2025-2026 Reporting on the Calls for Justice: 2.1 to 2.7: Culture

The Canada Media Fund: Invested $940,000 for the Changing Narratives Fund for 2025-2026, of which $457,722 (49%) supported three Indigenous projects:

• Shine Bright: Indigenous Showrunner Mentorship Intensive received $130,582
  • An eight month Indigenous-led initiative supporting five Indigenous women writers, producers and emerging showrunners to develop an original TV project that provides mentorship, business and legal training and culturally grounded guidance to strengthen leadership capacity
  • Offered nationally and delivered virtually to participants in a minimum of three provinces and territories
• Digital Stewardship and Indigenous Storytelling received $64,020
  • The Culture Capture Project mentors and trains Indigenous and Métis creators focused on photogrammetry and digital asset creation, and is offered nationally through a hybrid model
  • 12 participants digitize culturally significant objects and create story-based contextualization rooted in community memory
• Indigenous Futures Virtual Production Training Program (Manitoba): $263,120
  • The Indigenous Futures Media Centre produces a two-part training initiative providing 29 Indigenous creators with foundational and advanced virtual production skills that blends technical instruction with Indigenous storytelling approaches, and expands access to immersive media technologies

The Local Journalism Initiative: In October 2025, the Department of Canadian Heritage entered into a contribution agreement with Community Media Coalition (as represented by the Community Radio Fund of Canada) for the implementation of the Changing Narratives Fund stream of the Local Journalism Initiative, covering the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027. Information about the projects funded in 2025-2026 are not available at this time as implementation is still under way.

Collective Initiatives Component of the Canada Periodical Fund: Information about the projects funded in 2025-2026 is not available at this time.

The Changing Narratives Fund responds to, and advances the recognition of, Call for Justice 2.1 by supporting the rights of Indigenous communities to share their stories and perspectives in the media and cultural sectors.

The expected outcomes of the Changing Narratives Fund include the following:

• increased number of industry development initiatives undertaken by magazine and community newspaper associations
• sector (for example, media and cultural sectors) development is supported
• professional development opportunities nurture and develop the talent of diverse communities
• Canadians appreciate the diversity of the Canadian population
• diverse communities participate in the culture and media sectors

In 2024, the Government committed $10 million over three years, starting in 2024-2025, to the Department of Canadian Heritage to support the implementation of the Changing Narratives Fund.

In 2025-2026, the Museums Assistance Program funded 30 new projects led by Indigenous organizations and governing bodies under its Indigenous Heritage component, in addition to funding provided to 14 ongoing projects approved in previous fiscal years. Approximately 55% of the Museums Assistance Program's funding for new projects was allocated under the Indigenous Heritage component.

In response to growing needs, the program continues to support the rematriation and repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings to their communities. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the program supported 10 new repatriation-related projects through the Indigenous Heritage component, for a total funding amount of $819,080.

The Museums Assistance Program, Indigenous Heritage Component responds to Call for Justice 2.1 by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations to preserve, present, and promote Indigenous cultural heritage in ways that uphold Indigenous Peoples' inherent rights to culture and languages. By prioritizing Indigenous-led exhibits, research, and educational programming, the program supports Indigenous voices to lead the interpretation of their own histories and cultural teachings within museums and cultural institutions. Funding can also support revitalization of cultural practices and improved access to heritage collections, helping strengthen community-defined transmission of knowledge across generations. The program further builds Indigenous cultural sector capacity by supporting professional development, training opportunities, and internships for staff and heritage workers. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from safe and affirming spaces where Indigenous identities, cultures, and histories are honoured, and where truths about colonial violence are acknowledged in ways that strengthen understanding, reduce racism, and support community wellbeing.

• Indigenous-led cultural representation and interpretation: Supports Indigenous organizations to lead the research, curation, and storytelling of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and cultures in museums and cultural institutions, shifting representation toward Indigenous-authored narratives
• Preservation and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage: Funds preservation activities and improved collections management practices that safeguard cultural materials and strengthen long-term access for Indigenous communities and future generations
• Expanded public learning and truth-telling: Enables Indigenous-led exhibits, travelling exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational programming that help Canadians learn the true history of Canada and counter stereotypes and anti-Indigenous racism
• Stronger Indigenous cultural-sector workforce and leadership: Supports professional development, training, and internships that build Indigenous capacity and expertise in heritage work, strengthening Indigenous leadership within the sector over time
• Safer and affirming cultural spaces for families and survivors: Contributes to environments where Indigenous identities and histories are honoured and colonial harms are acknowledged, supporting more respectful public narratives for families, survivors, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis

In 2025-2026, over $2.7 million was provided to 44 Indigenous recipients, including:

• 36 First Nations organizations
• one Inuit organization
• one Métis organization
• one urban Indigenous organization
• five multi-distinction organizations

In 2025-2026, NAB provided $7.9 million to 22 clients. This funding supports the production and distribution of radio and television programming in the North, with almost half of the programming produced and broadcast in Indigenous languages.

In 2024-2025, 20 organizations produced 98,537 hours of new hours of radio content, which included 45,641 hours of new Indigenous language programming. NAB also funded five organizations to produce 205 hours of new Indigenous language television content.

Key highlights and successes made possible through NAB funding included:

• the Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon honoured their 40th anniversary with a widely attended public celebration
• the Northern Native Broadcasting (Terrace) presented several important cultural activities to their communities, such as the All-Native Basketball Tournament and Hoobiyee. Hoobiyee is an event that brings together community members to honor traditions and share in the joy of ceremonial performances
• the Native Communications Inc. was nominated for Best Country Station and Best Morning Show by the Manitoba Country Music Awards
• there was a steady increase in listenership throughout the year for Minahik Achimowin Inc.'s Cree news segments. These segments span the Cree homeland and beyond, reaching Northern Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia

NAB responds to Call for Justice 2.1 by ensuring Indigenous Peoples can use, protect, and strengthen their languages and cultures through broadcasting and community-led language initiatives. NAB objectives include protecting and enhancing Indigenous languages and cultures by supporting the production of culturally relevant Indigenous broadcast programming.

• Sustains Indigenous-language media in the North: Supports ongoing production and distribution of radio, television, and online programming in Indigenous languages. This helps people maintain everyday access to language in remote and northern communities where other local-language media options may be limited
• Strengthens identity, place, and belonging through community storytelling: By supporting Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities to lead cultural programming that reflects local needs, the program supports intergenerational transfer of stories, teachings, and cultural knowledge across generations. This can reinforce connection for families, survivors, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis
• Improves access to culturally relevant information and community safety messaging: Indigenous broadcasters can quickly share community announcements, public safety information, and culturally grounded messaging in Indigenous languages. This supports clearer communication through more trusted channels for people who rely on Indigenous-language media
• Advances representation in Canadian media systems: NAB-funded producers increase the visibility of authentic Indigenous voices and perspectives through platforms such as APTN and Uvagut TV. In this way, they contribute to broader public understanding of Indigenous histories and lived realities

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting has stable funding of $7.9 million annually to support Indigenous broadcasters that produce and distribute radio and television programming in the North, with a large percentage of programming produced in Indigenous languages.

Indigenous partner involvement, through consultation and co-operation on implementation of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, remains ongoing, including through approximately 197 Justice-led meetings held between April 2025 and March 2026, with Indigenous partners. Justice Canada has also supported the creation of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan Advisory Committee (APAC), which began its work in Spring 2025. The Committee will provide valuable expertise and advice as the Minister implements the Shared Priorities measures in the Action Plan, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples and with other federal ministers. This could include advice on measures relating to Indigenous participation in decision-making, free, prior, and informed consent, and mechanisms for oversight and accountability, among others. The APAC is an Indigenous-led, independent body made up of 10 experts from diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis backgrounds and experiences, including Historic and Modern Treaty partners. The Committee reflects distinct perspectives shaped by Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences, including Indigenous people living in urban areas, regional and gender diversity. The establishment is an important step in advancing implementation of measure 22 of the Shared Priorities chapter of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan.

In line with section 7 of UN Declaration Act, the 2025-2026 annual report on implementation will be prepared by June 30, 2026, and tabled in Parliament thereafter. The 2025-2026 annual report, as well as previous annual reports, can be found on the Department of Justice Canada's website when it becomes available: Annual progress reports on implementing the UN Declaration Act. Ongoing engagement is focused on supporting implementation of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, monitoring progress, and ensuring opportunities for periodic renewal and co-development of new priorities.

