2025-2026 Reporting on the Calls for Justice: 17.1 to 17.29: Métis Specific Calls

The Final Reports and Guidelines developed from the project were released in 2025

• Building on the interim status report released in 2023, a total of 12 final recommendations were developed and released in June of 2025 in the report titled Report and final recommendations: Police-reported Indigenous and racialized identity data through the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey.
• On July 16, 2025, following endorsement of the CACP in June 2025, two additional reports were released that detailed the Operational Guidelines, and Analytical Framework for the collection of this data via the UCR.
• In November 2025, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) hosted a webinar exclusively for police personnel (both members and civilian staff) that provided an overview of the initiative to date, the achieved outcomes, and how the initiative plans to move forward to be implemented across police services.
• The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) set up a special purpose committee in 2025 which included experts and senior police leadership from across the country. This special purpose committee consisted of 5 subcommittees: Community Engagement, Legislative Regulatory guidelines, Education and Awareness, Data standards, and data analysis.
• The Training and Engagement subcommittee created a training for all police services. This training is now in development at the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) to become an online training for all police. Statistics Canada is managing the training development with CPKN.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.2, which calls for disaggregated data collection to inform the development of programs and policies that support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people. By ensuring data is broken down by identity, gender, geography, and other intersectional factors, this initiative enhances the evidence base for addressing systemic violence and discrimination.

Families, survivors, and Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals benefit from intersectional data collection that makes visible the unique barriers they face within policing and justice systems. This work lays the foundation for safer, more inclusive services and supports, helping to address invisibility and respond meaningfully to the specific harms faced by those most marginalized.

• Collection of disaggregated data: Enables detailed and distinctions-based analysis of Indigenous identity in criminal justice contexts, helping reveal patterns of overrepresentation and systemic bias
• Foundational work for legislative and programmatic equity: Supports a whole-of-government approach to improving data equity, with integration into national police data systems and key social and health datasets
• Grounded in community and sector engagement: Ongoing consultation with police services, Indigenous organizations, and academic experts ensures that new data collection processes are ethical, responsive, and informed by those most affected
• Advancing transparency and accountability: Public-facing updates, implementation guides, and the inclusion of identity variables in crime data promote openness and accountability in justice systems
• Enabling systemic change through data: Empowers policymakers, communities, and researchers to better understand and respond to the root causes of inequity in policing and justice
• Pathway to inclusive policy development: Informs the design of policies, programs, and services that reflect the lived experiences and realities of Indigenous peoples and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in Canada

This initiative received $1,688,431 in funding from 2021 to 2022 to 2025-2026 (and $320,857 ongoing) under the Disaggregated Data Action Plan to support the expansion of the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey and related engagement, analysis, and implementation activities. Future investments will be guided by ongoing system-wide coordination efforts and collaboration across policing, data, and justice sectors.

Funding provided in 2025-2026 by the Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program, supported Indigenous -led data projects designed to develop distinctions-based or identity-specific indicators or methodologies to increase knowledge around missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and around safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. In 2025-2026, the funding was fully allocated to support ongoing multi-year projects that were approved in 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 under calls for proposals processes. The initiatives that were funded focused on laying the groundwork for improved methodologies and new approaches to produce better data around safety that are inclusive of Indigenous worldviews and perspectives. We look forward to results once these multi-year projects conclude.

This initiative responds to the need for urgent action that is based on a recognition of distinctions and identity-based concerns with existing data held by governments as well as other statistical institutions, and by concerns with research about Indigenous people conducted by non-Indigenous institutions and researchers.

In 2025-2026 highlights included:

• $116,920 was allocated to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada's Inuit Count:An Inuit-Specific, Gender-Based Approach to Improving Data and Addressing Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to develop a data strategy, through a gendered-lens that is based on promising practices, early intervention, prevention, and healing and wellness supports and programs
  • This project is also helping improve data methodologies that are specific to missing and murdered Inuit women, girls, and LGBTQI+ Inuit, including initiatives that: develop qualitative distinctions or identity-based indicators; address existing methodological gaps for Inuit women, girls and gender diverse Inuit who are overwhelmingly underserviced or underrepresented in data; and define safety through Inuit ways of understanding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles
• $50,000 was allocated to Manitoba Inuit Association's Manitoba Inuit Association Data Sovereignty to empower Manitoba Inuit in addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people by facilitating the development of Inuit-centered tools and methodologies that support innovative and impactful Inuit-led research and data
  • The investment is in a multi-year data management strategic plan that is sustainable and looks toward community, organizational and partner/stakeholder engagements to assist in understanding data gaps and develop Inuit-centered data collection tools and methodologies
• $50,000 was allocated to Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's Engaging with Governmental Data Holders to Extract Data and Promote Culturally Competent Research on Missing and Murdered Métis Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Métis to engage with public safety, policing, and correctional authorities, as well as key federal departments working with data obtained from these authorities, in order to extract existing Métis-specific data on MMIWG currently not in the possession or at the disposal of the Women of the Métis Nation.
  • The project also seeks to share understandings between Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak and current governmental data holders on how to expand their cultural competency in collecting, recording and sharing data on MMIWG using distinctions-based, gender-disaggregated, intersectional methodologies and indicators
• $175,000 was allocated to the 2SLGBTQI+ Committee on MMIWG's Gathering Our Stories: Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Data and Research Initiatives to contribute to changing the way information about Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities is gathered, analyzed, and shared, by developing innovative Indigenous community-driven approaches, strategies and resources
  • The project aims to reclaim and regenerate Indigenous knowledge about 2SLGTBQI+ people, as well as knowledge exchange processes; generate promising practices for engaging Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people regarding data collection; and establish protocols for data governance and sovereignty related to Indigenous 2SLGTBQI+ people

This initiative, the Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program, responds to Call for Justice 17.2 by improving the processes of the collection and dissemination of disaggregated data concerning violence against Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. By ensuring that Métis voices and perspectives shape research methodologies, the program enhances understanding of the barriers they face. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit as the program strengthens advocacy efforts and provides a basis for targeted policy responses.

• Improved data accuracy: Indigenous-led knowledge systems and methodologies ensure data accurately reflects values, laws, worldviews and lived experiences
• Informed policy and advocacy: Reliable, distinctions-based Indigenous-led intersectional data strengthens evidence-based advocacy and ensures that Indigenous data voices drive future policies and advocacy efforts
• Greater inclusion of underserved groups: Focus on identity-based indicators enhances representation of many Indigenous groups, particularly 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, urban Indigenous populations, and those experiencing intergenerational trauma, who have historically been left out of data collection efforts
• Enhanced data collection methods and improved data and data accuracy: Funding supports the improvement of collection processes of disaggregated, Inuit-specific data to address historical data gaps, as well as the improvement of existing Inuit-led knowledge systems and methodologies to accurately reflect values, laws, worldviews and lived experiences
• Increased self-determination in research: Funding Inuit organizations to improve and guide existing Inuit-specific data methodologies and interpretation, and strengthens Inuit sovereignty in data governance
• Processes of collecting disaggregated data on violence against Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People: Ensures that Métis-specific data is collected and analyzed separately, addressing long-standing gaps in statistics on violence, socio-economic disparities, and systemic barriers, and allows for Métis worldviews and lived experiences to define how violence is understood and measured in their communities
• Supporting Métis-led research and data collection: Prioritizes Métis governance and leadership in existing data collection processes, ensuring that Métis cultural perspectives shape how violence, harm, and safety are understood
• Highlighting Métis barriers to safety and access to rights: Funds innovative approaches to improving data methodologies to collect and examine these barriers, such as: access to culturally appropriate victim services, and supports policy reform efforts that push for better service delivery and funding allocations for Métis communities
• Enhanced visibility for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people: Funds projects that improve existing data intake and research frameworks to capture Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary identities accurately, and ensure data collection respects and reflects Indigenous gender identities and worldviews, and helps 2SLGBTQI+ people become visible in statistics and policy discussions

The program is funded through federal investments, allocating $9.4 million over six years (2021-2027) to support Indigenous-led research initiatives.

A total of just over $1.5 million was approved for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support 13 existing multi-year projects.

Data collection for the Cycle 2 of the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces began in October 2024 and ended in July 2025. This collection time period was extended in the North to help ensure comprehensive coverage. Cycle 2 also includes a larger sample of youth, gender minorities, and Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. This approach will allow for more detailed analysis of how violence affects different groups. It will also support separate reporting for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, and provide better information about the experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ people.

