2025-2026 Reporting on the Calls for Justice 16.1 to 16.46: Inuit Specific Calls

While this initiative has sunsetted, short-term territorial grants were leveraged alongside broader federal housing and infrastructure investments to support the delivery of new housing, preserve and modernize existing public housing assets, strengthen community housing capacity, and address urgent housing and infrastructure pressures across the North. These combined investments contributed to the following:

• Northwest Territories: Delivered 37 new public housing units across rural and remote communities, including accessible seniors' housing and units targeted to vulnerable single individuals; completed extensive modernization, repair, energy-efficiency, and maintenance initiatives to preserve and improve public housing stock; and strengthened community housing delivery through expanded planning, provider support, and Local Housing Organization capacity-building
• Nunavut: Advanced housing supply and preservation through the construction of 89 new public housing units across seven high-need communities, deployment of 22 modular housing units to address urgent pressures, and major mold remediation and repair work to extend the life and safety of existing housing stock
• Yukon: Supported innovative, community-driven northern housing solutions through the development of a mixed-use housing and health centre in Old Crow in partnership with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, while also investing territory-wide in new community housing construction and major and minor repairs to improve the safety, affordability, and longevity of existing housing infrastructure

This initiative responded to Call for Justice 16.1 by funding the Government of Nunavut to address housing shortages and infrastructure needs, in a manner that honors federal commitments related to housing and economic development. Indigenous families, survivors and communities are served by the initiative's work to address territorial disparities in housing quality and accessibility.

• Increased access to affordable housing: Funding supports construction of new public housing units for rural and remote communities, and development of additional housing for vulnerable populations
• Improved housing infrastructure: Funding supports territorial investments in community-based housing projects and energy-efficient infrastructure, as well as major modernization and repair projects for existing social housing stock to ensure safety and longevity
• Collaboration with Indigenous communities: Funding provided opportunities for territorial governments to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities, government and organizations to advance housing and infrastructure priorities
• Safer living conditions: Funding supports major repairs to existing social housing stock to ensure safety and longevity
• Climate-resilient housing and infrastructure: Funding support modular housing and alternative energy housing infrastructure to reduce costs and environmental impact
• Investment in Nunavut Housing: Funding has been used to construct new public housing units for rural and remote communities, develop additional housing for vulnerable populations, and conduct major repairs to existing social housing stock to ensure safety and longevity
• Infrastructure preservation: Funding supports major infrastructure upgrades reduced safety risks, ensuring better family well-being

Investments from 2022 provided $150 million over two years. $60 million has been allocated to Nunavut and Northwest Territories and $30 million to Yukon. Of these funds, a minimum of 60% must be directed toward housing, and the remainder can be directed to infrastructure.

CanNor continues to deliver IDEANorth to provide foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy.

IDEANorth responds to part of Call for Justice 16.1 by supporting socio-economic development in the territories, investing to advance Inuit-led economic priorities and to help address infrastructure gaps that limit economic participation. IDEANorth is a major source of economic development funding across the Nunavut and Northwest Territories regions of Inuit Nunangat. It can support Inuit-defined approaches to sector growth, business development, and infrastructure readiness in ways that align with Inuit rights and socio-economic commitments. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from investments that can advance Inuit-led economic priorities and infrastructure readiness in Inuit Nunangat. This helps expand participation in northern economic development and support Inuit-defined socio-economic outcomes.

• Expanded access to economic opportunities: Investments support northerners in the territories to participate in and benefit from territorial economic development, including through business growth and sector development
• Support for equitable participation: The program emphasizes equitable access for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous people, women, and youth, helping reduce barriers to funding and business supports
• Strengthened sectors and local capacity: Investments support key economic sectors with growth potential in the territories, including innovation, tourism, arts and culture, mining, agri-businesses and fisheries
• Support for business growth: The program provides targeted investments to subject matter experts, with particular focus on expanding operations in key sectors, including the housing sector, infrastructure, and the critical minerals supply chain
• Small-scale economic infrastructure projects: Funding supports small-scale infrastructure development projects, including the construction of new or improved community spaces that build the economy and provide opportunities for collaboration, capacity-building and business growth
• Large-scale economic infrastructure projects: Funding supports large-scale infrastructure investments in the areas of energy, transportation, and fibre optics
• Benefits for families and communities impacted by MMIWG2S+: By strengthening economic security and opportunity, particularly when accessed by Indigenous communities, IDEANorth can help reduce vulnerability to violence linked to poverty and economic exclusion

CanNor provided approximately $30 million to 169 single and multi-year projects across the territories in 2024-2025.