The UN Declaration Actresponds to Call for Justice 2.1 by affirming the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples as outlined in the UN Declaration, including the right to self-determination, equality, and freedom from all forms of discrimination and violence. By requiring that Canadian laws be brought into alignment with the UN Declaration over time, the UN Declaration Act promotes the structural and legislative changes necessary to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples to health, security, justice, and culture. Implementation of the UN Declaration Act is grounded in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that federal priorities are informed by Indigenous rights holders and organizations. The UN Declaration Act Action Plan provides a national roadmap to guide legal and policy reforms and builds on the commitments of the federal government to uphold Indigenous rights in all areas of public life, including social, economic, legal, and cultural spheres. Through its obligations and mechanisms for transparency, the UN Declaration Act represents a concrete step toward meeting Canada's human rights responsibilities and fulfilling the foundational principles of Call for Justice 2.1.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities impacted by violence benefit from the UN Declaration Act through the government's formal recognition of their rights and dignity. The UN Declaration Act contributes to addressing root causes of violence by reflecting the UN Declaration's focus on Indigenous Peoples' rights to cultural identity, self-governance, and equitable access to justice and services. The UN Declaration Act Action Plan a long-term framework for Indigenous-led transformative change. Specific funding for Indigenous organizations, including those representing women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, youth, and urban Indigenous populations, supports inclusive engagement and ensures that the most impacted voices are shaping the future of rights implementation in Canada. These efforts contribute to the creation of safer, more equitable systems that protect and uphold the well-being and security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

• Reduces systemic barriers: Supports review and amendment of Canadian laws over time to align with Indigenous rights, reducing legislative and policy barriers rooted in colonialism
• Centres Indigenous rights and priorities: Affirms Indigenous Peoples' right to self-determination, and leadership in the development and implementation of the UNDA Action Plan
• Supports gender and identity inclusion: Provides capacity funding for Indigenous women's organizations, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and urban Indigenous organizations to participate in implementation
• Advances legal and policy transformation: Initiates broad legal and policy shifts through the implementation of the UN Declaration across all federal departments and agencies
• Provides accountability mechanisms: Requires annual reports to Parliament and supports transparency and progress tracking through indicators and engagement

The Government invested $26 million over two years starting in 2021 for Indigenous partners to participate in developing the UN Declaration Act Action Plan. A further investment of $37 million over five years, starting in 2023-2024, supports consultation and cooperation, with $4 million ongoing, to support Indigenous partners participation in UN Declaration Act implementation.

Highlights included:

• $60,000 allocated to Native Earth Performing Arts Animikiig Creators Unit, an established Indigenous theatre organization known for launching the careers of numerous Indigenous theatre artists
  • Entering its 13th season, the Animikiig Creators Unit is a two-year program that supports emerging Indigenous creators with multidisciplinary performing arts practices as they realize the beginnings of an idea into works-in-progress
• $250,000 allocated to Mawi'Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective's Wabanaki Arts Training Program, to provide artists access to resources and experiences, such as art shows and exhibitions, residencies in all four Atlantic provinces, professional development, and training
  • Training is provided in Wabanaki customary art practices, such as: ash basketry, beading, quillwork, wood carving, masks and/or paddles, Wabanaki iconography and cultural history explored through drawing and/or painting
• $200,000 allocated to Mawiamalga'tijig / Mawokahtine Intercultural Indigenous Dance Program is an Indigenous-led training. The Program offers Indigenous dance, ballet, and contemporary dance using Indigenous methodologies
  • Indigenous knowledge and learning practices bring together layered concepts, such as the importance of language and the geography of stories, cosmologies and world views, relationality and accountability, and a connection to reconciliation

The Canada Arts Training Fund responds to part of Call for Justice 2.2roman numeral 2ii by providing increased financial support to established and new Indigenous-led arts training programs. This commitment recognizes Indigenous languages as integral to cultural identity and sustainability. The program ensures that training institutions respect self-determination in the sharing of Indigenous knowledge and provide students with the opportunity to connect or reconnect with their cultural heritage. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from the way this initiative cultivates cultural resurgence, enhances language preservation, and equips Indigenous artists with the skills necessary to sustain and grow their artistic practices in alignment with their identities and traditions.

• Cultural revitalization and language preservation: Supports Indigenous-led training programs that integrate traditional practices, stories, and languages. Strengthens opportunities for Indigenous students to engage with their languages and cultural teachings through artistic education
• Sustained Indigenous artistic excellence: Provides funding stability for Indigenous arts organizations specializing in professional training
• Career development: Prepares emerging Indigenous artists for careers across a broad range of disciplines, including music, theatre, dance, and visual arts

Part of a $5 million increase to the CATF announced in 2022 is directly tied to Call for Justice 2.2roman numeral 2ii. This permanent increase was phased in progressively over three years, between 2022-2023 and 2024-2025.

In 2024-2025, the total amount allocated to recurring and new Indigenous arts training programs was $2,435,000. Of that total, $560,000 of the funding approved for 2024-2025 was part of the $5 million increase that was phased in between 2022-2023 and 2024-2025.

and service expansion. The Program provides funding for First Nations communities and organizations in the other regions with support from a First Nations Review Committee; in addition to supporting multi-distinction and urban Indigenous organizations for language revitalization projects serving urban Indigenous populations.

The Listen, Hear Our Voices initiative responds to Call for Justice 2.2roman numeral 2ii by investing in the work required to revitalize and restore Indigenous cultures and languages. This Call for Justice acknowledges the need for sustained financial support to ensure that Indigenous communities can lead their own cultural and language revitalization efforts effectively. By providing direct funding for digitization projects, the initiative enhances Indigenous-led documentation, preservation, and revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit by gaining access to culturally significant records that reinforce identity, language retention, and historical continuity, all of which are critical to supporting healing and cultural resilience.

• Increased access to cultural records: Enables Indigenous communities to digitize and preserve language and cultural records for future generations.
• Strengthened cultural identity: Ensures Indigenous languages and traditions remain accessible and celebrated.
• Empowerment through self-determination: Indigenous governments and organizations lead their own digitization projects, ensuring culturally appropriate methods.

2021 investments allocated $14.9 million over four years, with $2,962,843 allocated to Listen, Hear Our Voices. Library and Archives Canada provides funding through to Indigenous communities for small projects (up to $24,999) and large projects ($25,000-$100,000).

An evaluation of the FNCFS program is currently underway. The objective of the evaluation is to document the evolution of the program; more specifically, to assess, the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Program and the incremental reforms that were implemented. The evaluation seeks to inform decision-making for program improvements. Engagement with partners is currently underway.

Key developments for the FNCFS Program in 2025-2026 include:

• continued delivery of culturally grounded prevention and protection services, post-majority support services, First Nations Representative Services
• delivery of information sessions with Ontario agencies and First Nations on anticipated transitions
• continued engagement with the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation on the Ontario Final Agreement
• continued collaboration with partners to uphold and integrate the principles of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families

The FNCFS program responds to part of Call for Justice 2.2roman numeral 2ii by embedding the safety, well-being, and best interests of First Nations children at the core of its design, while upholding their right to remain connected to their cultures, languages, families, and communities. By supporting First Nations to deliver services grounded in their own customs, and caregiving traditions, the program ensures that interventions are culturally relevant and reflect the lived experiences of First Nations families. Placement decisions prioritize kinship care and community-based options to maintain cultural and relational continuity, minimizing disruption and promoting identity development. Families and children benefit from services that affirm Indigenous knowledge systems and reduce the likelihood of children being removed from their cultural environments, while communities are strengthened through the preservation of relationships, languages, and values across generations.

• Prevents family separation: Prioritizes prevention and early intervention services with the aim of helping families remain together safely; supports early responses to family stressors with the objective of reducing the risk of child apprehension; and, supports kinship care and culturally grounded parenting programs
• Supports intergenerational healing:
  • Seeks to break cycles of intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and the legacy of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, through culturally rooted services designed and delivered by First Nations
  • Provides supports that aim to help families and communities reconnect with cultural teachings, language, and traditional caregiving practices
• Provides holistic, wraparound supports:
  • Funds a wide range of wraparound services that address the underlying drivers of child and family vulnerability, including poverty, food insecurity, inadequate housing, substance use, and mental health challenges
  • Funds post-majority supports for youth aging out of care, such as access to housing, employment, and mental health resources, reducing the risk of homelessness and exploitation
• Promotes cultural continuity and identity: Works to ensure that children remain connected to their cultures, communities, and languages through services delivered by their own Nations, and this cultural grounding builds identity and belonging, critical protective factors that reduce risk and promote healing, particularly for those who have experienced or are at risk of gender-based violence
• Centers the best interests of the child:
  • All services funded through the program are guided by the principles of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, including the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and substantive equality
  • This ensures that interventions prioritize safety, healing, and the long-term well-being of First Nations children within the context of their families and Nations
• Supports First Nation self-determination: As part of the ongoing reform of the FNCFS program and alignment with An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, places greater emphasis on the design and delivery of prevention services and supports (for example, First Nations Representative Services, Post-Majority Support Services) by First Nations in a flexible, community-led, needs-based manner
• Builds community capacity:
  • Invests in the infrastructure, staff, and leadership development needed for First Nations to design, implement, and oversee their own child and family service systems
  • Funding for First Nations Representative Services enables Nations to respond to their unique realities and support families with dignity and care
• Addresses systemic inequities:
  • Continues to address the legacy of discriminatory funding and policy frameworks by transitioning to needs-based models and implementing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal-ordered reforms
  • Enables equitable access to services that are responsive to the actual conditions in First Nations communities, contributing to broader reconciliation, justice, and safety for First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

The federal government allocated $1 billion over five years, starting in 2021, with $118.7 million ongoing to support the FNCFS program. In 2024-2025, $3.87 billion was allocated through the FNCFS program to fund prevention and protection services, post-majority supports, and First Nations Representative Services, ensuring that communities are resourced to meet the needs of children and families in culturally grounded and holistic ways.

Since the Act came into force in 2020, approximately $3.3 billion has been committed to support the overall implementation of the Act to promote Indigenous led service models and implementing their child and family services laws. As of March 31, 2026, there have been 289 First Nations, Inuit and Métis recipients of capacity building funding, to support their jurisdictional development activities and preparations for coordination agreement discussions. There are currently 15 signed agreements (14 with First Nations and one with an Inuit governing body), with more agreements expected to be signed before the end of the fiscal year. More and more Indigenous communities are expressing an intention to exercise jurisdiction under the Act. Additionally, work is continuing on the first legislative review of the provisions and operations of the Act. Preliminary engagement with national Indigenous organizations and provinces and territories began in 2024-2025 to identify preferred approaches to the review process. In 2026 this engagement expanded to regional First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and Indigenous governing bodies through Indigenous-led engagement activities.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 2.2roman numeral 2ii through provisions that recognize the transmission of the languages, cultures, practices, customs, and traditions of Indigenous peoples as integral to cultural continuity. These provisions obligate service providers to ensure that children and people in care have meaningful access to their culture, language, and culturally relevant services. The Act embeds this principle within the legislative framework to ensure long-term systemic change.