• The initial survey results were released through a Juristat report in March 2026 : Gender differences in experiences of violence and unwanted sexual behaviour in Canada, 2025
• The report provides high-level analysis of peoples' lifetime experiences of physical and sexual assault, as well as other inappropriate behaviours in public, private, and online spaces
• The report also examines changes over time, comparing findings from 2018 and 2025
• Additional data products and analyses will be released through 2027 and beyond
  • These will include:
    • data broken down by population group and theme
    • studies on intimate partner violence, physical and sexual assault, and other forms of victimization
    • infographics
    • presentations
    • accessible plain-language reports to make the findings easier to access and to extend the reach to a wide audience
• Subsequent releases will include additional disaggregated data products and thematic analyses over the following years.

This work was carried out in collaboration with the Northern Data Strategy and the Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships at Statistics Canada to ensure culturally respectful and guided approaches. Key measures included:

• sensitivity training for interviewers to helped them manage the emotional impact of collecting information on experiences of victimization and abuse
• in-person interviews in the North to encourage participation and help build trust

To support stronger analysis, survey data will be linked to personal income data already held by Statistics Canada. This will help create a more complete picture of respondents' socioeconomic circumstances. This link will reduce the burden on the survey participant and will minimizing the number of survey questions they must answer

The SSPPS responds to Call for Justice 17.2 by oversampling First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations, gender minorities (including non-binary and transgender individuals), and youth aged 15 to 24. This approach generates data that helps close longstanding gaps in reporting violence against Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women. Through targeted data collection, the SSPPS improves understanding of the contexts in which violence occurs, and the barriers Indigenous Peoples face in accessing justice and support services.

Families, survivors, and communities benefit from greater representation in national statistics, which informs the development of culturally relevant, trauma-informed programs and services. Enhanced data also strengthens public awareness, accountability, and evidence-based policy responses to gender-based violence.

• Increases representation:
  • Oversampling Indigenous populations (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), gender minorities (two-spirit, non-binary, gender diverse, and transgender), and collecting data in the North ensures that the experiences of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ people are reflected in national survey data
  • This supports distinctions-based findings and provides better representation of Inuit populations living in Inuit Nunangat
• Supports evidence-based policy:
  • Disaggregated data provides critical insights into gender-based violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • These findings enable researchers, policymakers, and service providers to design responsive, inclusive programs that address needs identified by respondents.
  • The data also informs public awareness campaigns and supports the development of indicators to track progress and monitor trends nationwide, including in the North
• Complements police data:
  • Gender-based violence and victimization are often underreported to police
  • For Indigenous women, reporting is complex and may be influenced by mistrust of law enforcement, lack of access to culturally appropriate supports, service inaccessibility, and concerns about the justice system (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015)
  • By capturing self-reported experiences, the SSPPS provides valuable insights into violence not reflected in police-reported data, offering a more complete picture when combined with administrative sources
• Advances prevention efforts: Provides the evidence needed to design, implement, and evaluate interventions and public education strategies that address gender-based violence among specific populations
• Informs monitoring and accountability: Supports the development and use of indicators to track progress, assess outcomes, and monitor trends in efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, with sensitivity to changes over time

Approximately $5.2 million in funding has been allocated to Statistics Canada for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support the following activities:

• Data collection for Cycle 2 of the SSPPS, including oversampling of youth, gender minorities, and Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, and involves collaboration with the Northern Data Strategy and the Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships (CISP) to ensure data collection approaches are guided and supported by Indigenous partners
• Outreach activities with Indigenous organizations through Statistics Canada's Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships and its Indigenous Liaison Program
• Sensitivity training for interviewers and conducting in-person interviews in northern communities to encourage participation and ensure respectful engagement
• Data processing and integration, including linking survey data with income tax data to enable richer socioeconomic analysis, and making the data available through Research Data Centres across Canada
• Production and dissemination of initial results, including the release of the first Juristat analytical report in March 2026

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. Another 26 coordination agreement discussion tables are active. 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 part of Call for Justice 17.3 by affirming the rights of Métis Peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. The Act provides a framework that allows Métis communities to enact their own child welfare laws and service models. Since the Act came into force, three Métis governing bodies have submitted notices under section 20(1), and one coordination agreement discussion is in progress. These efforts represent concrete steps toward enabling culturally relevant, self-determined care solutions for Métis children and families.

Métis families, children, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from systems that reflect their own values, needs, and cultural practices. These reforms reduce reliance on non-Métis systems, which have historically contributed to displacement, mistrust, and harm, and create space for community-rooted safety and accountability.

• 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)

• Edmonton 2 Spirit Society received $200,000 for the Thrive Initiative: Building Capacity for Sustainable Growth, a two-year organizational strengthening project focused on governance, planning, and long-term sustainability
• $150,000 was provided to Esquao: Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Peoples for Beyond Consultation to Full Participation in Decision-making for Indigenous Women in Alberta, a five-year initiative focused on strengthening Indigenous women's leadership and participation in governance
• Cercle autochtone LGBTQ2S+ (Indigiqueer Circle of Quebec) received $100,000 for Rooting our 2S+ Kin (Enraciner nos proches 2S+) to strengthen organizational capacity, governance, and sustainability
• Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak received $472,000 to advance Métis-led, gender-responsive policy development and engagement
• The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association received $206,350 to support Restoring Indigenous Women's Space and Place in Nova Scotia Governance, including a core allocation and a final-year top-up under a multi-year initiative
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada received $311,500 for the second and final year of the Pauktuutit Leadership Development Project, a two-year capacity-building initiative focused on Board leadership
• Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association received $110,400 to complete the Food Security in Nunavut project examining food access and affordability
• Infinity Women Secretariat received $174,091 for Enhancing Engagement, Consultation & Advocacy Capacity to Support Red River Métis Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+, now in its fourth year

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.3 by providing funding to Métis-specific initiatives that amplifies Métis voices in policy development, budgets and funding, and service delivery. This initiative makes specific investments in projects that represent Métis perspectives and culturally specific priorities.

• Grassroots, self-determined priorities drive action: Funds Indigenous-led grassroots engagement that brings community-identified needs and priorities, especially those of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, into policy and decision-making across governments
• Stronger representation in governance and decision-making: Strengthens the presence and influence of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people in governance at community, regional, and national levels through Indigenous-led engagement and consultation
• Reduced exclusion through systems change: Supports Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to identify and advance recommendations that address sexism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia in political and policy environments, helping reduce social, economic, cultural, and political exclusion
• Sustained capacity for advocacy and collaboration: Builds organizational capacity for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to engage communities, collaborate effectively with all levels of government, and advance initiatives that prevent and address gender-based violence
• Leadership and network development: Supports mentorship, training, peer networks, gatherings, and advocacy activities that strengthen leadership pathways for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people seeking to participate in political life
• Sustainable, culturally relevant prevention and awareness work: Enables consistent, community-informed violence prevention and awareness initiatives by strengthening the ability of Indigenous-led organizations to design, deliver, and disseminate culturally relevant programming
• Inuit-specific distinctions-based impacts: Addresses systemic barriers limiting Inuit women's and 2SLGBTQI+ participation in governance and supports Inuit priorities through long-term, sustainable funding
• Métis-specific distinctions-based impacts: Enables Métis perspectives to inform policy, service delivery, and decision-making, including dedicated funding for Métis organizations to develop community-driven, culturally specific programs and policy approaches

The Government invests approximately $8 million annually to support this program.

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. Another 26 coordination agreement discussion tables are active. 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 part of Call for Justice 17.4 by establishing a legislative pathway for Métis Peoples to reclaim jurisdiction over child and family services. The framework supports Métis laws and coordination agreements, enabling Métis governments to design service models that align with their cultural and community priorities. ISC continues to support Métis-led efforts to exercise jurisdiction and provide distinctions-based funding to assist in capacity development and negotiation of agreements.

Métis families and children impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from more accessible and culturally relevant services delivered within their communities. These shifts build trust and enhance the safety and wellbeing of Métis children and youth, who are otherwise at risk in mainstream systems that may not recognize their specific cultural identity.

• 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 Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program continued to fund a national network of an estimated 1,000 community-based Cultural Support Providers and Emotional Support Workers through over 250 funding agreements, to provide access to cultural supports, emotional supports for eligible individuals, and funded access to mental health counselling and medical transportation assistance to support access when counselling services were not readily available.

The Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program also continued to fund the Hope for Wellness Helpline, National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line.

