Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program
Contribution program to support Indigenous communities in re-establishing and revitalizing cultural spaces.
The Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program call for proposals closed on December 1, 2021. Applications are no longer being accepted.
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About the program
The Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program (CSICP) is a contribution program that supports Indigenous communities in re-establishing and revitalizing cultural spaces. The program offers opportunities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals to access culture and language, and strengthen identities.
Budget 2021 announced $108.8 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to re-establish and revitalize Indigenous cultural spaces. This investment is part of the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan.
By investing in spaces for cultural activities that prioritize the voices of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, the program aims to:
- promote Indigenous cultures and identities which can contribute to fostering safe and secure communities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
- support Indigenous communities in advancing self-determination, from the perspective of addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
- respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Call to Justice 2.3, which calls upon all governments to prioritize safe and meaningful access to culture and languages for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people in order to restore, reclaim and revitalize identities
Applicants were encouraged to submit proposals for the construction or revitalization of spaces that support cultural activities within their communities. These spaces aim to support self-determination, increase safety and promote Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being.
Eligible projects
Eligible projects and initiatives include the construction or revitalization of spaces that support cultural activities within Indigenous communities. Revitalizing existing cultural spaces includes renovations or retrofits to enhance quality and accessibility.
Applicants were required to demonstrate how the proposed project creates or promotes opportunities for girls, women or 2SLGBTQI+ people to access culture and language.
Possible projects include, but are not limited to:
- long houses
- women's lodges
- powwow grounds
- heritage parks
- cultural centers
- facilities to support cultural ceremonies, teachings and contact with Elders
The main eligible costs include:
- acquiring permits
- construction plans
- feasibility studies
- project personnel such as construction workers, electricians, plumbers
- acquisition of construction materials
For a full list of eligible and ineligible expenses, consult the type and nature of eligible expenditures section of the terms and conditions.
Who can apply
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis section 35 rights-bearing groups
- Indigenous groups with a signed self-government agreement or modern treaty
- any corporation, foundation, association or other type of organization identified by an eligible recipient, to act as their agent or representative
Deadline
The deadline to apply was December 1, 2021.
More than 340 applications were received from across Canada.
Showcased projects
CSICP started making rolling funding decisions from February 2022 with 65 projects selected to date.
Some of the announced projects include:
- $16 million towards the construction of a new Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (QC) cultural space and multi-purpose building. The new cultural centre will serve as a safe space for community members to share traditional knowledge and culture through a variety of programs, including language revitalization, where Mohawk language speakers will mentor new learners
- $4 million towards the construction of a permanent cultural centre and museum (BC) to display Northern Secwepemc First Nations history. The centre will serve each of the 4 Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw Nations and the Esk'etemc First Nation and operate as a safe space for community members to share traditional knowledge and culture
- $2.3 million in funding for the renovation of Gwich'in Wellness Camp (NT), a culturally-centered wellness camp south of the Town of Inuvik, that will deliver holistic support services in an inclusive and culturally sensitive manner
- $8.93 million towards the construction of Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations' Gukwdzi Project (BC) that will provide a safe space to practice and share culture, traditions, and languages
- $825,000 for the construction of a traditional pit home and museum facility for the Skeetchestn Indian Band (BC). These spaces will help the Skeetchestn Indian Band celebrate and teach others about their culture, and highlight the role of women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ in their community
- $1.24 million for the construction of the Red Turtle Lodge Cultural Centre that will be a hub where members of the Fisher River Cree Nation (MB) will gather, learn and share traditional practices with a special focus on the needs of women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
- $500,000 towards the construction of the Old Massett Village iit'l gudaad – We Remember Haida Heritage Plaza (BC) memorial to commemorate the Haida people and their history, celebrate Haida art and language, and serve as a gathering place for generations to come
- $634,039 in funding to support the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik's Camp Chiputneticook Centre of Excellence (NB). The Centre will be a safe place of belonging where Peskotomuhkati members, especially women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, can gather to explore and learn about their history, traditions, and culture
- $1.13 million contribution towards the Nunamiutuqaq - Building from the Land project (NU) by the Kitikmeot Heritage Society in Cambridge Bay. Nunamiutuqaq will be a welcoming place of belonging where all community members, especially women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, can gather to explore and learn about their history, traditions, and culture.
- $142,313 to support the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (SK) establish the scope, design and feasibility for two new cultural centres in northern Saskatchewan: one in the north to serve and support Dene communities, and one in the south to serve and support Cree communities.
- $2.85 million towards the Chief Elsie Bouchie Cultural Camp (MB), named in honour of Berens River First Nation's first female Chief. The camp will support women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people on their journey as they restore, reclaim and strengthen their identity.
- A contribution of $348,150 to support the Métis Nation of Ontario (ON) establish the scope, design and feasibility for two culture and language camps.
- $3,826,659 towards the Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project (BC) that will provide a safe and accessible healing space for the youth aged 12 to 29, especially women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
- $1.77 million towards the Big Grassy First Nation Cultural Space and Shelter for Women (ON). By combining the shelter and gathering and healing areas into one facility, the community will provide a safe location for members to deliver culturally relevant programs and language courses.
Contact us
For more information please contact Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
Related links
- Contributions to Support the Establishment and Revitalization of Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities
- Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program Project Funding Application (PAW# 9739545)
- Progress/Activity Report template 2022-23 (print only PDF DCI# 4548549) PDF Version (202 KB, 3 pages)
- 2021 National Action Plan