budgeting and/or investing settlement funds;
• Group, family and/or community events to promote a holistic approach to healing.

For more information on Group IAP, a detailed overview of the program, and a proposal guide, please visit the IRSAS website.

Contact:
Michael Tansey
Senior Communications Officer,
Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat
(819) 934-1444 (Please note, this is a new number)
(613) 851-4587 (cell)
michael.Tansey@irsad-sapi.gc.ca
michael@tancom.ca
@IRSASInfo
www.iap-pei.ca