ISC continued to respond to part of Call for Justice 17.4 by supporting a broad range of Indigenous- and Métis-led initiatives that address the immediate mental wellness needs of communities through culturally-grounded, trauma-informed, and accessible services. This included investments for Métis Governments to develop and deliver their own mental wellness strategies or direct funding to existing mental wellness programming and services, enabling the expansion of availability and/or accessibility of these services. This has resulted in eligible Métis recipients delivering services along a continuum of care, specific to Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Aftercare, all with a focus on Métis-specific cultural approaches and/or trauma-informed care.

Funding for the Mental Wellness Program for 2026-2027 is approximately $768 million. from This amount includes recent funding investments from 2021, 2022, and 2024. Specifically, 2024 investments provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-2025, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies.

On March 27, 2026, a total investment of $630 million over two years, starting in 2026-2027, was announced to support the availability, accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of mental wellness services for Indigenous Peoples across the country, including the Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program, wraparound supports at opioid agonist therapy sites, mental wellness teams and continued access to crisis lines.

Permanent bilateral meetings with senior officials, leaders, and the Prime Minister continued to be suspended throughout the 2025-2026 fiscal year given the disaggregation of the Métis National Council. Since 2021, three regional Métis governments have withdrawn from the MNC: MNBC, MN-S, and MMF. As such, only two Métis National Council Governing Members remain: OMG and MNO.

The federal government is working towards a renewed engagement approach reflective of the current Métis governance landscape which will continue to support Call for Justice 17.6.

The Canada-Métis Nation PBM responds to part of Call for Justice 17.6 by advancing the implementation of a distinctions-based approach that takes into account the unique history of Metis communities and people. The PBM provides a formal structure for Canada to work in partnership with the Métis Nation to identify shared priorities and addresses the need for recognition of the distinction-based approach for Métis through an action-oriented process that has been co-developed with the Métis Nation. It also supports the sustained and systemic engagement necessary for meaningful reconciliation and self-determined policy development, through ongoing meetings at multiple levels (Summits, Leaders Meetings, and Senior Officials Meetings).

Métis survivors, families, and communities stand to benefit from a distinction-based forum. The PBM offers a platform through which their voices, priorities, and lived experiences can be shared and represented in ways that meaningfully shape policies that directly affect their lives, including those related to safety, justice, and healing.

• Advances self-determination: Empowers the Métis Nation to identify and lead on priorities that reflect community needs, values, and aspirations
• Strengthens nation-to-nation relationships: Formalizes regular, high-level engagement between Canada and the Métis Nation, building trust and accountability
• Supports implementation of past recommendations: Acts on long-standing recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and other inquiries, addressing systemic issues affecting Métis Peoples
• Enables coordinated and transparent policy development: Establishes structured forums to develop, implement, and monitor Métis-specific policies and programs
• Improves outcomes for Métis communities: Leads to more responsive and culturally relevant services in areas such as health, justice, education, and child and family well-being

In 2025-2026, the Canada-Métis Nation PBM received $2,084,450 million through the Federal Interlocutor Contribution Program.

With funding announced in 2024, ISC has supported various Indigenous partners and health organizations to implement Indigenous-led initiatives nationally in 2025-2026. These initiatives address anti-Indigenous racism in health systems and improve access to high quality and culturally safe health services for Indigenous Peoples across all provinces and territories, and in urban settings. Various Health System Navigator and Patient Advocate positions across the country are being supported through this initiative.ese positions are improving access to culturally safe care, and in some cases, offering spiritual support and services to clients in their Indigenous language. First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations also continue to be supported in their ongoing work to advance the restoration of Indigenous midwifery through the development or expansion of Indigenous midwifery programs, including Indigenous midwifery education. Furthermore, national Indigenous health organizations continue to be supported.

In 2025-2026, AAIR Indigenous health system navigators and advocates responds to MMIWG Calls for Justice by improving access to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and Indigenous-led health supports for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. These roles help patients navigate complex health systems, access advocacy and recourse pathways, understand their rights, and address experiences of racism and discrimination in care settings. Examples of ongoing work include:

• Métis Nation British Columbia developed a Métis Health Experience Guidebook to support Métis patients in navigating health systems, understanding their rights, and accessing culturally safe care.
• 46 Indigenous health system navigators have been hired across the country. 18 are First Nations–specific, 6 are Métis-specific, and 22 serve all distinctions through National Association of Friendship Centers (NAFC) in urban areas.
• 6 Indigenous patient advocates have been hired nationally, including 5 who are First Nations–specific and 1 who is Métis-specific.
• The First Nations Health Ombudsperson Office in Saskatchewan continues to provide culturally safe advocacy, complaint resolution, and accountability mechanisms for First Nations patients experiencing racism, discrimination, or inequitable treatment within health systems.

In 2025-2026, AAIR supported national Indigenous health professional organizations to strengthen Indigenous-led advocacy, workforce development, patient support, mentorship, wellness initiatives, and system transformation efforts. Examples of ongoing work include:

• Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) co-developed wellness and healing resources for Indigenous physicians and learners in partnership with Canadian Medical Association. They delivered mentorship initiatives reaching 14 Indigenous medical student while strengthening partnerships with the Conference Board of Canada to produce quantitative & qualitative reports identifying gaps and recommendations to improve supports for Indigenous medical learners. They also collaborated with Black Physicians of Canada, Federation of Medical Women of Canada, and Resident Doctors of Canada to advance equitable residency reforms and anti-racism in medical education.
• Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada developed educational modules on equity, diversity, inclusivity and Indigenous health to all pharmacy faculties and students. They partnered with pharmacy faculty members to create Indigenous-led pharmacy training, assignments and frameworks, applying Indigenous cultural and health equity learnings. They also launched a 6-module series on Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for pharmacy professionals: EDI and Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety Training for Pharmacy Professionals. And they translated best practices into self-regulated models for pharmacy professionals.
• First Nations Health Managers Association continues to develop training curriculum for Indigenous health system navigators to support standardization, education and network building for AAIR Indigenous navigators across the health system.
• National Collaborating Center for Indigenous Health's (NCCIH) Hearts-based Education and Anti-colonial Learning in Healthcare (H.E.A.L) project used arts-based, anti-colonial, and anti-oppressive learning approaches to address systemic racism and bias in health care. It was developed in collaboration with the Health Arts Research Centre and serves as an open-access initiative that uses storytelling, poetry, and visual arts to humanize patient experiences, strengthen culturally safe care, and support health providers, educators, and institutions in confronting colonial harms and inequities impacting First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse peoples.

In 2025-2026, the Indigenous midwifery funding continues to support the work being done by Indigenous midwives, communities, and advocates to restore Indigenous birth practices. Examples of this ongoing work include:

• The National Council of Indigenous Midwives' new Indigenous Midwifery Education Framework is supporting Nations to educate their own midwives and bring birth back to community
  • As of fall 2025, 13 Indigenous midwifery students in 8 communities are completing their education while living and working in their Nations, an approach that strengthens cultural continuity, supports family wellness, and advances Indigenous self-determination in health care
• Sturgeon Lake First Nation, one of the original Budget 2017 Indigenous Midwifery demonstration projects, celebrated its first midwife assisted birth in the community in over 50 years in 2022
  •  The community received additional investments for construction of their new standalone birthing centre, the Shirley Bighead Nihtāwiki and Ohpikihāwasowin Birthing and Childrearing Lodge, which opened on April 29, 2026
• New Métis-specific midwifery and doula projects are underway, including work by the Métis Nation Saskatchewan towards the development of a Métis midwifery education and training program, and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's wraparound supports for expectant Métis families in Alberta provided and coordinated by Aunties.
• The development and implementation of a network of Indigenous birth support workers in Saskatchewan to increase the accessibility of culturally appropriate services during hospital births
  • These birth workers have access to training and provide one-on-one advocacy and support to First Nations families.
  • They also coordinate a network of referrals connecting families with community-based services to maximize the potential for a safe return home.
• Meadow Lake Tribal Council has begun work toward a community-based midwifery program and birth lodge in Canoe Lake
  • They have developed an Elders' committee and have begun community consultation to plan the path forward
• First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) has developed a series of certificate level programs: Indigenous Birth Support Workers, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and End-of-Life Care
  • Training is available both in-person and online to maximize accessibility
  • The courses may be used toward a degree in midwifery
  • FNUniv has also developed a series of online micro-credentials for people who provide care and comfort during pregnancy, childbirth and/or the postpartum period
  • Courses focuses on understanding the unique needs of families during this crucial time

The AAIR initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.7 through the funding of culturally appropriate health services for Métis people living in urban areas. These services include the delivery of navigation, advocacy, and reproductive care tailored to Métis realities.

