Canada Post has announced that it will be releasing a new truth and reconciliation stamp in 2022 to commemorate the anniversary of the TRC report. The stamp is part of Canada’s post’s ongoing efforts to support Indigenous communities and promote reconciliation. “This stamp is a powerful symbol of our commitment to reconciliation, and we are proud to be bringing it to Canadians,” said Canada post CEO. The stamp will feature an image of the TRC report and a quote from its summary statement: “We call upon all people who residential schools have harmed to come forward and share their stories.” The new stamp is one of several initiatives that Canada post has planned for the anniversary of the TRC report. Other initiatives include funding Indigenous-led projects, launching an education campaign on residential schools, and increasing support for Indigenous businesses.
Background
In keeping with its commitment to truth and reconciliation ideals, Canada Post collaborates with Indigenous experts to release the first of a planned annual series of Truth and Reconciliation stamps in 2022.
The stamp will be produced every year in memory of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new government Memorial Day on September 30 (held for the first time in 2021) to remember the lost children and survivors of residential schools as their families and communities. The Nationwide Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day, a national movement that began in 2013 to commemorate the over 150,000 children from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis sent to residential schools.
“Through its stamp program, Canada Post has a long tradition of sharing important Canadian tales. “We are committed to supporting the ideas of truth and reconciliation as a national storyteller and a public institution in practically every community throughout Canada,” says Doug Ettinger, President, and CEO of Canada Post.
“It is part of our joint responsibility as a country to acknowledge and honor Indigenous peoples’ experiences and move ahead together in a spirit of reconciliation.” We’re hoping that this annual stamp series can help with that.”
Other Initiatives Launched by Canada Post
- Employees at Canada Post are encouraged to wear orange shirts to work on September 29 and 30.
- Beginning in 2022, the Canada Post Community Foundation will grant a $50,000 yearly Signature Grant to a national organization that provides programming based on truth and reconciliation principles and helps Indigenous children and youth across Canada.
- The Foundation gave 17 grants to projects that benefit Indigenous adolescents in 2021, totaling roughly $270,000.
- On September 30, most of Canada Post’s activities, including all corporate post offices, will be closed to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- To honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canada Post’s headquarters in Ottawa will be lighted with orange light from September 24 to 30.
- The Corporation will launch its Indigenous and Northern Reconciliation Strategy in November 2020.
What Is the Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant?
The Canada Post Community Foundation is now accepting award submissions for 2022, including a new $50,000 annual Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant. Grants of up to $25,000 are available to Canadian charities, schools, and community organizations that work to improve the lives of children and youth (under the age of 21). National organizations that provide programming to help children and teenagers across Canada can apply for up to three $50,000 Signature Grants.
The Foundation has launched a $50,000 yearly Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant this year. The Signature Grant will help children and teens learn more about Indigenous culture and have meaningful conversations in the spirit of reconciliation. Such projects are examples of such projects that improve access to Indigenous language resources, enhance intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect, or develop best practices in teaching curricula connected to residential schools and Indigenous history. The Foundation developed this Signature Grant to support the aims, recommendations, and calls to action expressed in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report.
Application Period: The application period for 2022 will be open from March 16 until April 8, 2022, at noon (ET).
Application Recipient Announcement: The recipients of the grants will be revealed in August 2022.
How to Apply?
Applicants must be local or regional organizations representing First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Urban Indigenous peoples and conduct services that serve these communities. The Foundation accepts submissions from all communities around the country and values local grassroots initiatives such as literacy and language programs, youth outreach services, Indigenous youth programs, gender diversity programs, and arts and recreation projects.
Applications will be accepted on the Community Foundation website through April 8 at noon (Eastern Time).
To Apply
To go directly to the application portal, click on the link given below:
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