Distinctions-based housing funding continues to be delivered to all four Inuit Treaty Organizations through flexible, multi-year grant funding agreements for Inuit-led housing delivery leading to new and improved housing in all four regions of Inuit Nunangat.

This distinctions-based Inuit housing investments respond to part of Call for Justice 16.1 by investing in Inuit Treaty Organizations work as they deliver self-determined housing programs and make housing prioritization decisions based on Inuit determined needs, and implementing the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy in order to improve housing outcomes in Inuit Nunangat so that they align with outcomes for the rest of Canada. Inuit survivors, families, and communities benefit from improved socio-economic conditions, increased housing security, and the strengthening of Inuit governance and self-determination capacities.

• Improved housing infrastructure and housing availability: Targeting the construction of 60 new Inuit housing units and the renovation of 40 units by March 31, 2026, providing safe, suitable homes for Inuit families and addressing immediate gaps in housing provision
• Enhanced living conditions: Investing in extensive renovations and repairs of existing housing, significantly improving safety, energy efficiency, and the health of community members
• Cultural relevance and safety: Inuit-led housing prioritization and design ensure housing solutions are culturally appropriate, respectful of Inuit traditions and lifestyle. Housing projects and decisions informed by Inuit governance and cultural practices, enhancing relevance and effectiveness
• Economic empowerment: Investment in community-driven housing projects fosters local employment and skills development, boosting economic activity within Inuit Nunangat
• Economic and social stability: Housing stability supports improved community health outcomes, economic security, and reduced vulnerability among Inuit populations
• Self-determined housing priorities and solutions: Empowering Inuit Treaty Organizations to govern and deliver housing programs aligned with Inuit-specific priorities, bolstering Inuit governance and decision-making, and respond effectively to emergent and existing crises
• Compliance with agreements: Addressing housing needs as stipulated in Articles 23 and 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, enhancing the socio-economic rights and conditions for Inuit
• Mitigation of health risks: Investments in safe, suitable housing reduce risks associated with overcrowding, poor health conditions, and related social issues such as violence and suicide

Funding has been allocated to respond to the housing needs of the communities, by investing in the construction and purchase of new housing units, renovation of existing housing units, subsidized rent, and other Inuit-led housing priorities. Detailed examples are not provided in this report due to the autonomous and community-led nature of project implementation. This approach aligns with the principle of self-determination, ensuring that Inuit governance structures have full authority over decision-making processes.

In 2022 $845 million was allocated over seven years ($51.6 million in 2025-2026) specifically for Inuit Treaty Organizations, guided by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Board of Directors' regional distribution decisions. This targeted approach ensures that funding is responsive to the unique housing needs and priorities established by Inuit communities, facilitating measurable improvements in housing conditions across Inuit Nunangat. The funding supports both new housing construction and critical repairs, impacting thousands of Inuit community members across the region. CIRNAC is also delivering remaining housing investments through 2018 investments ($400 million over 10 years) and through the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.

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 part of Call for Justice 16.1 by investing in Inuit-led housing development and repair initiatives, but additional long-term support is required to fully meet the needs of Inuit communities. The NHS prioritizes new housing projects, shelter expansions, and infrastructure development to ensure Inuit communities have access to safe, culturally appropriate housing. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from improved housing conditions that foster well-being and economic opportunity.

• 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.

CanNor continues to deliver NIEOP to support greater participation by northern Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities and businesses enabling them to pursue opportunities for employment, income and wealth creation in the territories.

NIEOP responds to part of Call for Justice 16.1 by supporting Inuit socio-economic development in the territories, including through investments that can advance Inuit-led economic priorities and strengthen readiness to participate in northern economic opportunities. Through CROP, NIEOP provides funding that can support Inuit communities and organizations to define priorities, build local capacity, and plan for and participate in economic development opportunities. Through EBD, including delivery through regional Service Delivery Partners, the program can improve access for Inuit entrepreneurs and Inuit-led businesses to project based supports and capital that help establish and grow businesses across diverse sectors. The Economic Research Stream strengthens the evidence base to address knowledge gaps in the territorial Indigenous economic ecosystem, helping identify barriers and opportunities that can inform Inuit-defined approaches to economic participation and prosperity. Inuit families, survivors and communities may benefit from strengthened Inuit-led economic development capacity, improved access to entrepreneurship and business supports, and increased opportunities for Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people and their families to participate in and benefit from territorial economic development.

