Aboriginal Healing Foundation

Aboriginal Healing Foundation Logo

Canadian non-profit organization

Aboriginal Healing Foundation
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Formation	1998
Type	Non-profit organization
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Membership	N/A
Language	English, French, Indigenous languages
Leader title
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Website

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) was a Canadian non-profit organization established in 1998 with the primary goal of addressing the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system. The foundation was created in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and was funded by the Government of Canada.

History

The AHF was established as part of the federal government's response to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, which highlighted the need for healing and reconciliation for the Indigenous peoples in Canada affected by the residential school system. The foundation received an initial endowment of $350 million from the federal government to support community-based healing initiatives.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the AHF was to encourage and support Aboriginal people in building and reinforcing sustainable healing processes that address the legacy of physical and sexual abuse in the residential school system, including intergenerational impacts. The foundation aimed to promote reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

Programs and Initiatives

The AHF funded a variety of programs and initiatives, including:

• Community-based healing projects
• Mental health and counseling services
• Cultural revitalization programs
• Educational and awareness campaigns
• Research and publications on the impacts of residential schools

Impact

The AHF played a significant role in raising awareness about the impacts of the residential school system and supporting the healing process for many Indigenous communities. The foundation funded over 1,300 projects across Canada, reaching thousands of individuals and families.

Closure

Despite its successes, the AHF's funding was not renewed, and the foundation ceased operations in 2014. The closure of the AHF was met with criticism from many Indigenous leaders and communities who felt that the need for healing and support was still ongoing.

Legacy

The work of the AHF has had a lasting impact on the healing and reconciliation process in Canada. Many of the projects and initiatives it funded continue to operate and provide support to Indigenous communities. The foundation's research and publications remain valuable resources for understanding the legacy of the residential school system.

See also

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Indigenous health in Canada