Indigenous children, families, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from child and family services systems that uphold cultural identity as a protective factor and a key determinant of well-being. Access to culturally grounded services reduces the risk of isolation and harm, particularly for children in care.

• Strengthens Indigenous jurisdiction: Enables Indigenous communities to reclaim authority over child and family services and enact their own laws
• Reduces overrepresentation: Supports preventive and culturally appropriate approaches to address the structural drivers of child welfare involvement
• Protects the best interest of the child and cultural continuity: Prioritizes the preservation of Indigenous languages, traditions, kinship systems, and identity in care decisions
• Enhances service equity: Mandates national standards that support substantive equality and prohibit child apprehension based on poverty
• Promotes long-term safety and wellness: Improves conditions for Indigenous children and families through sustainable, trauma-informed, and community-led service delivery

The Government is investing to support the implementation of the Act:

• In 2022, it invested $428.1 million over three to ten years
• In 2023, it invested $444.2 million over three years (ending in 2026-2027)
• In 2024, it invested an additional $1.8 billion over 11 years (ending in 2035)
• In 2026, it committed to investing up to $628.4 million over six years (ending 2031)

In 2025-2026, the Indigenous Languages Program continued to implement the Indigenous Languages Act, supporting Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. The Program continued enabling distinctions-based funding models, in their third year of operation, which provided First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners with greater autonomy, long-term funding, and better responsiveness to their distinct needs and language revitalization priorities.

As part of the ongoing five-year funding agreements launched in 2023-2024, the ILP allocated $45.1 million to First Nations regionally designated organizations in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. These organizations continued to work with First Nations communities and organizations to advance regional language priorities, including language initiatives that support Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The ILP allocated approximately $1.9 million to the Cree Nation Government, as part of an agreement totalling $6.8 million, for the implementation of their multi-year language revitalization strategy that began in 2024-2025.

In regions where a First Nations regionally designated organization have not yet been established, ILP continued to directly support First Nations communities through single- and multi-year proposal-based agreements. The funding supports a wide range of language projects such as immersion programs, language nests, mentor-apprentice programs, instructor training, and resource development.

An approximate $17.1 million has also been allocated to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivik Corporation, and the Nunatsiavut Government as part of five-year agreements totalling $92.1 million that began in 2023-2024 supporting Inuktut language revitalization. Ongoing funding enables these Inuit land claim organizations to advance strategies that strengthen access and use of Inuktut across Inuit Nunangat.

Canadian Heritage continued to work with 21 federal departments and agencies through an interdepartmental working-level committee to explore opportunities to increase access to federal services in Inuktut in Nunavut. Through this engagement, a 'What We Heard' report has been completed which includes services currently being offered in Inuktut in Nunavut by departments, current capacity to provide services in Inuktut, and the gaps that exist as it relates to capacity and demand. Building on the report findings, PCH is working to identify opportunities to further enhance access to federal services in Indigenous languages. This works builds on earlier senior-level steering committee work initiated in 2022.

In 2025-2026, the ILP allocated approximately $11.4 million to the five Métis Nations (the Métis Nations British Columbia, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government within Alberta, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Métis Nation of Ontario) as part of the ongoing five-year funding agreements totalling $61.4 million that began in 2023-2024 supporting the implementation of Métis Nations language revitalization strategies. These initiatives include the development of language resources, the delivery of language instruction activities, language capacity building within organizations, as well as regional and local language planning.

Finally, to support multi-distinction and urban Indigenous language priorities, the ILP allocated approximately $6.1 million through single- and multi-year funding agreements that enable sustained language revitalization programming in urban and multi-distinction contexts across Canada. Organizations such as the National Association of Friendship Centres continue to deliver projects that assess needs of Indigenous urban populations, support Indigenous language programming in urban spaces, and promote knowledge sharing.

Canadian Heritage responds to Call for Justice 2.2roman numeral 2ii by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in implementing multi-year strategies and a variety of language projects for the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages through the Indigenous Languages Component.

Through grassroots-led revitalization efforts, the distinctions-based funding models increase Indigenous autonomy and control over funding decisions, supports predicable long-term funding agreements to support multi-year strategies, and responds to the distinct needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities over their languages. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program as it works to support the transmission of Indigenous languages to future generations.

• Sustainable funding for language revitalization: Investments in Indigenous language programming
• Indigenous-led approaches to language revitalization: Supports self-determined approaches to language revitalization through community-driven initiatives
• Increased accessibility to Indigenous languages: Strengthens opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to learn and use their languages in various aspects of daily life
• Indigenous-led funding decisions: Provides greater autonomy to Indigenous communities to address language revitalization priorities for various Indigenous populations, including Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• Long-term and predictable support: Moves away from short-term project-based funding to multi-year strategies
• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge: Supports the digitization and documentation of Indigenous languages
• Interdepartmental coordination to expand access to federal services in Inuktuk: Enhances collaboration between federal departments to increase access to services in Inuktut starting in Nunavut
• Increased number of Inuktut educators: Supports the training and hiring of Inuktut-speaking teachers

Ongoing funding totaling approximately $119.4 million per year is allocated to Canadian Heritage's Indigenous Languages Component to support the efforts of Indigenous communities and organizations in revitalizing their Indigenous languages.

In 2025-2026, building on the multi-year agreements established as of 2023-2024, Canadian Heritage continued working with the four First Nations regionally designated organizations and the Cree Nation Government in Québec, the four Inuit land-claim organizations and five Métis Nations in the implementation of these agreements to support their respective regional language strategies and service expansion. The Program provides funding for First Nations communities and organizations in the other regions with support from a First Nations Review Committee; in addition to supporting multi-distinction and urban Indigenous organizations for language revitalization projects serving urban Indigenous populations.

Land-based programming: Dechinta continues to offer land-based university accredited programming in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon, blending academic instruction with on-the-land learning led by Elders, faculty, and knowledge holders.

• In Spring and Summer 2025, Dechinta ran an accredited hide camp program in Inuvik, where all participants were Indigenous women, and many brought their families.
• In the summer and fall of 2025 Dechinta ran three courses in collaboration with the Dena Keyah Institute. This was the first iteration of the Kaska Land Stewardship, co-developed with Kaska Elders over the last 2 years with a cohort of 14 Kaska Dena students. These students are Dene-speaking people who live in southern Yukon.
• In Fall 2025, Dechinta ran its first accredited program in partnership with Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Whitehorse Yukon.
• In January and February 2026 Dechinta will be running two accredited programs in Yellowknives Dene First Nation Territory.

Increased program accessibility for remote learners: Dechinta continues to enhance accessibility for students from remote communities by continuing to cover travel costs, accommodations, culturally appropriate child-care, and food for participants, ensuring full participation without financial burden.

Active research and knowledge mobilization initiatives: Dechinta advances long-term capacity building and sustainable change in Northern communities through accessible knowledge sharing, including academic publications, presentations, workshops, community reports, and collaborative research. All research practices are guided by the Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) principles, ensuring First Nations govern data collection and retain full authority over how their information is used. Dechinta also supports and facilitates Northern Indigenous-led (including Dene, Inuit and Inuvialuit) research initiatives on topics such as wellness, language revitalization, climate change, and governance.

Expanded partnerships with academic institutions: Dechinta maintains and strengthens partnerships with institutions working in education in the North on an ongoing basis. Dechinta's university accredited courses are currently in partnership with the University of British Colombia.

The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning responds to part of Call for Justice 2.3 by ensuring Indigenous individuals have permanent, meaningful access to their cultures and teachings through land-based learning experiences. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities are served by the way the Centre invests in strengthening students' Indigenous cultural identity, reclaiming traditional knowledge, and ensuring future generations have access to Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

• Access to Indigenous culture and teachings: Dechinta provides land-based education that immerses students in Indigenous knowledge, traditional practices, and languages
• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge: Elders, community leaders, and academics collaboratively deliver programs that sustain and revitalize Indigenous teachings
• Education within communities: By delivering courses in the North, Dechinta ensures Indigenous learners can access post-secondary education without leaving their communities
• Increased educational opportunities: Indigenous students have access to post-secondary education that acknowledges and integrates their cultural context
• Indigenous-led learning: Courses are designed and delivered by Elders, knowledge holders, and Indigenous community members
• Wraparound supports: Mental health, academic, and logistical supports ensure students can succeed in higher education while remaining in their communities
• Revitalization of Indigenous healing practices: Dechinta integrates land-based health teachings into its curriculum, reinforcing traditional healing knowledge
• Intergenerational learning: Elders and knowledge holders share wisdom that strengthens cultural identity and well-being
• Accessible health education: Land-based programming offers students practical knowledge on traditional healing, environmental stewardship, and community wellness
• Education reflecting Inuit and Inuvialuit needs: Programs incorporate Inuit and Inuvialuit knowledge, language, and governance perspectives
• Retention of Northern students: By providing local, land-based post-secondary education, Dechinta reduces barriers to higher education for Indigenous students in the North
• Strengthened community leadership: Courses in governance and law empower Inuit and Inuvialuit students with tools for self-determination
• Culturally-specific curriculum: Inuit and Inuvialuit worldviews are embedded in program content, ensuring education is relevant to students' lived experiences
• Support for Indigenous languages: Courses encourage the use and preservation of Indigenous languages, supporting language revitalization
• Education for future generations: Dechinta strengthens the knowledge sector in the North by training Indigenous students as future educators and leaders

Since 2019, Dechinta has received $18.17 million, with an additional $150,000 in 2023 for wildfire recovery support. This includes $5.2 million over two years (starting in 2024-2025) to continue supporting Dechinta's educational programming. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada administers the funding for Dechinta.

