(Ottawa, ON) February 23, 2023 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is grateful for the support and generosity of spirit demonstrated by Conestoga Students Inc. Thanks to donations like this, the LHF will continue to produce education materials and exhibitions that speak to the rich histories, as well as the impacts of abuses on 7 generations of Indigenous Peoples and communities as a result of attending Residential and Day Schools, and/or being affected by the Sixties Scoop.

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) is the official student association of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, representing the voice of over 24,000 students. CSI is governed by a student board of directors and provides Conestoga students with services, events, resources, and advocacy initiatives to improve and support the student experience.

“Conestoga Students Inc. is honoured to support the important work the Legacy of Hope Foundation is doing for education and healing. We hope this donation allows this organization to continue its great work with the community to foster a clear path to Truth & Reconciliation across Ontario and beyond,” said Sana Banu, President of Conestoga Students Inc.

“Thank you, Conestoga Students Inc., for your kindness and generosity. We are so thankful for the support we’ve received from young Canadians. It is amazing to see so many young Canadians become allies and advocates for Indigenous issues. This is all part of the steps toward Reconciliation,” said Teresa Edwards, Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel at the LHF.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 22 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and impacts on 7 generations of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children, their families and communities from attending Residential and/or Day School. By developing understanding and addressing stereotypes, LHF gives Canadians the tools to address discrimination and the ability to build respectful relationships, which contributes to the equity and dignity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The LHF has more than 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curricula for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, and Podcasts all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, etc. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples.