A new non-profit organization has launched a healing fund for Indigenous survivors of forced and coerced sterilization across Canada.
The Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice formed in October with the mission of advocating for reproductive justice for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
It launched a registry earlier this month with the aim of creating an official record of the forced sterilization of Indigenous people in Canada, including an archive of survivors’ stories.
“For many women who have experienced forced sterilization, they have felt silenced by their experience,” board member Nicole Rabbit said in a statement.
“The Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice is building a united voice where survivors can come forward, share their stories, feel heard and empowered to address the trauma they may be carrying.”
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The organization announced its healing support fund on Wednesday to help Indigenous survivors access healing, wellness and reproductive supports.
It said eligible individuals can access up to $10,000 for healing supports such as grief counselling, cultural supports and mental health and addictions treatment, and up to $30,000 for assisted reproductive technologies.
Up to $30,000 is also available to groups to support community-based initiatives involving survivors.
“The Survivors Circle Healing Fund will create opportunities for survivors of forced sterilization to take charge of their bodies and wellness,” board co-chair Christa Big Canoe said in a statement.
“The fund will support survivors who have experienced systemic racism in unimaginable ways and will begin healing paths for individual survivors and their families and communities.”
People can apply for funding online. To be eligible, applicants have to register with the Survivors Circle.