In 2025-2026, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) continued to support First Nations in delivering high-quality elementary and secondary education. Through the Elementary and Secondary Education Program, ISC funded 541 First Nations-administered education programs across Canada, supporting approximately 120,500 First Nations students ordinarily resident on reserve to attend schools both on and off reserve. Between 2016-17 and 2025-2026, enrolment in First Nations-administered full-day kindergarten has increased by 115%. In 2025-2026, 94% of students attending First Nations administered schools were taught at least one subject in a First Nations language, and approximately 95% of students were provided with culturally-based curriculum or land-based learning services.

Budget 2025 proposed to introduce legislation to make the National School Food program permanent, and provide a total of $216.6 million per year, starting in 2029-2030 on an ongoing basis, which will maintain the funding currently provided by ISC of $47.5 million per year.

Regional Education Agreements: In 2025-2026, ISC continued to support First Nations in pursuing Regional Education Agreements (REAs) as a key mechanism to advance self-determination and improve educational outcomes. To date, 12 REAs have been signed, 10 of which are currently active and collectively support approximately 30,000 First Nations elementary and secondary students across six provinces.

Adult Education: 2025-2026 marks Year 4 of the five-year investment in Adult Education made through Budget 2021. Indigenous Services Canada has continued support for First Nations adult learners on reserve and in the North to prepare for, complete, upgrade, or obtain equivalency certification for their secondary education.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Program responds to part of Call for Justice 2.3 through a new policy and funding approach that includes before- and after-school programming and support for language and cultural programming.

The before- and after-school program funding responds to Call for Justice 2.3 as it is expected to support parents and primary caregivers in balancing work and family and could also reduce barriers by providing more opportunities for parents to attend school or enter and remain in the workforce.

The language and cultural programming responds to Call for Justice 2.3 as it provides approximately $1,500 per student per year to support language and culture programming in on-reserve schools. Funding supports Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people have permanent, meaningful access to their cultures and languages through education. Families, survivors and Indigenous communities benefit from sustainable funding for and improved access to quality Indigenous-led and culturally relevant schooling for students.

On April 1, 2019, the federal government implemented a new co-developed policy and funding approach for First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve. ISC provides, at a minimum, funding that is based on what students receive in provincial schools, plus adaptations and additional national common investments, including language and culture, full-day kindergarten for children aged 4 and 5, before- and after-school programming, and school food programming.

Budget 2025 proposed to introduce legislation to make the National School Food program permanent, and provide a total of $216.6 million per year, starting in 2029 to 2030 on an ongoing basis, which will maintain the funding currently provided by ISC of $47.5 million per year.

In 2025-2026, the Government of Canada allocated $3.5 billion for Elementary and Secondary Education on reserve.

Regional Education Agreements: In 2022, the Government of Canada invested an additional $310.6 million over five years to better support elementary and secondary student outcomes through a regional education agreement with FNEC.

In 2025-2026, the Government of Canada has continued to distribute the allocated funding from Budget 2025.

Adult Education: In 2021, the Government invested $350 million over five years to ensure all First Nations across the country have access to supports for adult education regardless of provincial levels of support.

The entire 2025-2026 allocation amount of $60,771,872 was distributed to recipients in support of Adult Education programming.

An evaluation of the FNCFS program is currently underway. The objective of the evaluation is to document the evolution of the program; more specifically, to assess, the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Program and the incremental reforms that were implemented. The evaluation seeks to inform decision-making for program improvements. Engagement with partners is currently underway.

Key developments for the FNCFS Program in 2025-2026 include:

• continued delivery of culturally grounded prevention and protection services, post-majority support services, First Nations Representative Services
• delivery of information sessions with Ontario agencies and First Nations on anticipated transitions
• continued engagement with the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation on the Ontario Final Agreement
• continued collaboration with partners to uphold and integrate the principles of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families

The FNCFS program responds to part of Call for Justice 2.3 by funding child and family services that uphold the right of First Nations children, youth, and families to access their cultures and traditions through care that is grounded in First Nations values and ways of being. By enabling First Nations to design and deliver prevention and First Nations representative services, the program supports permanent, meaningful access to cultural teachings and family structures that promote identity, healing, and community connection. These services help restore and sustain Indigenous caregiving practices disrupted by colonial policies, fostering intergenerational learning and resilience. Families and children benefit from care that validates their cultural knowledge and promotes belonging, while communities are empowered to reclaim responsibility for raising children in accordance with their own customs and teachings.

• Prevents family separation: Prioritizes prevention and early intervention services with the aim of helping families remain together safely; supports early responses to family stressors with the objective of reducing the risk of child apprehension; and, supports kinship care and culturally grounded parenting programs
• Supports intergenerational healing:
  • Seeks to break cycles of intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and the legacy of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, through culturally rooted services designed and delivered by First Nations
  • Provides supports that aim to help families and communities reconnect with cultural teachings, language, and traditional caregiving practices
• Provides holistic, wraparound supports:
  • Funds a wide range of wraparound services that address the underlying drivers of child and family vulnerability, including poverty, food insecurity, inadequate housing, substance use, and mental health challenges
  • Funds post-majority supports for youth aging out of care, such as access to housing, employment, and mental health resources, reducing the risk of homelessness and exploitation
• Promotes cultural continuity and identity: Works to ensure that children remain connected to their cultures, communities, and languages through services delivered by their own Nations, and this cultural grounding builds identity and belonging, critical protective factors that reduce risk and promote healing, particularly for those who have experienced or are at risk of gender-based violence
• Centers the best interests of the child:
  • All services funded through the program are guided by the principles of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, including the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and substantive equality
  • This ensures that interventions prioritize safety, healing, and the long-term well-being of First Nations children within the context of their families and Nations
• Supports First Nation self-determination: As part of the ongoing reform of the FNCFS program and alignment with An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, places greater emphasis on the design and delivery of prevention services and supports (for example, First Nations Representative Services, Post-Majority Support Services) by First Nations in a flexible, community-led, needs-based manner
• Builds community capacity:
  • Invests in the infrastructure, staff, and leadership development needed for First Nations to design, implement, and oversee their own child and family service systems
  • Funding for First Nations Representative Services enables Nations to respond to their unique realities and support families with dignity and care
• Addresses systemic inequities:
  • Continues to address the legacy of discriminatory funding and policy frameworks by transitioning to needs-based models and implementing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal-ordered reforms
  • Enables equitable access to services that are responsive to the actual conditions in First Nations communities, contributing to broader reconciliation, justice, and safety for First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

The federal government allocated $1 billion over five years, starting in 2021, with $118.7 million ongoing to support the FNCFS program. In 2024-2025, $3.87 billion was allocated through the FNCFS program to fund prevention and protection services, post-majority supports, and First Nations Representative Services, ensuring that communities are resourced to meet the needs of children and families in culturally grounded and holistic ways. In 2025-2026, ISC is expecting funding levels to be similar to the previous year.

Since the Act came into force in 2020, approximately $3.3 billion has been committed to support the overall implementation of the Act to promote Indigenous led service models and implementing their child and family services laws. As of March 31, 2026, there have been 289 First Nations, Inuit and Métis recipients of capacity building funding, to support their jurisdictional development activities and preparations for coordination agreement discussions. There are currently 15 signed agreements (14 with First Nations and one with an Inuit governing body), with more agreements expected to be signed before the end of the fiscal year. More and more Indigenous communities are expressing an intention to exercise jurisdiction under the Act. Additionally, work is continuing on the first legislative review of the provisions and operations of the Act. Preliminary engagement with national Indigenous organizations and provinces and territories began in 2024-2025 to identify preferred approaches to the review process. In 2026 this engagement expanded to regional First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and Indigenous governing bodies through Indigenous-led engagement activities.

• Strengthens Indigenous jurisdiction: Enables Indigenous communities to reclaim authority over child and family services and enact their own laws
• Reduces overrepresentation: Supports preventive and culturally appropriate approaches to address the structural drivers of child welfare involvement
• Protects the best interest of the child and cultural continuity: Prioritizes the preservation of Indigenous languages, traditions, kinship systems, and identity in care decisions
• Enhances service equity: Mandates national standards that support substantive equality and prohibit child apprehension based on poverty
• Promotes long-term safety and wellness: Improves conditions for Indigenous children and families through sustainable, trauma-informed, and community-led service delivery

The Government is investing to support the implementation of the Act:

• In 2022, it invested $428.1 million over three to ten years
• In 2023, it invested $444.2 million over three years (ending in 2026-2027)
• In 2024, it invested an additional $1.8 billion over 11 years (ending in 2035)
• In 2026, it committed to investing up to $628.4 million over six years (ending 2031)

Throughout the 2025-2026 fiscal year, meaningful progress was advanced by Indigenous partners and the IELCC Secretariat towards ensuring all Indigenous children have access to high‑quality, culturally strong early learning and child care (ELCC). Federal IELCC investments continued to be delivered to Indigenous partners through a distinctions‑based approach, guided by approximately 60 Indigenous ELCC National and Regional Partnership Tables and/or bilateral arrangements. This partnership‑driven model supports Indigenous leaders at national and regional levels to direct funding allocations toward a wide range of community‑identified priorities. In 2025-2026, investments supported governance and capacity building, enhancements to programs and services, infrastructure repairs and renovations (both minor and major capital), and continued strengthening of legacy programs, including the Aboriginal Head Start and First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative programs. Indigenous partners also advanced workforce development by investing in wage-grid development, targeted training, and partnerships with colleges/training institutions to recruit, train and retain Indigenous Early Childhood Educators.

