Frequently Asked Questions

How much are you fundraising for and what will it support?

The Moving Forward Together campaign goal is $25 million over the next five years. Funds raised will support healing and educational programs for Canadian Aboriginal communities, including former residential school students and their families. For these programs, we are partnering with established, effective local organizations that provide lasting, positive outcomes in these areas.

Why is this important for Canada?

Canada’s oldest cultural groups are youthful and strong in number. But they face many challenges, including the legacy of assimilation policies and a rupture with traditional ways of life. Right now, all standard-of-living indicators for Aboriginal people lag behind the Canadian average.

Canada has turned the corner on a painful past through heartfelt apologies and acceptance. The crucial next phase is healing. Healing enables individuals, families and communities to create a strong foundation for their future. And appropriate educational support helps Aboriginal youth believe in a bright future, discover richness in their lives and find ways they can contribute meaningfully.

I wasn’t involved in Indian Residential Schools; why is it my responsibility?

Many of us believe that Canada is a fair and compassionate country. But this view is inconsistent with the inequalities that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. Today’s inequalities are historical: a result of policies and attitudes from another era. We cannot change the past. What we can do is work together to build a shared future of mutual respect. Solving these problems in a way that is appropriate and lasting is a Canadian challenge.

I thought the government was giving billions to this; why do you want to raise more money?

The Canadian government provided a number of compensation elements to former residential school students to amend for harm done as a result of policies of assimilation. This campaign, on the other hand, is part of the next phase of healing and reconciliation. Community and individual healing programs help former students and their families put a stop to intergenerational patterns and get back on track. Educational programs help Aboriginal youth discover the richness of learning and eventually working in an occupation of their choosing.

What local activities and programs will this campaign support?

The programs the campaign supports will vary from region to region. Our Canada-wide model is to partner with established, effective local organizations that provide lasting, positive outcomes in the areas of healing and education.

How can I get involved?

To lend your financial or volunteer support to our efforts, please contact us directly.

What percentage of my donation goes directly to assist those most in need?

While the industry average is between 10 and 15%, we work hard to keep our administrative costs low. Because we rely on volunteers to run a large number of our activities, we spend less than 5% on overhead.

We are directing funds to established and effective front-line community programs that have a history of results, so any investments made are well spent and well managed.
For these reasons, you can be assured that your donation is making a difference in the areas of greatest need.

How is this effort related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

This campaign shares the same spirit of collaboration and Canada-wide healing embodied in the TRC, but our effort is entirely separate. The government-funded TRC is undertaking the process of nation-wide healing by giving voice to those impacted by residential schools.

Moving Forward Together is a partnership of Aboriginal, business, community and Catholic leaders raising funds to support the next step towards a healthy, balanced nation: personal and community healing and education for Aboriginal youth.

Who is responsible for organizing and managing the fundraising campaign?

Fifty Catholic organizations are partnering with Aboriginal, business and community leaders to reach the $25 million goal for the Moving Forward Together campaign.