Supporting Survivors and Descendants in healing, wellness, education, language, culture, and heritage.

The Residential School Day Scholars Class Action Settlement is for Day Scholars who attended an Indian Residential School but did not sleep there at night between the years of 1920-1974 (depending on the school).

About us

What we do

The Day Scholars RevitalizationSociety (DSRS) is an Indigenous led organization that provides grants to Indigenous Day Scholar Survivors—those who attended residential schools during the day and returned home at night—and their first-generation descendants to promote their wellbeing, and the revitalization and preservation of their Indigenous cultures, languages, heritages and knowledge through learning, healing and commemoration.

Our Vision

Healing and revitalization of language, culture, and heritage, have led to individual, family, community and nation wellness.

Our Mission

To provide resources to assist Day Scholar Survivors and Descendants in protecting and revitalizing their language, culture, and heritage, and to commemorate.

Discover

Frequently Asked Questions

We grant up to $10,000 to Indigenous Individuals who aim to revitalize their languages and cultures; to promote their heritage and commemoration; to promote their healing and wellness journeys and education and training goals.

Who can apply?

Indigenous individuals (Inuit, Metis and First Nations)

  • Survivors who attended a qualifying residential school between 1920-1974 as a Day Scholar and went home at night.
  • First-generation Descendants of individuals who are Survivors
  • A legal guardian of a Survivor or Descendant
  • Survivors or Descendants who are 18 years old and older
  • You have not received government funding for your initiative
When can I apply?

There are [up to] three granting announcements each year. Follow us online, or on social media to keep connected.

Can I apply more than once?

You can only apply once a year for our grants.

Am I eligible?

To find out if you are eligible visit our Website: www.dsrsociety.ca or contact us at Email: info@dsrsociety.ca.

What information do I need to apply?
  • A complete application (oral, video or written)
  • Proof of Indigenous citizenship
  • True certified copies of legal and or official verification documents
What can eligible initiatives look like?

Language, Culture & Heritage:

  • any revitalization activity related to your distinct Indigenous language, culture or heritage

Healing & Wellness:

  • any initiative that promotes your healing and wellness journey

Education & Commemoration:

  • any initiative that supports education and commemoration activities
What is the Day Scholars Revitalization Fund?

A $50 Million-dollar fund that is to be used to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture, heritage and commemoration for the benefit of the Survivor and Descendant Classes.

How much are the grants?

Approved applicants are eligible to receive up to $10,000.

How long is the approval process?

It takes about 8 weeks to process your application. If you are approved we will let you know right away.

What if I don’t have access to a computer or internet?

We will do our best to make sure you have an opportunity to apply for the grant. Contact us to find out how we can help.

I heard I can apply by speaking about my application orally, or on video. How do I do that?

Applications are welcome in different ways. You can also receive support to have someone translate the information for your application. It can be submitted orally, or by video or in writing. If you have a smart phone, or a tablet, you might be able to record your information for the application by yourself. If you need help, reach out to someone you trust, or contact us to find out how we can help.

I was adopted. Am I eligible?

We honour the spirit and recognize each Nation’s right to self-determine their own practices of adoption. That means if your parents raised you but are not your birth parents you can still apply, as long as you can provide the right documentation.

Apply for Funding

Start Your Funding Application

If you'd like to submit your application orally, contact us directly at info@dsrsociety.ca to arrange an appointment.