In addition to the progress achieved through the IELCC Initiative's distinctions‑based funding, Indigenous organizations also advanced meaningful work supported by investments from the IELCC Quality Improvement Projects fund.

Highlights include:

• $649,187 was allocated to 2-Spirited Peoples of the First Nations' 2-Spirit Children and Caregiver Knowledge Sharing Project as part of IELCC's Quality Improvement Projects funding.
  • This project aims to develop a specialized resource guide and deliver culturally tailored training for Two-Spirit children and caregivers.
  • Rooted in the teachings of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, these resources and training sessions will ensure that care providers offer culturally appropriate and inclusive support for Two-Spirit children and their caregivers.
• $546,940 was allocated to Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's Enriching Métis Early Learners and Creating Métis-Specific Early Learning Tools as part of IELCC's the Quality Improvement Projects funding.
  • It aims to develop high quality, culturally-relevant and accessible tools and resources for Métis early learners and IELCC staff.
• $635,421 was allocated to Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society's Improving Early Learning and Child Care Quality for Indigenous Children with Disabilities in Nunavut project as part of IELCC's Quality Improvement Projects funding.
  • This project supports efforts to identify existing opportunities and gaps for children with disabilities; actively involve families in shaping an inclusive child care system; develop culturally relevant curricula and training on inclusive programs; and implement a quality assurance and evaluation framework to ensure programs effectively meet the unique needs of children with disabilities in Nunavut.
• $354,149 was allocated to Gift Lake Métis Settlement Association's Gift Lake Aboriginal Head Start Improvement Initiative as part of IELCC's the Quality Improvement Projects funding.
  • This project will support the development of new Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) programming, including the establishment of language nests, opportunities for children to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning, the creation of culturally sensitive learning environments, and the expansion of land-based learning initiatives.

The IELCC Transformation Initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 2.3 by ensuring Indigenous children and families have safe, no-barrier, and meaningful access to culturally rich early learning programs. The initiative enables Indigenous-led curriculum development, integrates Indigenous languages into child care settings, and invests in community-based, culturally appropriate child care spaces. The program ensures that children have access to strong cultural foundations that may contribute to their long-term well-being. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit from an education system that affirms their identity and strengthens intergenerational connections.

• Equitable access to education: Ensures that Indigenous children and families have access to high-quality, culturally appropriate early learning education. Targeted investments are made based on a recognition of the barriers that Inuit communities face in accessing education, including geographic isolation, lack of resources, and the need for culturally relevant curriculum
• Investment in Indigenous-led educational programs: Supports Indigenous-led, community-driven education that reflects community specific knowledge, language, and traditions
• Inuktut language integration: Expands Inuit-led language immersion programs in child care settings
• Investment in Inuit-led educational programs: Supports Inuit-led, community-driven education that reflects Inuit knowledge, language, and traditions and expands programs that preserve and revitalize Inuit culture, particularly in early learning settings
• Michif language integration: Expands Michif-led language immersion programs in child care settings
• Investment in Métis-led educational programs: Supports Métis-led, community-driven education that reflects Métis knowledge, language, and traditions and expands programs that preserve and revitalize Inuit culture, particularly in early learning settings

The IELCC Initiative is supported by a permanent and ongoing funding structure.

The majority of federal Indigenous ELCC investments are housed in flexible distinctions-based funding envelopes to enable Indigenous leaders at the national and regional level to direct funding allocations at any number of priorities.

In 2025-2026 the total IELCC funding for each distinction includes $574.4 million for First Nations-led child care; $57.8 million for Inuit-specific early learning programs; and $194.4 million for Métis Nation-directed child care services.

The remaining 2025-2026 IELCC funding is not dedicated to the distinctions-based funding envelopes. Instead, $16 million is dedicated to the Quality Improvement Projects fund that finances projects that foster innovation and quality improvement in IELCC. Similarly, funding is also provided through the three IELCC Legacy funding streams. In 2025-2026, $42 million was dedicated to the Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve program, $29 million to the Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities program, and $55 million to the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative. The first three years of repair and renovation funding was federally administered to existing legacy sites, beginning in 2025-2026 Repair and renovation funding is distinction led and within the distinction specific envelopes. This is in addition to any funding that may be allocated to Indigenous communities for ELCC, via funding agreements with provinces and territories.

In 2025-2026, the Indigenous Languages Program continued to implement the Indigenous Languages Act, supporting Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. The Program continued enabling distinctions-based funding models, in their third year of operation, which provided First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners with greater autonomy, long-term funding, and better responsiveness to their distinct needs and language revitalization priorities.

As part of the ongoing five-year funding agreements launched in 2023-2024, the ILP allocated $45.1 million to First Nations regionally designated organizations in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. These organizations continued to work with First Nations communities and organizations to advance regional language priorities, including language initiatives that support Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The ILP allocated approximately $1.9 million to the Cree Nation Government, as part of an agreement totalling $6.8 million, for the implementation of their multi-year language revitalization strategy that began in 2024-2025.

In regions where a First Nations regionally designated organization have not yet been established, ILP continued to directly support First Nations communities through single- and multi-year proposal-based agreements. The funding supports a wide range of language projects such as immersion programs, language nests, mentor-apprentice programs, instructor training, and resource development.

An approximate $17.1 million has also been allocated to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivik Corporation, and the Nunatsiavut Government as part of five-year agreements totalling $92.1 million that began in 2023-2024 supporting Inuktut language revitalization. Ongoing funding enables these Inuit land claim organizations to advance strategies that strengthen access and use of Inuktut across Inuit Nunangat.

Canadian Heritage continued to work with 21 federal departments and agencies through an interdepartmental working-level committee to explore opportunities to increase access to federal services in Inuktut in Nunavut. Through this engagement, a 'What We Heard' report has been completed which includes services currently being offered in Inuktut in Nunavut by departments, current capacity to provide services in Inuktut, and the gaps that exist as it relates to capacity and demand. Building on the report findings, PCH is working to identify opportunities to further enhance access to federal services in Indigenous languages. This works builds on earlier senior-level steering committee work initiated in 2022.

In 2025-2026, the ILP allocated approximately $11.4 million to the five Métis Nations (the Métis Nations British Columbia, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government within Alberta, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Métis Nation of Ontario) as part of the ongoing five-year funding agreements totalling $61.4 million that began in 2023-2024 supporting the implementation of Métis Nations language revitalization strategies. These initiatives include the development of language resources, the delivery of language instruction activities, language capacity building within organizations, as well as regional and local language planning.

Finally, to support multi-distinction and urban Indigenous language priorities, the ILP allocated approximately $6.1 million through single- and multi-year funding agreements that enable sustained language revitalization programming in urban and multi-distinction contexts across Canada. Organizations such as the National Association of Friendship Centres continue to deliver projects that assess needs of Indigenous urban populations, support Indigenous language programming in urban spaces, and promote knowledge sharing.

The Indigenous Languages Program contributes to part of Call for Justice 2.3 through the jointly developed distinction-based funding models for Indigenous languages that move away from a departmental-led call-for-applications that supports short-term projects to a new approach that provides greater Indigenous autonomy and long-term predictable funding. This approach is specifically tailored to the distinct needs and priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, including language revitalization initiatives which target Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+.

Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this new approach as they can access culturally relevant language revitalization initiatives tailored to their specific needs.

• Sustainable funding for language revitalization: Investments in Indigenous language programming
• Indigenous-led approaches to language revitalization: Supports self-determined approaches to language revitalization through community-driven initiatives
• Increased accessibility to Indigenous languages: Strengthens opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to learn and use their languages in various aspects of daily life
• Indigenous-led funding decisions: Provides greater autonomy to Indigenous communities to address language revitalization priorities for various Indigenous populations, including Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• Long-term and predictable support: Moves away from short-term project-based funding to multi-year strategies
• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge: Supports the digitization and documentation of Indigenous languages
• Interdepartmental coordination to expand access to federal services in Inuktuk: Enhances collaboration between federal departments to increase access to services in Inuktut starting in Nunavut
• Increased number of Inuktut educators: Supports the training and hiring of Inuktut-speaking teachers

Ongoing funding totaling approximately $119.4 million per year is allocated to Canadian Heritage's Indigenous Languages Component to support the efforts of Indigenous communities and organizations in revitalizing their Indigenous languages.

In 2025-2026, building on the multi-year agreements established as of 2023-2024, Canadian Heritage continued working with the four First Nations regionally designated organizations and the Cree Nation Government in Québec, the four Inuit land-claim organizations and five Métis Nations in the implementation of these agreements to support their respective regional language strategies and service expansion. The Program provides funding for First Nations communities and organizations in the other regions with support from a First Nations Review Committee; in addition to supporting multi-distinction and urban Indigenous organizations for language revitalization projects serving urban Indigenous populations.

We are Here, Sharing Stories completed the digitization of 780,931 images of First Nations, Inuit and Métis holdings at LAC. A subset of these images have been uploaded online or shared directly with Indigenous projects including 53 different collections and work orders.