• Strengthened community economic development capacity: Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning (CROP) works to improve of the economic development capacity of Indigenous communities and increase economic development in the territories. Support is provided to support improvements to capacity and preparation activities for planning, pursuing and participating in economic opportunities
• Expanded Indigenous entrepreneurship and business growth: Through Entrepreneurship and Business Development, CanNor supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous led businesses to establish and grow through access to project based support activities
• Improved access through regional delivery: Delivery through regional Service Delivery Partners can increase local and regional access to NIEOP supports, helping reach communities and entrepreneurs across the territories
• Increased pathways to employment and income: By supporting business development and community planning for economic opportunities, NIEOP can contribute to job creation, local income opportunities, and longer term employment and training pathways linked to sector growth
• Stronger evidence base for territorial Indigenous economic development: Through the Economic Research Stream, CanNor supports research, knowledge development and statistics to address knowledge gaps and inform approaches to maximizing Indigenous economic opportunities and prosperity in the territories
• Support for Inuit-defined socio-economic priorities: Where Inuit specific proposals are prioritized, NIEOP can advance Inuit-led approaches to employment, skills development, business development and participation in northern economic opportunities
• Potential to advance safer and more equitable economic outcomes: Where funded initiatives promote equitable participation and address safety risks, NIEOP can contribute to economic development that benefits Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people and supports conditions that reduce vulnerability linked to economic exclusion

Through CROP in 2024-2025, CanNor provided approximately $9.9 million to 41 Indigenous projects, some of which are single year while others are multi-year, to enhance community economic infrastructure, increase employment, and improve conditions for community economic development.

Through EBD in 2024-2025, CanNor provided approximately $3 million to eight projects, some of which are single year while others are multi-year, including $3 million to four approved Service Delivery Partner (SDP). CanNor's financial support enhanced their capacity to assist Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and commercial entities in cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and increase the number of sustainable, resilient and prosperous Indigenous businesses.

Through ERS in 2024-2025, CanNor provided $425,000 to four projects, some of which are single year while others are multi-year, in support of Indigenous-led research and knowledge mobilization. These initiatives help address knowledge gaps in the territorial Indigenous economic ecosystems and maximize economic opportunities and prosperity for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.

Reaching Home has invested approximately $5 billion dollars over nine years (2019-28) to address homelessness across the country. Of this, the Indigenous Homelessness and Distinctions-based Approaches streams received approximately $890 million and $286.9 million respectively. In 2025-2026, these streams saw approximately $110 million (Indigenous Homelessness stream) and $43.9 million (Distinctions-based Approaches stream) invested. In 2025-2026, significant progress has continued to occur in advancing distinctions-based partnerships. For instance, $8,955,165 was provided to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivvik, Nunatsiavut Government, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to address the unique needs of Inuit peoples experiencing homelessness.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) worked with First Nations on a regional basis to negotiate and implement agreements that support and honour First Nations processes, autonomy, and self-determination while recognizing regional differences and competing priorities. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) also continued its collaboration with Métis, Inuit, and Modern Treaty partners on the implementation of Reaching Home. Additionally, in 2025-2026, funding flowed through new agreements with Self-Governing First Nations and Modern Treaty Holders including:

• Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
• shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation
• Ka:yu:'k't'h' / Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations
• Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) First Nation
• Huu ay aht First Nations
• Toquaht Nation
• Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

Reaching Home also aligns with the broader goals of the National Housing Strategy, which seeks to improve access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across Canada. Through long-term funding commitments and partnerships with Indigenous governments and organizations, the program aims to reduce chronic homelessness, strengthen housing security, and promote social and economic stability for Indigenous individuals and families.