Families and survivors affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis who reside in urban centres benefit from increased access to health services that acknowledge and reflect their distinct identities and experiences.

• Strengthens cultural safety: Supports culturally appropriate services across the health system
• Supports system navigation: Supports the training and employment of Indigenous health navigators and patient advocates
• Increases representation: Creates pathways for increasing Indigenous representation in health professions
• Prevents violence in care: Improves awareness and accountability through culturally safe training
• Supports reproductive justice: Expands access to Indigenous midwives, birth workers, and wraparound supports

Building on the success from Budget 2021 investments, Budget 2024 reinvested $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-2025, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Funding allocations are guided by distinctions-based approaches, community needs, and collaboration with Indigenous health leaders and regional tables to ensure ongoing relevance and impact.

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 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 ECEs.

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
  • This project 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 in part to Call for Justice 17.7 by supporting distinctions-based, culturally safe early learning and child care programs that are accessible to Métis children and families. This includes accessible programs for those living in urban centres. Through both the distinctions-based funding and the IELCC Quality Improvement Projects Fund, the initiative helps improve access to high-quality, culturally appropriate early learning and child care, no matter where Métis families reside. These investments help Métis children learn in environments that affirm their culture, strengthen community connections, and promote their overall wellbeing.

• 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 expanding 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, $8.1 million was committed to Keewatin Railway Company for capital improvements and infrastructure maintenance along the rail line between The Pas and Pukatawagan/Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Of this amount, $5.4 million was dedicated to acquiring new rolling stock, enhancing the fleet to ensure the safety and reliability of transportation for Indigenous communities relying on this vital link. Additionally, $17.4 million was committed to Tshiuetin Rail Company, to support both operational and capital expenditures necessary for running the rail service between Sept-Îles and Schefferville. These funds cover daily operational costs and ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation to maintain a dependable service, securing safer travel for the Indigenous populations served. Furthermore, the RPRP invested $25 million in the Arctic Gateway Group to sustain capital and operational needs for the Hudson Bay Railway. This investment facilitates upgrades and rehabilitation projects, ensuring communities between The Pas and Churchill have access to safe, reliable rail transportation.

These strategic investments underscore RPRP's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led transportation initiatives that not only improve travel safety but also contribute to addressing systemic vulnerabilities tied to the risks of trafficking and violence, as outlined in the framework addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The Remote Passenger Rail Program responds to part of Call for Justice 17.9 by funding Indigenous-owned rail lines that serve Métis, First Nations, and Inuit communities and individuals, and provide safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options. The program recognizes the importance of Indigenous-led infrastructure and supports the autonomy of Indigenous communities in operating and managing their own rail services. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this initiative by having safer travel options, reducing isolation, and fostering economic and cultural linkages between remote and urban areas.

• Safe and reliable transportation: Provides essential rail services for Indigenous communities. Reduces reliance on unsafe transportation methods, and ensures Indigenous communities are not isolated due to the absence of private transit options
• Access to essential services for northern and remote communities: Provides a critical link to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and improves mobility for Indigenous people in isolated regions
• Reducing risks of exploitation and trafficking: Contributes to lowering risks associated with lack of safe transit in high-vulnerability areas of human trafficking and exploitation

Investments in 2024 allocated $61.9 million over three years to Tshiuetin S.E.C. and Keewatin Railway Company, starting in 2024. Additionally, the 2024-2025 Fall Economic Statement announced $43.7 million to support the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) through a contribution agreement, which has been signed, aiming to support operations and minor capital projects to enhance the long-term stability of the HBR. In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced additional funding for this project, bringing the total support to $125 million. A contribution agreement was signed in March 2025 with the Arctic Gateway Group, the owner of HBR, to allocate the funds and start the work of maintaining HBR. This sustained investment reflects a commitment to provide safe, reliable transportation for remote and Indigenous communities, recognizing the vital role that these rail services play in connecting isolated regions.

In 2025-2026, the Pathways Initiative provided $36,015,516 in funding to 57 community safety and well-being projects. Recipients included 30 First Nations, 9 Inuit, and 7 Métis organizations and communities. 11 Indigenous urban organization's projects were also funded through the Pathways Initiative.

The Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.15 by offering funding to Métis communities and organizations to incorporate Métis perspectives and people into the development and implementation of Indigenous-led security models and safety projects. These projects include culturally-specific interventions that address violence, social challenges, and systemic barriers to safety. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this initiative by accessing culturally-relevant safety solutions that reflect Métis values, traditions, and lived experiences.

• Strengthening Indigenous self-determination: Funds the implementation of culturally appropriate safety measures that align with Indigenous communities' values
• Reducing dependence on law enforcement: Promotes alternative approaches to safety that do not rely on policing
• Addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people: Funds programs focused on the unique safety needs of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
• Enhancing Métis community safety: Funds the implementation of Métis-led safety measures that meet Métis community-specific needs and align with Métis communities' values
• Promoting holistic, Métis-led models: Emphasizes non-policing approaches to safety, including mental health and Métis traditional knowledge
• Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ and urban Métis populations: Funds programs focused on the unique safety needs of Métis women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals

In 2025-2026, the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative provided $36,015,516 to support 57 projects. $120 million over five years (2021-2026) has been allocated to support community-led safety projects across First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations, including urban-based Indigenous organizations.

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. Another 26 coordination agreement discussion tables are active. 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 part of Call for Justice 17.16 by affirming the right of Métis Peoples to develop and implement culturally appropriate child and family service laws. Through the framework of the Act, Métis communities may propose and implement jurisdictional frameworks rooted in Métis cultural values and family structures. The federal government supports this work through capacity-funding, coordination discussions, and service implementation agreements. The initiative further supports this Call for Justice through the establishment of binding national minimum standards to be followed in the delivery of child and family services for all Indigenous children, including Métis children.

For Métis families, children, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis, these jurisdictional tools strengthen community care networks and reduce risks associated with systemic discrimination in provincial child welfare systems. Métis-led services support healing, cultural reclamation, and long-term protection of children.

• 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)

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. Another 26 coordination agreement discussion tables are active. 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 part of Call for Justice 17.17 by enabling Métis communities to exercise control over child and family services through the implementation of their own laws under the Act. Since January 2020, three Métis governing bodies have initiated this process. ISC's funding and technical support facilitate Métis-driven approaches to family wellbeing, early intervention, and cultural continuity including through following the priority order for the placement of Indigenous children prescribed in section 16 of the Act, which support keeping Métis children in Métis homes.

Families and children affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from Métis-led care systems that understand and respond to the unique dynamics of Métis identity, kinship, and trauma. These changes help create safer, more supportive environments for Métis children and reduce the systemic drivers of removal and violence.

• 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)

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. Another 26 coordination agreement discussion tables are active. 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 part of Call for Justice 17.18 by supporting the creation and implementation of culturally appropriate child and family service systems for Métis communities. The Act creates a framework under which Métis governing bodies may take full responsibility for service delivery, supported by coordination agreements and sustainable fiscal arrangements. These systems allow Métis communities to reclaim authority over the wellbeing of their children and families.

Métis families, children, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from the ability to access services grounded in cultural safety and community care. This represents a shift away from harmful practices rooted in colonial systems and a step toward restoring dignity and self-determination for Métis Peoples.

• 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)

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program: The ISET Program flows investments to Indigenous governments or Indigenous mandated service delivery partners through flexible ten-year agreements to contribute to Indigenous-led workforce development strategies aligned with the needs of the people they serve. From April 2024 to March 2025, these investments have contributed to supports offered to the results in the following.

Among women served through ISET partner distinctions streams:

• First Nations women: 13,981 served; 4,782 found employment; 1,266 returned to school or further training
• Inuit women: 925 served; 424 found employment; 112 returned to school or further training
• Métis women: 5,343 served; 1,561 found employment; 1,115 returned to school or further training
• Urban and Non-Affiliated partners: 3,389 served; 753 found employment; 419 returned to school or further training

Overall totals (all participants; women in parentheses):

• 54,000 served (23,638 women)
• 18,717 found employment (7,520 women)
• 3,068 returned to school or further training (2,912 women)

Skills and Partnership Fund: The SPF flows investments intended to:

• Support partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers through project-based funding to provide skills training for Indigenous peoples for roles in sectors experiencing growth, aligning labour market demands with the priorities of government and Indigenous communities across local, regional, and national levels
• Increase access to training that is demand-driven, that plays a key role in directly linking training efforts and Indigenous peoples to specific jobs to improve their employment outcomes
• Act as a federal lever for advancing the Government of Canada's and Indigenous priorities and addressing emerging economic opportunities
• Support broader regional-based projects by providing training for a larger number of people, which can have a greater impact on economic development

SPF flows approximately $40 million annually to Indigenous-led projects. In 2024-2025 alone, SPF investments contributed to training and employment supports for 2,513 Indigenous participants; 876 of these participants were employed following the intervention and 379 returned to school.

