Manitoba government increases support for Orange Shirt Day events and activities

The province is investing more money into the Orange Shirt Day Fund.

Premier Wab Kinew announced Wednesday that the Manitoba government will allocate up to $1 million towards the fund, an increase of 25 percent from the previous year. 

"Last year, dozens of organizations across Manitoba were able to host events and activities that encouraged Manitobans to reflect on the impacts of the residential school system, thanks to the Orange Shirt Day Fund," said Kinew. "This year, we’re making even more funding available to once again bring Manitobans together to reflect on the legacy of the residential school system, honour the survivors and commemorate the children who never returned home."

Eligible organizations from across the province are encouraged to apply for the one-time grant, including grassroots or non-profit organizations, Indigenous nations, communities and organizations, educational institutions and municipal governments throughout Manitoba. 

The fund will provide one-time funding for projects and initiatives that raise awareness of Orange Shirt Day, honour survivors, and create opportunities for Manitobans to come together in observation, reflection and commemoration.

Applications for the fund are now open. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on June 16.

The Manitoba government established Sept. 30 as Orange Shirt Day, a provincial statutory holiday in December 2023.