The Reaching Home initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.1 by engaging with a range of Inuit partners, including the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit Land Claim Organizations, Regional Inuit Associations, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and the Government of Nunavut, to support homelessness programs, services and research to improve the housing and economic outcomes of Inuit peoples. By supporting shelters, transitional housing, and economic integration initiatives through the Distinctions-based Approaches stream, Reaching Home provides direct funding for homelessness programs, services and research, for Inuit living within and outside of Inuit Nunangat, to four Inuit Treaty Organizations:

• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
• Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
• Makivvik Corporation
• Nunatsiavut Government

Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from long-term housing security and economic empowerment. Reaching Home's Territorial Homelessness stream also supports homelessness programs and services for Inuit in Nunavut.

• Community-driven, culturally relevant approach: Funding decisions are made locally, prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives that incorporate traditional knowledge, healing practices, and language supports
• Holistic housing solutions: Investments in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term housing security for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and families fleeing violence
• Economic and social empowerment: Programs connect individuals to income supports, employment services, and education, reducing poverty-related risks and supporting self-sufficiency
• Family and child welfare support: Indigenous-led programs can strengthen family unity, prevent child welfare interventions, and provide culturally appropriate services to keep families together
• Inclusive and culturally responsive services: Reaching Home can be used to fund wraparound supports, including culturally appropriate services and connection with community (for example, cultural ceremonies, traditional healing, services provided by Elders and Indigenous language and culture classes)
• Infrastructure and capacity development: Sustainable investments in housing, support services, and safe spaces
• Targeted investments for vulnerable populations: Reaching Home funded communities are encouraged to prioritize vulnerable populations including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families fleeing violence
• Inuit-specific housing and economic initiatives: Investment in Inuit-led housing projects to prevent displacement and support economic development through employment and education opportunities tailored to Inuit communities
• Preservation of Inuit culture and language: Programs ensuring access to Inuit cultural and linguistic resources, strengthening identity and connection to traditions

In 2025-2026, $110 million was allocated to the Indigenous Homelessness stream and $43.9 million to the Distinctions-based Approaches stream. This includes dedicated funding for Indigenous-led homelessness programming that can support a range of services, support and resources for wraparound services, emergency housing, prevention services, and long-term housing solutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ILP responds to Call for Justice 16.2 by working to advance access to federal services in Inuktut. The department collaborates with over 20 federal departments to identify opportunities for increased access to federal services in Inuktut. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by gaining increased access to essential government services in their language, ensuring linguistic and cultural continuity.

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

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

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

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.2 by supporting Inuit culture and language preservation through digitization. The collaboration between Library and Archives Canada and Inuit organizations prioritizes the safeguarding and accessibility of Inuit knowledge and language materials. Inuit families, survivors and communities benefit by gaining access to digitized materials that reinforce language learning, cultural identity, and historical preservation.

• Cultural and language revitalization: Supports the preservation of Inuit languages and cultural heritage.
• Community-led digital preservation: Encourages Inuit governance over their own historical documentation efforts.
• Improved access to Inuit knowledge: Enhances digital availability of Inuit historical records and teachings.
• Capacity building for Inuit organizations: Strengthens Inuit-led digital preservation skills and expertise.

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

Following the release of the final report, the CRCC launched a public awareness campaign in response to one of its recommendations. This campaign continued into 2025-2026.

Key activities included:

• conducting virtual information sessions on the public complaint process with the Government of Nunavut's Justice managers and staff
• organizing direct mail campaigns to members of Nunavut's legislative assembly and municipal leaders
• sharing community bulletins with information about the CRCC and relevant regional news
• providing an in-person presentation about the CRCC to municipal leaders

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.3 as the CRCC translated its systemic investigation report and related public awareness products into Inuktitut. This ensures that essential information is available in a culturally appropriate manner and aligns with the call for governments to ensure Inuktitut is given the same recognition, protection, and promotion as English and French.

Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this initiative by gaining improved access to justice-related information in their own language, strengthening their ability to navigate and engage with the public complaint process effectively.