The We Are Here: Sharing Stories initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 2.3 by ensuring Indigenous individuals, families, and communities have meaningful and permanent access to their histories, cultures, and languages. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from the way this initiative supports efforts to reclaim, revitalize, and preserve Indigenous knowledge and identities, through the digitizing and sharing of Indigenous-related materials.

• Increased access to Indigenous heritage: The initiative has digitized 780,931 images of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis holdings, making them accessible to the public. A subset of these images has been uploaded online.
• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge: By digitizing and describing historical materials, the project safeguards First Nations, Inuit, and Métis stories, teachings, and cultural artifacts for future generations.
• Community engagement and consultation: The initiative has worked closely with Indigenous communities, responding to requests for specific digitization projects and ensuring Indigenous perspectives guide archival descriptions and access.

Budget 2021 allocated $14.9 million over four years for the Digitization of Indigenous Documentary Heritage Initiative, of which approximately $4,965,982 in direct costs as been invested in the work of We Are Here: Sharing Stories.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 2.4 by preserving and digitizing Indigenous oral histories and language documentation. While it does not provide the full suite of necessary resources for all communities, it is a significant step toward sustaining Indigenous linguistic and cultural heritage. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from the preservation of oral histories, ensuring that valuable traditional knowledge, language, and teachings remain accessible to future generations and strengthen community cohesion.

• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge: Supports digitization of oral histories and interviews with Knowledge Keepers.
• Community-driven initiatives: Funds Indigenous-led projects that prioritize local language and culture.
• Capacity building: Funding supported the enhancement of a broad range of skill sets and specialized resources related to documentary heritage management and digitization.
• Intergenerational knowledge transfer: Ensures future generations have access to culturally significant records.

2021 investments allocated $14.9 million over four years, with $2,962,843 allocated to Listen, Hear Our Voices. Library and Archives Canada provides funding through to Indigenous communities for small projects (up to $24,999) and large projects ($25,000-$100,000).

In 2025-2026, the Indigenous Languages Program continued to implement the Indigenous Languages Act, supporting Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. The Program continued enabling distinctions-based funding models, in their third year of operation, which provided First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners with greater autonomy, long-term funding, and better responsiveness to their distinct needs and language revitalization priorities.

As part of the ongoing five-year funding agreements launched in 2023-2024, the ILP allocated $45.1 million to First Nations regionally designated organizations in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. These organizations continued to work with First Nations communities and organizations to advance regional language priorities, including language initiatives that support Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The ILP allocated approximately $1.9 million to the Cree Nation Government, as part of an agreement totalling $6.8 million, for the implementation of their multi-year language revitalization strategy that began in 2024-2025.

In regions where a First Nations regionally designated organization have not yet been established, ILP continued to directly support First Nations communities through single- and multi-year proposal-based agreements. The funding supports a wide range of language projects such as immersion programs, language nests, mentor-apprentice programs, instructor training, and resource development.

An approximate $17.1 million has also been allocated to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivik Corporation, and the Nunatsiavut Government as part of five-year agreements totalling $92.1 million that began in 2023-2024 supporting Inuktut language revitalization. Ongoing funding enables these Inuit land claim organizations to advance strategies that strengthen access and use of Inuktut across Inuit Nunangat.

Canadian Heritage continued to work with 21 federal departments and agencies through an interdepartmental working-level committee to explore opportunities to increase access to federal services in Inuktut in Nunavut. Through this engagement, a 'What We Heard' report has been completed which includes services currently being offered in Inuktut in Nunavut by departments, current capacity to provide services in Inuktut, and the gaps that exist as it relates to capacity and demand. Building on the report findings, PCH is working to identify opportunities to further enhance access to federal services in Indigenous languages. This works builds on earlier senior-level steering committee work initiated in 2022.

In 2025-2026, the ILP allocated approximately $11.4 million to the five Métis Nations (the Métis Nations British Columbia, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government within Alberta, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Métis Nation of Ontario) as part of the ongoing five-year funding agreements totalling $61.4 million that began in 2023-2024 supporting the implementation of Métis Nations language revitalization strategies. These initiatives include the development of language resources, the delivery of language instruction activities, language capacity building within organizations, as well as regional and local language planning.

Finally, to support multi-distinction and urban Indigenous language priorities, the ILP allocated approximately $6.1 million through single- and multi-year funding agreements that enable sustained language revitalization programming in urban and multi-distinction contexts across Canada. Organizations such as the National Association of Friendship Centres continue to deliver projects that assess needs of Indigenous urban populations, support Indigenous language programming in urban spaces, and promote knowledge sharing.

The Indigenous Languages Program contributes to part of Call for Justice 2.4 by providing funding for Indigenous-led language initiatives which can include the digitization of interviews with Knowledge Keepers and fluent language speakers. Investments in initiatives such as digital and online learning resources further protect Indigenous languages from erosion. This safeguards linguistic and cultural knowledge for future generations. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit as the program strengthens traditional knowledge and ensures lasting access to their languages.

• Sustainable funding for language revitalization: Investments in Indigenous language programming
• Indigenous-led approaches to language revitalization: Supports self-determined approaches to language revitalization through community-driven initiatives
• Increased accessibility to Indigenous languages: Strengthens opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to learn and use their languages in various aspects of daily life
• Indigenous-led funding decisions: Provides greater autonomy to Indigenous communities to address language revitalization priorities for various Indigenous populations, including Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• Long-term and predictable support: Moves away from short-term project-based funding to multi-year strategies
• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge: Supports the digitization and documentation of Indigenous languages
• Interdepartmental coordination to expand access to federal services in Inuktuk: Enhances collaboration between federal departments to increase access to services in Inuktut starting in Nunavut
• Increased number of Inuktut educators: Supports the training and hiring of Inuktut-speaking teachers

Ongoing funding totaling approximately $119.4 million per year is allocated to Canadian Heritage's Indigenous Languages Component to support the efforts of Indigenous communities and organizations in revitalizing their Indigenous languages.

In 2025-2026, building on the multi-year agreements established as of 2023-2024, Canadian Heritage continued working with the four First Nations regionally designated organizations and the Cree Nation Government in Québec, the four Inuit land-claim organizations and five Métis Nations in the implementation of these agreements to support their respective regional language strategies and service expansion. The Program provides funding for First Nations communities and organizations in the other regions with support from a First Nations Review Committee; in addition to supporting multi-distinction and urban Indigenous organizations for language revitalization projects serving urban Indigenous populations.

In 2025-2026, NAB provided $7.9 million to 22 clients. This funding supports the production and distribution of radio and television programming in the North, with almost half of the programming produced and broadcast in Indigenous languages.

In 2024-2025, 20 organizations produced 98,537 hours of new hours of radio content, which included 45,641 hours of new Indigenous language programming. NAB also funded five organizations to produce 205 hours of new Indigenous language television content.

Key highlights and successes made possible through NAB funding included:

• the Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon honoured their 40th anniversary with a widely attended public celebration
• the Northern Native Broadcasting (Terrace) presented several important cultural activities to their communities, such as the All-Native Basketball Tournament and Hoobiyee, which is an event that brings together community members to honor traditions and share in the joy of ceremonial performances
• the Native Communications Inc. was nominated for Best Country Station and Best Morning Show by the Manitoba Country Music Awards
• there was a steady increase in listenership throughout the year for Minahik Achimowin Inc.'s Cree news segments, which span the Cree homeland and beyond, including Northern Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia

NAB responds to part of Call for Justice 2.4 by resourcing Indigenous media and language projects. The program contributes to preservation and revitalization through the production of significant amounts of radio and television programming in Indigenous languages. These investments support restoration and revitalization of identity, place and belonging for Indigenous peoples and communities. Long-term accessibility depends on funding continuity and infrastructure. Digitization is not explicitly listed as an eligible expense with NAB and current funding does not permit funding of this activity.

• Sustains Indigenous-language media in the North: Supports ongoing production and distribution of radio, television, and online programming in Indigenous languages. This helps people maintain everyday access to language in remote and northern communities where other local-language media options may be limited
• Strengthens identity, place, and belonging through community storytelling: By supporting Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities to lead cultural programming that reflects local needs, the program supports intergenerational transfer of stories, teachings, and cultural knowledge across generations. This can reinforce connection for families, survivors, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis
• Improves access to culturally relevant information and community safety messaging: Indigenous broadcasters can quickly share community announcements, public safety information, and culturally grounded messaging in Indigenous languages. This supports clearer communication through more trusted channels for people who rely on Indigenous-language media
• Advances representation in Canadian media systems: NAB-funded producers increase the visibility of authentic Indigenous voices and perspectives through platforms such as APTN and Uvagut TV. In this way, they contribute to broader public understanding of Indigenous histories and lived realities

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting has stable funding of $7.9 million annually to support Indigenous broadcasters that produce and distribute radio and television programming in the North, with a large percentage of programming produced in Indigenous languages.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 2.5 by providing Indigenous organizations with the financial and technical resources to undertake digitization projects that support self-determination and cultural preservation. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from the ability to document and safeguard their histories, ensuring that future generations retain access to their cultural heritage and language resources.

• Support for Indigenous-led projects: Provides resources to Indigenous organizations to preserve their own records.
• Empowerment through documentation: Strengthens Indigenous governance and self-determination through historical preservation.
• Accessible historical records: Ensures that Indigenous communities have digital access to their cultural materials.
• Community training and development: Builds capacity within Indigenous organizations for ongoing archival work.

2021 investments allocated $14.9 million over four years, with $2,962,843 allocated to Listen, Hear Our Voices. Library and Archives Canada provides funding through to Indigenous communities for small projects (up to $24,999) and large projects ($25,000-$100,000).