ISET responds to Call for Justice 17.19 through the Métis Nation labour market funding stream. This stream provides $625 million over ten years (2019 to 2029) to Métis governments and their mandated service delivery providers to lead workforce development strategies aligned with the needs of Métis citizens, including a range of wraparound services. The Skills and Partnership Fund also responds to Call for Justice 17.19 by investing in Indigenous-led workforce development strategies. It also encourages employers, other orders of government and other important partners to contribute financially or with in kind support. This helps increase overall investments and creates built-in pathways for clients - from wraparound supports to education and skills development to employment.

• Reduces barriers: Provides wraparound supports, such as child care, mental health services, and transportation. Helps address systemic barriers, enabling safer and more equitable access to education, healing, and employment opportunities.
• Contributes to economic empowerment: Provides access to meaningful employment and education supports financial independence.
• Supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis self-determination and community-led solutions: Flows investments to Indigenous governments and Indigenous mandated organizations to design and deliver workforce development strategies that align with their needs, values and priorities. Respects and strengthens Indigenous control.
• Enhances access to education and skills development: Contributes to skills and employment training as well as academic upgrading and post-secondary pathways.
• Provides long-term, predictable investment in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities: Ten-year funding agreements that allow carry forward enable sustainable operations and support flexibility to plan strategically over the longer term.

The ISET Program was established with an initial investment of $2 billion over five years (2019 to 2024) to support distinctions-based, Indigenous-led workforce development strategies. The program delivers ongoing, predictable annual funding of $408.2 million from 2024 onward.

Funding is allocated on a distinctions basis, ensuring tailored support for:

• First Nations: $1.1 billion over five years; $235.7 million annually ongoing.
• Inuit: $161.2 million over five years; $32.6 million annually ongoing.
• Métis: $325 million over five years; $67 million annually ongoing.
• Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous peoples: $213.4 million over five years; $45.2 million annually ongoing.

To address long-standing service gaps, the ISET Program created a dedicated Urban/Non-affiliated stream, supporting access to employment and training services for Indigenous peoples living out of territory or in urban centers.

The program provides ten-year funding agreements (April 2019 to March 2029) to increase flexibility, planning capacity, and long-term impact for Indigenous service delivery organizations. Since its launch, over $2 billion has been allocated, including a one-time investment of $144.2 million in 2021 to 2022 to support pandemic recovery.

The Family Violence Prevention Program collaborated with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Partners to advance the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, which seeks to establish new shelters transition homes across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people escaping violence.

• As of March 2026, a total of 80 projects have been selected, 38 shelters and 42 transitional homes.
• The Family Violence Prevention Program supports new shelters with start up costs prior to the complete of construction.
• Ongoing funding to support operations is available once facilities are built and ready to receive clients.

The Family Violence Prevention Program supported over 400 community-driven violence prevention projects across Canada, including but not limited to public outreach and awareness campaigns, workshops, support groups, stress and anger management seminars, Indigenous knowledge land-based programming.

• The Family Violence Prevention Program supports the EmpowerMen project that engages men and boys in the prevention of family violence, that hosted a large gathering in its 2nd Law Enforcement Conference: Journey to Justice, to address the critical issues of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, affecting women, children, Indigenous people, and gender-diverse individuals. Professionals from various sectors, including survivors, law enforcement, crown prosecutors, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders, came together to explore strategies to combat technology-facilitated trafficking, and the exploitation of Indigenous youth.
• The National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak received funding to lead culturally specific programming tailored to their respective communities.
• At the regional and grassroots level, organizations like Circling Buffalo, Three Eagle Wellness Society and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition were supported to deliver community-rooted interventions.
  • Circling Buffalo created a series of radio announcements and informative videos that were broadcasted on local radio stations in Manitoba and shared via social media to promote awareness of family violence and prevention efforts.
• The Lethbridge and Area Métis Association was supported in their family violence prevention project to conduct a series of culturally specific workshops for Métis families, including Indigenous non-status individuals or families. The project aimed at preventing family violence in providing an opportunity for families to come together to learn about Metis traditions in an inclusive and wholistic healthy family unity. Workshops incorporate a language component, shared in Métis history and knowledge systems that instilled pride, confidence and positive self-image to prevent family violence.
• The Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre led a culturally relevant series of workshops aimed at addressing family violence among Inuit in Winnipeg. This family violence project was rooted in Inuit cultural practices and values, offering support for women, men, and youth to break the cycle of violence and build healthier family and community dynamics.

The FVPP responds to part of Call for Justice 17.20 by ensuring Indigenous communities, including Métis people, can access culturally relevant supports and violence prevention programming. While additional funding is required to expand services, this initiative strengthens Métis-led approaches to reducing gender-based violence. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program by accessing culturally safe and Métis-led prevention and intervention services.

• Indigenous-led violence prevention and capacity building: Funds Indigenous organizations to design and deliver community-led prevention programming (for example, workshops, outreach, support groups), including education and awareness campaigns and training that strengthen long-term local prevention capacity
• Safe, low-barrier shelter and housing access: Expands and sustains Indigenous-led emergency shelters, transitional housing, and second-stage housing that provide immediate safety and longer-term housing stability for survivors fleeing violence, including in remote, rural, northern, and urban contexts
• Trauma-informed, culturally safe wraparound supports: Increases access to crisis intervention, counseling, peer supports, referrals, and healing programming grounded in Indigenous cultural knowledge, Elders' guidance, and land-based approaches, aligned to survivor needs (including trauma, mental health, and addictions)
• Targeted supports for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people: Improves access to safer spaces and culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people facing elevated risk of gender-based violence
• Distinctions-based reach for Inuit and Métis communities: Strengthens access to shelter/housing, prevention programming, and culturally relevant supports that reflect Inuit- and Métis-specific realities, including Inuit access in northern and urban regions and Métis-led prevention initiatives

The initiative is funded as part of the $724.1 million Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy. ISC received $304.1 million over five years starting in 2021-2022, with $96.6 million ongoing to support the operation of new shelters and transitional homes, as well as to fund culturally appropriate violence prevention activities. In 2025-2026, the Family Violence Prevention Program spent $96.6 million, including $56.1 million to support facility operations, $700,000 to support shelter project development, and $39.8 million to programs and services for Indigenous peoples facing gender-based violence.

As of March 31, 2026, $395.97 million has been conditionally or financially committed toward the construction of 38 new shelters and 42 transitional homes.

• Initial capital funding to projects: $398 million
  • $7.2 million per facility in Territories and Inuit Nunangat
  • $3.48 million per facility in Provinces
• $22 million in administrative funding

The ISTHI responds to part of Call for Justice 17.20 by providing Métis-led, culturally appropriate shelters and transitional homes, ensuring services are developed and delivered by Indigenous organizations and communities. These shelters integrate traditional Métis healing practices, language, and community-driven support models. Additional long-term investments are required to ensure full accessibility for all Indigenous Peoples. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from access to safe, culturally appropriate spaces, including no-barrier safe spaces for Métis mothers and families in need.

• Housing expansion: Expanded emergency and transitional housing for Indigenous survivors of gender-based violence, including Indigenous-led projects
• Enhanced Indigenous-led supports: Strengthened Indigenous-led victim services and housing supports, including increased access to safe, culturally appropriate housing
• Culturally relevant support services: Increased access to culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, community-led, wraparound support services for survivors
• Enhanced safety and stability for survivors: Increased safety and security for Indigenous women and families escaping violence, including long-term options
• Sustainable housing solutions: Support for long-term housing solutions and wraparound services
• Indigenous leadership and capacity building: Strengthened Indigenous leadership in family violence prevention and provided funding for community-led violence prevention
• Métis-led violence prevention and leadership in housing services: Strengthened Métis-led violence prevention efforts and leadership in shelter and housing services.
• Expansion of culturally appropriate supports: Expansion of culturally appropriate, community-driven supports

Since 2021, $395.97 million has been committed towards the construction of new shelters and transitional homes, with construction funding managed by CMHC and flowed to Indigenous partners.

