The Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), an Aboriginal managed organization, was established in 1998. The AHF was established as a not-for-profit organization with a one time grant of $350 million dollars from the Canadian government as part of Gathering Strength—Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan. The AHF was given an eleven year mandate, ending March 31, 2009.
The organization was mandated to encourage and support, through research and funding contributions, community-based Aboriginal directed healing initiatives which address the legacy of physical and sexual abuse suffered in Canada’s Indian Residential School System, including inter-generational impacts. In 2007, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation received $125 million under the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), extending the AHF's lifespan to September 30, 2014. In 2014 the AHF closed it's doors and ceased all operations.
The Aboriginal Healing Foundation was governed by a board of directors of Aboriginal people from across Canada. The board members were appointed by key stakeholder groups including Aboriginal political organizations, the federal government of Canada, and Aboriginal people at-large. The Board was responsible for establishing policy and giving direction to staff. The funding agreement with the Canadian government meant that the AHF was accountable to Canada during it's operation and the AHF committed its resources according transparent funding criteria established in consultation with Aboriginal people.
Throughout the duration of the AHF the organization was committed to promoting reconciliation and helping Aboriginal people and their communities build sustainable healing processes that address the legacy and impacts of the residential school system. The AHF also worked to engage and educate Canadians at large about residential schools and reconciliation.
Further details about the healing projects funded by the AHF, the publications created by the AHF, and other projects undertaken by the organization during it's existence can be found on the archived website of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
