The Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth recently announced the creation of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, which is part of our Archdiocese’s commitment to recognize the church’s role in the residential schools system in Canada and work toward healing and reconciliation. Here are some potential questions you may have about his.

Is this part of the $30 million the Canadian Bishops pledged last year?

It is not. Each diocese in Canada, including the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, have made a financial commitment towards the $30 million pledge. Our diocese has already committed $639,000. The Reconciliation Fund Collection is a means for us locally to go beyond that pledge and make efforts within Nova Scotia to take more concrete steps on a path toward healing and reconciliation with Mi’kmaq communities in our diocese.

How will my donation be used?

Contributions to the Reconciliation Fund will stay in Nova Scotia. Archbishop Dunn and Bishop Kirkpatrick from Antigonish, have spoken with the Mi’kmaq chiefs in the province, seeking their input and collaboration regarding this collection. To that end, the money collected will go towards local programs and initiatives to support our Mi’kmaq brothers and sisters. Some of the funding may also be used for Indigenous education for clergy and laity, as per the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #59 and #60. The Mi'kmaq Pastoral Council will also help determine how to best use the funds.

What is the Mi’kmaq Pastoral Council?

The Mi’kmaq Pastoral Council is made up of Mi’kmaq leaders and reprentatives, local clergy, and lay people, including a parishioner from Saint Benedict Parish. It is tasked with providing counsel to Archbishop Dunn. It also has a mandate to discern, discuss, and respond to the pastoral matters important to the Mi’kmaq people of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.

Will money from this fund be used to pay for Pope Francis’ visit to Canada in July 2022?

No, the money collected through the fund will only be used in Nova Scotia for our local efforts.

How can I make a donation to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund?

You may have received information about the fund in late May, though you can also give online at halifaxyarmouth.org (click on 'Donate') or at saintbenedict.ca/give. There will be an annual collection for the Reconciliation Fund for the next five years.

For more information on our Archdiocese's reconciliation efforts, visit halifaxyarmouth.org/mi-kmaq-community.