In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, CMHC funded four new projects through ISTHI and provided $16.7 million in funding.

As of March 31, 2026, the National Housing Strategy has committed the following funding to Indigenous and northern housing:

• $395.97 million has been conditionally or financially committed through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative toward the construction of 38 new shelters and 42 new transitional homes. for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people escaping gender-based violence
• $138.1 million has been set aside as exclusive funding for Indigenous and Northern housing projects:
  • $25 million toward the repair of 560 units in the existing urban Indigenous community housing stock community housing stock. As of March 31, 2026, $24.96 million has been conditionally or financially committed toward the repair of 572 units
  • $13.1 million committed for 2 emergency shelters in the territories
  • $100 million of exclusive funding, and an additional $35.65 million in Affordable Housing Fund funding has been conditionally or financially committed to support the construction and repair of 383 new units
• Meeting the housing needs of vulnerable Canadians is a priority under the NHS and 2SLGBTQI+ people are identified as a priority group
  • As of March 31, 2026, 178 new units have been committed and 7 repair units committed through the Federal Lands Initiative, Rapid Housing Initiative, and Affordable Housing Fund, and Co-Operative Housing Development Program for 2SLGBTQI+ peoples

The NHS also provides funding exclusively for Indigenous and Northern Housing through NHS bilateral agreements with provinces and territories:

• $200 million is allocated through the Canada Community Housing Initiative delivered by Provinces and Territories under the NHS Bilateral Agreements to support 7,000 units in the existing urban Indigenous community housing stock so they continue to be made available to low-income households
• $300 million is allocated through funding for the Territories, as part of the $617.1 million federal-territorial joint investment delivered by Territories under the NHS Bilateral Agreements

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.20 by ensuring Métis communities receive targeted housing investments that reflect self-determination and long-term sustainability. The NHS supports the development of Métis-led shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing services, ensuring that Métis women and families have access to safe and culturally appropriate living spaces. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from access to secure housing tailored to their cultural and social realities.

• Community-led, self-governed housing solutions: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis self-determined policies, including Indigenous-led housing initiatives and Métis governance of shelters and transitional housing
• Expanded safe housing access: Funding for new construction of homes, multi-unit dwellings, and community-led housing projects, and for upgrades and repairs to ensure existing housing stock meets safety, sustainability, and accessibility standards
• Expansion of emergency and transitional shelters: Committed funding towards the construction of new shelters and new transitional homes for Indigenous women, families, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
• Prioritizing vulnerable populations: Safe, stable housing for women, children, seniors, and those at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking
• Long-term housing and economic security: Investments in transitional and second-stage housing, rental assistance, and affordable housing for low-income Indigenous families
• Preventing family separation and child welfare interventions: Housing programs that provide stability for Indigenous families, reducing the risk of child apprehension due to poverty, overcrowding, or unsafe living conditions
• 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive housing solutions: Culturally informed shelters, affordable housing, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals facing housing insecurity
• Increased housing for Inuit communities: Funding for housing units led by Inuit governing bodies
• Economic growth in Inuit Nunangat: Creating jobs through housing construction, maintenance, and homeownership support
• Métis-specific housing investments: Funding for Métis-led shelters, transitional housing projects, and community-driven housing solutions to address homelessness and housing insecurity

The National Housing Strategy reports on projects once a conditional commitment is made, and funding is earmarked. Projects are tracked from this phase to completion, which is when units are built or repaired. Funding is not reported on an annual basis, but cumulatively from program-start.

Further funding details on the NHS can be found in the quarterly progress report updates hosted on Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada's website.

Under the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People Contribution Program, funding provided in 2025-2026 enabled Indigenous recipients to offer culturally appropriate and trauma informed care and services that support the healing journey of Indigenous families and survivors that have been impacted by violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. In 2025-2026, the funding was fully allocated, supporting ongoing existing multi-year projects, two new multi-year projects and one new single-year project. The initiatives funded focused on supporting family members and survivors of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people to find healing in a form that is meaningful to them. The program supports projects such as holding celebrations of life and legacy for individual survivors, families or communities of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and resource centres or navigators to assist family members and survivors in accessing the culturally relevant supports that are available to them.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.20 by investing in Métis-led services that incorporate traditional healing, family support, and culturally relevant program that address the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this initiative by accessing Métis-specific healing services that reinforce their cultural identities and long-term well-being.

• Culturally relevant healing services: Funding supports projects that incorporate traditional Indigenous practices and ceremonies
• Sustained funding for healing programs: Funding allows for long-term program sustainability and community-driven solutions
• Accessible and low-barrier support: Ensures that funding reaches communities in need without complex bureaucratic hurdles and reduces barriers to accessing essential healing services for Indigenous victims and families
• Holistic support services: Provides Indigenous victims and families with trauma-informed care, counseling, and community-driven healing initiatives
• Sustained community-led programs: Supports Indigenous-led organizations in developing long-term support networks
• Métis-led healing initiatives: Ensures services are designed and delivered by Métis communities for Métis people

The program offers ongoing funding of $2.5 million per fiscal year to support healing journeys of Indigenous families and survivors that have been impacted by violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S+) initiatives.

In 2025-2026, just over $3 million, above the $2.5 million in annual funding as it included deferred allocations from fiscal year 2024-2025, was allocated to successful Indigenous organizations and community-led project recipients of The Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People Contribution Program, led by CIRNAC. The funding provided Indigenous groups with the ability to offer culturally appropriate and trauma informed care and services that support the healing journey of Indigenous families and survivors that have been impacted by violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The approved funding for fiscal year 2025-2026 supported 10 existing multi-year projects, two new multi-year projects and one single-year project. Thirteen Indigenous organizations were approved for funding to support the projects.

The previous federal government made the decision to extend the negotiations on the service agreement with the top-ranked proponent of the RFP due to the current economic climate. We are currently waiting for further direction from the current government regarding next steps.

For the direct funding streams to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, agreements have been signed and most of fiscal year 2024-2025 U.R.N. funding to distinctions-based groups has been disbursed. ISC has distributed $39.1 million for 2024-2025 to First Nations in provinces, while CIRNAC has flowed approximately $48 million to Inuit, Métis, northern First Nations, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.20 by investing $4 billion for the creation of an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, including direct funding allocations to Métis distinctions-based partners. It prioritizes housing solutions for those in greatest need, such as housing for Métis mothers and families in need. The initiative strengthens Indigenous leadership in housing delivery and programs, ensuring that solutions reflect Indigenous perspectives. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program as it fosters culturally informed housing solutions and enhances access to safe living environments.

• Improved housing security and access to safe housing: Direct funding enables Indigenous-led construction, repairs, and culturally appropriate shelters, transitional housing, and permanent homes
• Indigenous-led, self-determined housing solutions: Indigenous governments and organizations control funding allocation, ensuring housing solutions reflect cultural, geographic, and community needs
• Métis-led, self-determined housing solutions: Métis governments and organizations control funding allocation, ensuring housing solutions reflect cultural, geographic, and community needs
• Culturally relevant and holistic housing services: Supports the development of housing that integrates Indigenous traditions, languages, and ways of life while coordinating with mental health and social services
• Support for vulnerable populations: Assists Indigenous individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, and violence by expanding shelter and housing options
• Indigenous governance and leadership in housing: Governance by, and direct funding to First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, who determine respective U.R.N. housing plans, priorities and funding delivery
• Sustainable and comprehensive housing solutions: Investments contribute to long-term, stable housing with enhanced coordination and Indigenous oversight

Budget 2023 allocated $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-2025, for implementation of the U.R.N. Indigenous Housing Strategy and the establishment of a National Indigenous Housing Centre. The U.R.N. Strategy recognizes Indigenous partners' autonomy over their members, citizens, and beneficiaries in meeting their housing needs no matter where they live. For this reason, funding will be delivered through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations. Funding will also flow to the new National Indigenous Housing Centre to manage and administer government funding directly to Indigenous housing and service providers.

