Aboriginal Healing Foundation, The

Aboriginal Nurse, The, Dec 1998 by Dumont-Smith, Claudette

In January, 1998, the Honorable Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Jane Stewart, accompanied by leaders of the five national Aboriginal organizations announced the creation of an Aboriginal Healing Foundation. Minister Stewart stated that the Federal Government will provide $350 million towards the development and implementation of healing programs/strategies for Aboriginal people who were victims of the federally-run residential schools. The Aboriginal Healing Foundation will oversee the disbursement of these funds over the next few years.

Many studies, such as the most recent and comprehensive Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, link the current plight of Aboriginal people to the forcible confinement of Aboriginal children in these institutions. Once institutionalized, Aboriginal children were not allowed to speak their language, practice their spiritual ways and were not allowed, in many instances, to have contact with their parents and other family and community members. In addition to denying them these basic needs, it was revealed that many were physically and sexually abused by those entrusted with their care.

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation will be managed by 17 directors with Mr. George Erasmus as the Chair. Mr. Erasmus and the following eight people have been appointed for a twoyear term:

John Amagoalik

Jerome Berthelette

Paul Chartrand

Wendy John

Grant Severight

Teressa Nahanee

Gene Rheaume

Viola Robinson.

Eight other members of the Foundation's Board will serve a oneyear term. They are:

Garnet Angeconeb

Charlene Belleau

Ken Courchene

Richard Kistabish

Carrielynne Lamouche

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson

Cindy Swanson

Charles Weaselhead

Early in the new year, the Foundation will make a call for proposals. For additional information about the Aboriginal Healing Foundation including funding guidelines and criteria, write or call to:

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation 75 Albert St., Suite 801

Ottawa, ON

KIP 5E7

Telephone: (613)-237-4441

Fax: (613) 237-4442

Toll free: 1-888-725-8886

Web site: www.ahf.ca

Submitted by: Claudette Dumont-Smith, RN, BScN, MPA (candidate)