In 2025-2026, the Museums Assistance Program funded 30 new projects led by Indigenous organizations and governing bodies under its Indigenous Heritage component, in addition to funding provided to 14 ongoing projects approved in previous fiscal years. Approximately 55% of the Museums Assistance Program's funding for new projects was allocated under the Indigenous Heritage component.

In response to growing needs, the program continues to support the rematriation and repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings to their communities. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the program supported 10 new repatriation-related projects through the Indigenous Heritage component, for a total funding amount of $819,080.

The Museums Assistance Program, Indigenous Heritage Component responds to part of Call for Justice 2.5 by providing targeted funding that supports Indigenous-led initiatives to preserve, present, and revitalize Indigenous cultural heritage and increase access to cultural knowledge through museums and cultural institutions. By prioritizing projects submitted by Indigenous organizations and delivered for the benefit of Indigenous communities, the program supports Indigenous governance over how histories, teachings, and cultural practices are researched, interpreted, and shared through exhibits, educational programming, and related activities. The program also strengthens Indigenous cultural sector capacity by supporting professional development, training opportunities, and internships that enhance skills in collections management, preservation, and presentation. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from increased access to safe, affirming cultural spaces where Indigenous identities and histories are honoured, cultural knowledge transmission is strengthened, and public understanding is advanced in ways that can reduce racism and support community wellbeing.

• Indigenous-led cultural representation and interpretation: Supports Indigenous organizations to lead the research, curation, and storytelling of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and cultures in museums and cultural institutions, shifting representation toward Indigenous-authored narratives
• Preservation and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage: Funds preservation activities and improved collections management practices that safeguard cultural materials and strengthen long-term access for Indigenous communities and future generations
• Expanded public learning and truth-telling: Enables Indigenous-led exhibits, travelling exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational programming that help Canadians learn the true history of Canada and counter stereotypes and anti-Indigenous racism
• Stronger Indigenous cultural-sector workforce and leadership: Supports professional development, training, and internships that build Indigenous capacity and expertise in heritage work, strengthening Indigenous leadership within the sector over time
• Safer and affirming cultural spaces for families and survivors: Contributes to environments where Indigenous identities and histories are honoured and colonial harms are acknowledged, supporting more respectful public narratives for families, survivors, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis

In 2025-2026, over $2.7 million was provided to 44 Indigenous recipients, including:

• 36 First Nations organizations
• one Inuit organization
• one Métis organization
• one Urban Indigenous organization
• five multi-distinction organizations

In 2025-2026, NAB provided $7.9 million to 22 clients. This funding supports the production and distribution of radio and television programming in the North, with almost half of the programming produced and broadcast in Indigenous languages.

In 2024-2025, 20 organizations produced 98,537 hours of new hours of radio content, which included 45,641 hours of new Indigenous language programming. NAB also funded five organizations to produce 205 hours of new Indigenous language television content.

Key highlights and successes made possible through NAB funding included:

• the Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon honored their 40th anniversary with a widely attended public celebration
• the Northern Native Broadcasting (Terrace) presented several important cultural activities to their communities, such as the All-Native Basketball Tournament and Hoobiyee, which is an event that brings together community members to honor traditions and share in the joy of ceremonial performances
• the Native Communications Inc. was nominated for Best Country Station and Best Morning Show by the Manitoba Country Music Awards
• there was a steady increase in listenership throughout the year for Minahik Achimowin Inc.'s Cree news segments, which span the Cree homeland and beyond, including Northern Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia

NAB responds to Call for Justice 2.5 to empower Indigenous communities through broadcasting and language revitalization, but alignment is partial as it remains a federal contribution program rather than permanent, Indigenous-governed funds. NAB is a direct-support government program dedicated to the production of Indigenous radio and television content for broadcast.

• Sustains Indigenous-language media in the North: Supports ongoing production and distribution of radio, television, and online programming in Indigenous languages. This helps people maintain everyday access to language in remote and northern communities where other local-language media options may be limited
• Strengthens identity, place, and belonging through community storytelling: By supporting Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities to lead cultural programming that reflects local needs, the program supports intergenerational transfer of stories, teachings, and cultural knowledge across generations. This can reinforce connection for families, survivors, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis
• Improves access to culturally relevant information and community safety messaging: Indigenous broadcasters can quickly share community announcements, public safety information, and culturally grounded messaging in Indigenous languages. This supports clearer communication through more trusted channels for people who rely on Indigenous-language media
• Advances representation in Canadian media systems: NAB-funded producers increase the visibility of authentic Indigenous voices and perspectives through platforms such as APTN and Uvagut TV. In this way, they contribute to broader public understanding of Indigenous histories and lived realities

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting has stable funding of $7.9 million annually to support Indigenous broadcasters that produce and distribute radio and television programming in the North, with a large percentage of programming produced in Indigenous languages.

During the 2025-26 fiscal year, Canadian Heritage continued to lead Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, through a community-driven and intersectional approach. This includes the priority of addressing anti-Indigenous racism, including to repair and forge more equitable relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Similarly, within Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, the Government reaffirms its commitment to a "renewed, nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationship", through an intersectional approach that includes families and survivors, Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ partners, and Indigenous-led organizations.

As a result of the Anti-Racism call for proposals launched in October 2024, the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program supported a total of 79 projects in 2025-26, representing investments of more than $10.5 million. The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) funded employment-focused initiatives that address systemic racism and discrimination within Canada's arts, culture, and heritage organizations and institutions, as well as the creative industries. These initiatives aim to enhance access to and inclusivity in workplaces by contributing to the development of culturally inclusive employment policies and practices, increasing representation and inclusion in decision-making and governance, and expanding access to supports and leadership opportunities for Indigenous, Black, and other racialized and religious minority communities.

Recognizing the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism and white supremacy, these initiatives focus on Indigenous, Black, racialized, and religious minority populations who experience disproportionate barriers to equality. CARS prioritizes a whole-of-government approach to dismantle systemic racism within federal institutions, focusing on economic, social, and cultural empowerment, justice system reforms, and public sector accountability. CAPCH is the first-ever national strategy to combat hate, bringing together 20 key federal initiatives to prevent hate crimes, support victims, and improve institutional responses.

These initiatives responds to Call for Justice 2.6 by prioritizing education, awareness, and policy reform to combat racist, sexist, and homophobic stereotypes that contribute to violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Public education initiatives under CARS and CAPCH work to eliminate racial and gender-based prejudices, ensuring that federal institutions reflect an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach in their policies and programs. By engaging Indigenous communities in decision-making and ensuring intersectionality is at the core of these initiatives, this strategy actively counters misinformation and discrimination in Canadian society. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from these programs as they invest resources in cultural safety, challenge systemic biases, and promote social justice.

• Systemic reform for equity: Structural changes in federal policies, justice, healthcare, and law enforcement to enhance accountability, inclusion, and anti-racist practices
• National anti-racism and anti-hate education: Public education initiatives and resources to combat racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and gendered discrimination, with a focus on Indigenous communities
• Community leadership and investment: Funds to support Indigenous, Black, racialized, and religious minority organizations leading anti-racism initiatives, recognizing communities as key agents of change through CARS. Funds for initiatives that prevent and address hate in Canada, including building community capacity, through CAPCH ($25 million over five years).
• Increased understanding of racism and discrimination: Funds research and data initiatives that advance understanding of racism and discrimination in Canada, including efforts to increase disaggregated and intersectional data to better understand the experiences of Indigenous populations
• Intersectional policy integration: Embedding anti-racist, gender-inclusive principles into federal programs and institutions to create more equitable policies and services
• Indigenous-led cultural and anti-hate initiatives: Dedicated funding for Indigenous-driven education, cultural revitalization, and programs addressing systemic discrimination and hate

The Government's Spring Economic Update 2026 provided $66 million over two years for Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy. In 2024, the Government allocated $273.6 million over six years for Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, with $29.3 million ongoing. In 2023, the Government allocated $25.4 million over five years to Anti-Racism Strategy. This was in addition to the $85 million over four years invested in 2022 for the Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

The Canada Media Fund: Invested $940,000 for the Changing Narratives Fund for 2025-2026, of which $457,722 (49%) supported three Indigenous projects:

• Shine Bright: Indigenous Showrunner Mentorship Intensive received $130,582
  • An eight month Indigenous-led initiative supporting five Indigenous women writers, producers and emerging showrunners to develop an original TV project that provides mentorship, business and legal training and culturally grounded guidance to strengthen leadership capacity
  • Offered nationally and delivered virtually to participants in a minimum of three provinces and territories
• Digital Stewardship and Indigenous Storytelling received $64,020
  • The Culture Capture Project mentors and trains Indigenous and Métis creators focused on photogrammetry and digital asset creation, and is offered nationally through a hybrid model
  • 12 participants digitize culturally significant objects and create story-based contextualization rooted in community memory
• Indigenous Futures Virtual Production Training Program (Manitoba): $263,120
  • The Indigenous Futures Media Centre produces a two-part training initiative providing 29 Indigenous creators with foundational and advanced virtual production skills that blends technical instruction with Indigenous storytelling approaches, and expands access to immersive media technologies

The Local Journalism Initiative: In October 2025, the Department of Canadian Heritage entered into a contribution agreement with Community Media Coalition (as represented by the Community Radio Fund of Canada) for the implementation of the Changing Narratives Fund stream of the Local Journalism Initiative, covering the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027. Information about the projects funded in 2025-2026 are not available at this time.