For the direct funding streams to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, agreements have been signed and most of fiscal year 2024-2025 U.R.N. funding to distinctions-based groups has been disbursed. ISC has distributed $39.1 million for 2024-2025 to First Nations in provinces, while CIRNAC has flowed approximately $48 million to Inuit, Métis, northern First Nations, and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) was launched by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in 2024, on behalf of the Government of Canada, for Indigenous proponents to submit proposals to establish a National Indigenous Housing Centre (National Centre). Funding under this strategy supports the development and sustainability of Indigenous-led housing services, including shelters and transition homes. We are currently waiting for further direction from the government regarding next steps on the RFP.

The Family Violence Prevention Program collaborated with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Partners to advance the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, which seeks to establish new shelters transition homes across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people escaping violence.

• As of March 2026, a total of 80 projects have been selected, 38 shelters and 42 transitional homes.
• The Family Violence Prevention Program supports new shelters with start up costs prior to the completion of construction.
• Ongoing funding to support operations is available once facilities are built and ready to receive clients.

The Family Violence Prevention Program supported over 400 community-driven violence prevention projects across Canada, including but not limited to public outreach and awareness campaigns, workshops, support groups, stress and anger management seminars, Indigenous knowledge land-based programming.

• The Family Violence Prevention Program supports the EmpowerMen project that engages men and boys in the prevention of family violence, that hosted a large gathering in its 2nd Law Enforcement Conference: Journey to Justice, to address the critical issues of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, affecting women, children, Indigenous people, and gender-diverse individuals. Professionals from various sectors, including survivors, law enforcement, crown prosecutors, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders, came together to explore strategies to combat technology-facilitated trafficking, and the exploitation of Indigenous youth.
• The National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak received funding to lead culturally specific programming tailored to their respective communities.
• At the regional and grassroots level, organizations like Circling Buffalo, Three Eagle Wellness Society and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition were supported to deliver community-rooted interventions.
  • Circling Buffalo created a series of radio announcements and informative videos that were broadcasted on local radio stations in Manitoba and shared via social media to promote awareness of family violence and prevention efforts.
• The Lethbridge and Area Métis Association was supported in their family violence prevention project to conduct a series of culturally specific workshops for Métis families, including Indigenous non-status individuals or families. The project aimed at preventing family violence in providing an opportunity for families to come together to learn about Metis traditions in an inclusive and wholistic healthy family unity. Workshops incorporate a language component, shared in Métis history and knowledge systems that instilled pride, confidence and positive self-image to prevent family violence.
• The Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre led a culturally relevant series of workshops aimed at addressing family violence among Inuit in Winnipeg. This family violence project was rooted in Inuit cultural practices and values, offering support for women, men, and youth to break the cycle of violence and build healthier family and community dynamics.

The FVPP responds to part of Call for Justice 17.23 by providing funding for Indigenous-led healing initiatives that incorporate traditional knowledge and community-driven approaches. While more resources are needed to expand these services, this initiative strengthens cultural reconnection and resilience for Indigenous survivors of violence. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program by gaining access to culturally grounded healing programs that promote holistic well-being.

• Indigenous-led violence prevention and capacity building: Funds Indigenous organizations to design and deliver community-led prevention programming (for example, workshops, outreach, support groups), including education and awareness campaigns and training that strengthen long-term local prevention capacity
• Safe, low-barrier shelter and housing access: Expands and sustains Indigenous-led emergency shelters, transitional housing, and second-stage housing that provide immediate safety and longer-term housing stability for survivors fleeing violence, including in remote, rural, northern, and urban contexts
• Trauma-informed, culturally safe wraparound supports: Increases access to crisis intervention, counseling, peer supports, referrals, and healing programming grounded in Indigenous cultural knowledge, Elders' guidance, and land-based approaches, aligned to survivor needs (including trauma, mental health, and addictions)
• Targeted supports for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people: Improves access to safer spaces and culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people facing elevated risk of gender-based violence
• Distinctions-based reach for Inuit and Métis communities: Strengthens access to shelter/housing, prevention programming, and culturally relevant supports that reflect Inuit- and Métis-specific realities, including Inuit access in northern and urban regions and Métis-led prevention initiatives

The initiative is funded as part of the $724.1 million Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy. ISC received $304.1 million over five years starting in 2021-2022, with $96.6 million ongoing to support the operation of new shelters and transitional homes, as well as to fund culturally appropriate violence prevention activities. In 2025-2026, the Family Violence Prevention Program spent $96.6 million, including $56.1 million to support facility operations, $700,000 to support shelter project development, and $39.8 million to programs and services for Indigenous peoples facing gender-based violence.

During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, a series of strategic activities were undertaken to ensure that all initiatives were meaningfully informed by Indigenous perspectives, knowledge systems, and priorities:

• engagement with Elders and Knowledge Holders provided critical cultural guidance, helping to ensure that content was accurate, respectful, and aligned with Indigenous values and traditions
• engagement sessions with Indigenous representatives, both within and outside the public service, offered essential insight and direction that informed the development and refinement of key products
• Indigenous perspectives were systematically incorporated through collaboration with academic experts, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that all content remained current, culturally grounded, and reflective of Indigenous realities

These efforts were foundational in advancing the work and strengthening its relevance, impact, and responsiveness to the needs of Indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Learning curriculum contributes to Call for Justice 17.24 by fostering greater awareness and understanding of Métis identity, history, and governance within the federal public service. By offering structured learning experiences and promoting Indigenous-led content, the curriculum supports the National Inquiry's call to increase Métis visibility and cultural recognition in Canada. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from the way this program is working to restore, reclaim, and revitalize Métis cultural identity among federal public servants through the provision of training that reflects an accurate and respectful representation of Métis history, traditions, and their positive achievements and contributions to Canada.

• Increased public service awareness: Expands knowledge of Métis culture, history, and governance among government employees
• Strengthened relationships: Develops employee capacity for culturally safe interactions and meaningful engagement with Métis individuals, communities and organizations
• Métis-led content development: Ensures materials are informed by Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Provides learning opportunities rooted in Indigenous perspectives and contemporary realities
• Increased Place-Based Awareness: Strengthens public servants' understanding of land, treaties, and local Indigenous contexts relevant to their work and workplaces
• Improved Cultural Competency: Builds knowledge and awareness that support respectful engagement, policy development, and service delivery within the federal public service

Funding for Indigenous Learning is provided through the CSPS budget allocation.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 17.25 by funding Métis communities to document and digitize their languages and histories. Métis families, survivors, and communities benefit from increased access to cultural resources that support language learning, historical awareness, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

• Métis cultural preservation: Supports Métis organizations in documenting and safeguarding their histories. Funding is allocated to Métis organizations for digitization projects that align with community-led cultural preservation priorities.
• Language revitalization: Funds digitization projects that focus on Métis language preservation.
• Community-controlled knowledge: Ensures Métis communities have agency over their historical documentation efforts.
• Expanded public access: Increases awareness and recognition of Métis heritage through digital accessibility.

Budget 2021 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).

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 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 ECEs.

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
  • This project 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 17.26 by ensuring long-term investment in Métis cultural education with the objective of supporting early childhood educational programming that helps to revitalize the practice of Métis culture. By funding Michif-language instruction and Métis-specific curriculum, it supports language preservation and cultural revitalization. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit as Métis children experience education that connects them to their cultural roots and identities.

• 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 expanding 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.

As of fiscal year 2024-2025, the ongoing funding provided for in 2024 has been allocated to IJP Community-based Justice Fund recipients. This funding enhancement has ensured there are no lapses in justice services provided by IJP funded programs and addresses key gaps in access to Indigenous cultural programs and services that are effective in addressing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system.

Some examples of IJP community-based justice programs that received program integrity funding include:

• the Tsuu'tina Nation in Alberta who provides Peacemaker services to the Tsuu'tina Peacemaker court on-reserve;
• the Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network in Nova Scotia that promotes prevention, provides diversion services referred by provincial courts or Indigenous court workers, communities and provide sentencing circles; and,
• the Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society in British Columbia that delivers prevention, alternative measures, support to Vancouver Indigenous court and victim's support.

The IJP responds to Call for Justice 17.27 by funding programs such as the Manitoba Métis Federation's Child and Family Mediation Services that ensure culturally relevant mediation support is available to Métis families navigating conflict resolution. The IJP funds Indigenous-led community justice programs, including child and family mediation services where Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from Métis-led justice services that prioritize healing, family unity, and culturally informed mediation.

• Prevention and diversion: IJP-funded programs focus on diversion, mediation, and restorative justice, helping prevent violence and conflict before they escalate to formal legal proceedings. Programs support pre-charge, post-charge, and sentencing diversion to reduce Indigenous incarceration rates
• Cultural safety: Programs integrate Indigenous laws, traditions, and values into justice practices
• Victim support: Trauma-informed training ensures justice programs provide culturally appropriate support to victims
• Focus on Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ safety: While broadly serving Indigenous communities, IJP-supported initiatives can contribute to violence prevention efforts for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people by offering alternatives to incarceration and systemic criminalization
• Family mediation: Conflict resolution services improve access to justice for Indigenous families
• Restorative justice: Programs incorporate traditional justice and healing practices. Programs emphasize restorative justice and reintegration, rather than punitive measures, and help reduce recidivism and promotes community healing
• Focus on Métis women and 2SLGBTQI+ safety: While broadly serving Métis communities, IJP-supported initiatives can contribute to violence prevention efforts for Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people by offering alternatives to incarceration and systemic criminalization
• Métis-specific mediation: Programs facilitate family and community mediation. Conflict resolution services improve access to justice for Indigenous families
• Conflict resolution support: Mediation prevents legal escalation and promotes family unity

In 2024, the Government announced $26.9 million over five years and $5.4 million ongoing for the Indigenous Justice Program. Investments have supported 214 programs serving 650+ communities in funding agreements that span 2024-2025 to 2026-2027.

• Continued funding in support of 27 Indigenous-led projects in all regions of Canada to assist families of missing and murdered Indigenous people, including $296,844 for two Métis specific projects:
  • $146,844 was invested in Prince Albert Métis Women's Association Inc.'s Safe Communities Project, which creates safe space for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons to share their stories and access holistic supports and services provided by Elders and a Family Counsellor/Awareness Worker.
  • $150,000 was invested in the Manitoba Métis Federation's Métis Family Support Project as it worked to create a registration process for Red River Métis Citizens and families to support their access to resources and services; to engage in activities to connect community needs to referrals; and to provide education to build awareness and knowledge of victimization.
• While many of the projects underway are focused on families of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls, activities also included community-based supports and healing services for families of men and boys
• A Community of Practice led by Justice Canada was launched in 2025-2026 designed to build connections among the projects to foster opportunities for shared learning and meaningful knowledge exchange on good practices in supporting families

The CSHF initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.28 by making available project funding to increase access to healing and support services that provide culturally safe spaces for Métis families to access grief counseling, traditional healing practices, and family support networks. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program through increased access critical healing spaces and culturally relevant support networks that help families navigate grief, loss, and trauma.

• Strengthening family and community healing: By offering healing circles, ceremonies, and family-centered supports, the initiative fosters collective healing
• Increased access to culturally grounded supports and culturally specific trauma-informed approach:
  • The initiative funds community-based healing services that integrate Indigenous cultural and spiritual practices
  • Services are designed to create safe spaces for families, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and Western therapeutic practices
  • Services are delivered by Métis, First Nations, and Inuit organizations to ensure they reflect cultural values, traditions, and knowledge
  • The initiative funds activities such as land-based healing, sharing circles, and counseling with Elders
  • Families receive support through culturally specific, relevant project activities that promote healing and resilience
• Trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach: Services prioritize the safety, dignity, and empowerment of families
• Culturally safe and Inuit-led supports: Projects are designed and delivered by Inuit communities, ensuring cultural relevance
• Greater access to trauma-informed support: Families receive grief counseling, healing circles, and community gatherings

2023 investments allocated $20 million over five years, with $4.15 million annually to sustain and expand the initiative. This funding has allowed for the growth in the number of projects funded each year, and since the funding is ongoing, multi-year workplans and activities can be funded. In 2025-2026, just over $4.4 million was committed for funding to support Community Supports and Healing for Families activities.

In fiscal year 2025-2026, the initiative continued to build on the expanded mandate introduced in Budget 2023 including:

• continued funding for FILUs in each province and territory in partnership with provincial and territorial governments
• continued Inter-jurisdictional information sharing to inform renewed models and new activities within the FILU framework, including the planning of a FILU knowledge exchange
• realignment by some jurisdictions to ensure that the appropriate provincial or territorial department/ministry is delivering and monitoring the FILUs

The FILU initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 17.28 by working to create and expand Métis-specific victim services that support Métis families with missing or murdered loved ones. Call for Justice 17.28 calls for increased, culturally relevant victim support services tailored to the unique needs of Métis families. FILUs are building capacity to offer Métis-informed services, and to strengthen partnerships with Métis organizations and communities to better reflect their specific cultural and regional contexts. Métis survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program by gaining improved access to information and supports that reflect their unique cultural identities, experiences, and healing needs.

• Enhanced family-centered services: FILUs ensure that families have access to all the available information about their loved one, from multiple agencies, and connects families to all available supports they may need at the community level

• Culturally grounded support and First Nations, Métis and Inuit specific support services:
  • FILUs across Canada are regularly building their capacity to address and reflect the unique needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit families navigating the justice system so that families receive culturally relevant, trauma-informed services that reflect their values, traditions and experiences
  • A key principle for FILUs is that they provide trauma-informed services that respect Indigenous traditions
• Enhanced interagency collaboration and interjurisdictional coordination to eliminate jurisdictional barriers:
  • FILUs assist families in accessing information about their loved ones across sectors (for example, justice, corrections, health, social services) as well as across federal, provincial, and territorial systems.
  • FILUs support families in overcoming systemic barriers by coordinating access to information from various agencies, including police, courts, and victim services. At the same time, FILUs work across and between provinces and territories to ensure a coordinated response
  • FILUs also provide coordinated, inter-jurisdictional support for families through the National FILU Network, creating opportunities to support family members who live in one province or territory to access information about their loved one held in another
• Enhanced services: FILUs are now able to develop and design new methods to support families, including families of missing or murdered men and boys - some FILUS have moved forward in this area and others are exploring options to do so.

FILUs are funded through the Federal Victims Strategy's Victims Fund, with a 2023 commitment of $37.3 million over five years and $7.5 million annually on an ongoing basis. In 2025-2026, almost $7.4 million was committed for provinces and territories for the delivery of the FILUs.

• Continued funding in support of 43 Indigenous-led and jointly led projects designed to increase access to justice for Métis, First Nation, and Inuit people who have experienced crime and violence
• Led by First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations, agencies and governments, the work undertaken in 2025-2026 focused on partnership building, training, and the design and development of community-based trauma-informed models to meet their objectives of enhancing access to victim services and victim supports and reducing the harm that Indigenous victims of crime experience when in the criminal justice system. Some projects were led by non-Indigenous organizations, with required Indigenous partnerships and confirmation that no Indigenous-led organization had the capacity to deliver the project in that area.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 17.28 by making available project funding to increase access to services and supports that are designed for Métis victims and survivors. It expands Indigenous-led victim services that align with Métis perspectives and realities. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit through improved access to justice, healing, and advocacy tailored to Métis cultural needs.

• Culturally safe supports: Expands access to Indigenous-led services tailored to the specific needs of those in the sex industry, as well as those that are victims of human trafficking
• Harm reduction and safety: Provides safe spaces and resources that promote well-being and security
• Trauma supports: Increases access to culturally grounded, trauma-informed supports for Indigenous victims of crime, even if they choose not to report the crime, at the community level
• Indigenous-led victim services:
  • Access to community designed and delivered services and supports to assist victims to navigate the criminal justice system, access information, and implement their rights
  • It recognizes the unique needs of diverse Indigenous communities and supports by and for Indigenous Peoples
• Sustained services and supports: Through multi-year agreements Indigenous governments and organizations have support to design and deliver culturally appropriate victim services and supports and build partnerships with provincial and territorial victim services to share training and strengthen relationships with criminal justice agencies.
• Child advocacy centres:
  • Supports Indigenous-led and Indigenous-informed spaces providing holistic care for child victims under one roof to lessen the impacts of traumatic experiences and pave the path for healing
  • The child advocacy centre initiative supports the development of new Indigenous child advocacy centres, as well as the expansion of Indigenous-led supports and services across existing child advocacy centres

The federal government allocated $38.6 million over five years (2023 to 2028), with $8 million ongoing. Through these investments, the federal government has committed to expand and strengthen Indigenous-led victim services, and to support partnerships to increase access to justice for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime within the criminal justice system. Ongoing federal funding ensures that Indigenous organizations can continue to deliver culturally relevant, community-based victim support services and build partnerships with others working in the justice system to better support victims and survivors. In 2025-2026, over $7.3 million was committed to support Indigenous-led approaches to support Indigenous victims and survivors of crime.