Collective Initiatives Component of the Canada Periodical Fund: On April 1, 2025, the Collective Initiatives component launched a new stream for the Changing Narratives Fund, with the deadline for applications on July 16, 2025. Information about the projects funded in 2025-2026 are not available at this time as implementation is still under way.

Through providing funding for mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for Indigenous communities and organizations, at all career stages, the Fund responds to Call for Justice 2.7 that highlights the needs for greater participation and representation of Indigenous communities in the media and cultural sectors.

Altogether, and through amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities, the Fund enables storytelling that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. It allows Canadians to appreciate the country's rich diversity, helps strengthen their understanding of colonial harms, transforms harmful perceptions of Indigenous communities and builds allyship among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The expected outcomes of the Changing Narratives Fund include the following:

• increased number of industry development initiatives undertaken by magazine and community newspaper associations
• sector (for example, media and cultural sectors) development is supported
• professional development opportunities nurture and develop the talent of diverse communities
• Canadians appreciate the diversity of the Canadian population
• diverse communities participate in the culture and media sectors

In 2024, the Government committed $10 million over three years, starting in 2024-2025, to the Department of Canadian Heritage to support the implementation of the Changing Narratives Fund.

Annual reports for 2025-2026 come out in June, after the publication date of the Federal Pathway's Annual Progress Report. All program reporting is one year behind.

Highlights included:

• At the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, Indigenous cinema reached a new high point as Zacharias Kunuk's Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) won Best Canadian Feature Film—underscoring Inuit creative leadership, the impact of sustained Indigenous-led investment, and the growing audience demand for culturally grounded, Indigenous-language storytelling
• In 2024-25, $54,000 in finishing funds was awarded to Blood Lines Films Inc. for Blood Lines, a Métis-led feature with English and Michif that premiered in TIFF 2025's Centrepiece program and formed part of a record eight Indigenous films at TIFF this year, all supported by the Indigenous Screen Office
• In 2024-25, $500,000 was awarded to Ice Pirates Productions Inc. for Smudge the Blades, a community-driven First Nation coming-of-age feature film about a Triple-A hockey team in its final turbulent year of eligibility in a Northern Alberta league
• In 2024-25, $10,000 was awarded to Tooth & Nail Pictures Ltd. For ECTOPIA, an interactive, immersive art installation about an infertile scientist on an abandoned starship who implants her embryos into the vessel's plant systems as an experiment in hope for future descendants
• In 2024-25, $210,000 was awarded to Tantoo Cardinal's Tap Root Actors Academy to support a Métis-focused, community-based acting and filmmaking academy in Kikino Métis Settlement, where youth develop storytelling, language, and cultural skills through seasonal workshops led by guest knowledge-sharers
• In 2024-25, $200,000 was allocated to nine recipients to create original podcasts, including Criminals on Patrol and the Aunties Dandelion

The ISO responds to Call for Justice 2.7 by ensuring Indigenous creators have the resources, representation, and opportunities to produce and share their stories within mainstream and independent media. By funding Indigenous-led media projects and advocating for authentic representation, ISO directly enhances the visibility of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary realities. This approach disrupts harmful stereotypes and promotes Indigenous perspectives in Canada's media landscape. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program by seeing their lived experiences, cultures, and stories accurately reflected on screen, strengthening identity and fostering cultural pride.

• Increased on-screen representation: Supports Indigenous creators, ensuring their perspectives and languages are centered in audiovisual storytelling
• Cultural revitalization and sovereignty: Funds Indigenous-led projects, strengthens storytelling traditions and community knowledge-sharing, and supports the creation, use, and visibility of Indigenous languages across screen and audio
• Industry advocacy and training: Provides support for training, mentorship, and networking that grows an Indigenous talent pipeline, expands market access, supporting international presence through festival platforms, co-production forums, and global partnerships
• Authentic Indigenous representation on screen: ISO ensures Indigenous stories are conceived and led by Indigenous creators, with Indigenous leadership in key creative roles and perspectives centered throughout
• Equity in media industry: Increases Indigenous participation in all aspects of screen production through funding, training, and advocacy
• Decolonizing media practices: Embeds 'On-Screen Protocols and Pathways' by making cultural protocols, consent, and community governance standard across development, production, and marketing, promoting ethical storytelling and reshaping Canada's media landscape to be more inclusive and respectful

In 2024-2025, the ISO distributed $11.9 million to 222 projects. The ISO has received sustained funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage and other partners to support the Indigenous screen sector. The ISO continues to secure funding to expand outreach, training, and storytelling initiatives.

Note that funding details are for projects funded in 2024-2025, as annual reports for 2025-2026 come out in June, after the publication date of the Federal Pathway's Annual Progress Report. All program reporting is one year behind.

In 2025-2026, the Museums Assistance Program funded 30 new projects led by Indigenous organizations and governing bodies under its Indigenous Heritage component, in addition to funding provided to 14 ongoing projects approved in previous fiscal years. Approximately 55% of the Museums Assistance Program's funding for new projects was allocated under the Indigenous Heritage component.

In response to growing needs, the program continues to support the rematriation and repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings to their communities. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the program supported 10 new repatriation-related projects through the Indigenous Heritage component, for a total funding amount of $819,080.

The Museums Assistance Program - Indigenous Heritage Component responds to Call for Justice 2.7 by resourcing Indigenous-led exhibits, travelling exhibitions, interpretive materials, and public-facing educational programming that shape what Canadians see, learn, and repeat about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and contemporary cultures. By prioritizing projects led by Indigenous organizations and supporting Indigenous control over research, curation, and interpretation, MAP helps shift representation away from stereotyped or external narratives and toward Indigenous-authored storytelling in mainstream cultural spaces. Professional development, training, and internships supported through the program also help build the Indigenous workforce and leadership pipeline in heritage and cultural institutions, strengthening long-term capacity to influence representation across public culture. For Indigenous survivors, families, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis, this contributes to safer public narratives by validating truths about colonial violence and supporting Indigenous identities and histories to be reflected publicly in ways that can reduce stigma and counter dehumanizing stereotypes.

• Indigenous-led cultural representation and interpretation: Supports Indigenous organizations to lead the research, curation, and storytelling of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and cultures in museums and cultural institutions, shifting representation toward Indigenous-authored narratives
• Preservation and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage: Funds preservation activities and improved collections management practices that safeguard cultural materials and strengthen long-term access for Indigenous communities and future generations
• Expanded public learning and truth-telling: Enables Indigenous-led exhibits, travelling exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational programming that help Canadians learn the true history of Canada and counter stereotypes and anti-Indigenous racism
• Stronger Indigenous cultural-sector workforce and leadership: Supports professional development, training, and internships that build Indigenous capacity and expertise in heritage work, strengthening Indigenous leadership within the sector over time
• Safer and affirming cultural spaces for families and survivors: Contributes to environments where Indigenous identities and histories are honoured and colonial harms are acknowledged, supporting more respectful public narratives for families, survivors, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis

In 2025-2026, over $2.7 million was provided to 44 Indigenous recipients, including:

• 36 First Nations organizations
• one Inuit organization
• one Métis organization
• one urban Indigenous organization
• five multi-distinction organizations

In 2025-2026, NAB provided $7.9 million to 22 clients. This funding supports the production and distribution of radio and television programming in the North, with almost half of the programming produced and broadcast in Indigenous languages.

In 2024-2025, 20 organizations produced 98,537 hours of new hours of radio content, which included 45,641 hours of new Indigenous language programming. NAB also funded five organizations to produce 205 hours of new Indigenous language television content.

Key highlights and successes made possible through NAB funding included:

• the Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon honored their 40th anniversary with a widely attended public celebration
• the Northern Native Broadcasting (Terrace) presented several important cultural activities to their communities, such as the All-Native Basketball Tournament and Hoobiyee, which is an event that brings together community members to honor traditions and share in the joy of ceremonial performances
• the Native Communications Inc. was nominated for Best Country Station and Best Morning Show by the Manitoba Country Music Awards
• there was a steady increase in listenership throughout the year for Minahik Achimowin Inc.'s Cree news segments, which span the Cree homeland and beyond, including Northern Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia

The NAB responds to Call for Justice 2.7 by ensuring authentic Indigenous voices, stories, and languages are represented in Canadian broadcasting and media landscapes. NAB clients are prominent communications societies and broadcasters that produce and distribute radio and television programming for the Indigenous communities they serve in their own languages. The NAB clients that produce television improve the representation of Indigenous people on networks such as Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and Uvagut TV.

• Sustains Indigenous-language media in the North: Supports ongoing production and distribution of radio, television, and online programming in Indigenous languages. This helps people maintain everyday access to language in remote and northern communities where other local-language media options may be limited
• Strengthens identity, place, and belonging through community storytelling: By supporting Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities to lead cultural programming that reflects local needs, the program supports intergenerational transfer of stories, teachings, and cultural knowledge across generations. This can reinforce connection for families, survivors, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis
• Improves access to culturally relevant information and community safety messaging: Indigenous broadcasters can quickly share community announcements, public safety information, and culturally grounded messaging in Indigenous languages. This supports clearer communication through more trusted channels for people who rely on Indigenous-language media
• Advances representation in Canadian media systems: NAB-funded producers increase the visibility of authentic Indigenous voices and perspectives through platforms such as APTN and Uvagut TV. In this way, they contribute to broader public understanding of Indigenous histories and lived realities

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting has stable funding of $7.9 million annually to support Indigenous broadcasters that produce and distribute radio and television programming in the North, with a large percentage of programming produced in Indigenous languages.