• Enhanced accessibility: Systemic investigation findings and public awareness products are available in Inuktitut, ensuring language is not a barrier to understanding rights and procedures
• Respect for Inuit language and culture: Translation of key documents acknowledges the importance of Inuktitut as a foundational language in Nunavut
• Improved engagement with the RCMP complaint system: Inuit communities are better equipped to participate in discussions on police accountability
• Improved oversight: The investigation identifies gaps and strengthens accountability in the RCMP's handling of public complaints
• Community-based recommendations: Findings were informed by trauma-informed research conducted in collaboration with an Indigenous-owned research firm
• Increased public awareness: Community outreach initiatives ensure Nunavummiut understand how to file complaints and access information

This initiative is funded internally by the CRCC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ILP responds to Call for Justice 16.3 by working to advance access to federal services in Inuktut, including through an interdepartmental working-level committee comprised of 21 organizations to explore opportunities to increase access to federal services in Inuktut in Nunavut. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by gaining increased access to essential government services in their language, ensuring linguistic and cultural continuity.

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

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

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

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 16.4 by prioritizing Inuit-led educational institutions as they prioritize support programs designed by Inuit for Inuit, ensuring that Inuit children receive education from Inuit teachers that are rooted in their culture, history, and language. This initiative responds to the Call for Justice by prioritizing the teaching of Inuit knowledge to Inuit children within the context of early learning. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit as Inuit children grow up in environments that celebrate and uphold their cultural heritage, and receive teaching that strengthens their cultural identity, language retention, and Inuit self-determination.

• 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.

Funding was announced for 11 new broadband projects and 2 new mobile projects to improve connectivity in Indigenous communities. These projects will bring high-speed internet to over 6,000 Indigenous households in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and improve mobile coverage along 122 kilometers of highway surrounding Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

Five connectivity projects in Indigenous communities were completed across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, bringing high-speed internet to over 3,000 Indigenous households and improving mobile phone coverage along 24 kilometers of highway surrounding Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

The UBF responds to Call for Justice 16.5 by addressing critical infrastructure gaps in Nunavut and other Inuit communities. It ensures that Inuit people can access essential government services, education, telehealth, and economic opportunities. The program recognizes that connectivity is vital for upholding Inuit rights, as outlined in the National Inquiry's recommendations. By enabling digital access, social and economic disparities that have historically marginalized Inuit communities are challenged. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit the capacities to gain access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and culturally relevant services provided by improved digital connectivity.

• Enhanced community safety: Supports connectivity along high-risk areas, such as the Highway of Tears, where Indigenous women and girls have faced violence
• Increased communication infrastructure: Strengthens emergency response capabilities in remote communities
• Improved justice system access: Enables remote Indigenous policing services to access digital forensic tools, case management systems, and inter-jurisdictional collaboration
• Improved digital access in Inuit communities: Advancing work to ensure all of Nunavut's 25 communities benefiting from federal connectivity investments, and is supporting education, telehealth, and governance by 2030
• Enhanced economic participation: Strengthens opportunities for Inuit businesses and remote work options
• Support for self-governance: Enables Inuit leadership to engage in digital governance, education, and service delivery

$3.225 billion program, inclusive of $50 million for mobile projects that improve cellular coverage in areas that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples, including projects along highways and roads where mobile connectivity is lacking. So far, UBF announcements under the Mobile Stream have been made in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec. The announced projects are providing mobile connectivity to over 1,109 kilometres of road.

In 2025-2026, PHAC will continue to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government to complete a pilot project using data from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Project outputs will include a published study comparing out-of-home care rates among Inuit and non-Indigenous children in that region and an article describing how Inuit research principles guided the partnership, study design, implementation and dissemination of findings. This work advances Inuit data sovereignty and produces meaningful public health information for policy and program decision making.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.6 by maintaining partnerships with provincial, territorial, and with Inuit representative organizations. These partnerships are essential for developing disaggregated data, especially regarding Inuit children in care outside of Inuit Nunangat to support the goal of upholding their rights and maintaining their benefits.

Inuit survivors, families, and communities, benefit from this initiative as it supports Indigenous data sovereignty. This collaborative effort is a necessary step toward tracking and reducing inequities in child welfare outcomes, ensuring that policies reflect the priorities, geographies, and lived experiences of Inuit families.

• Collection of disaggregated data: Over time, the CCWIS aims to improve the national data landscape by acknowledging the unique experiences, needs, and priorities of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities across the country. This foundational work supports future distinctions-based analysis that centres on a public health approach to child and family wellbeing
• Foundation for distinctions-based reporting: The CCWIS reports create a baseline for future distinctions-based monitoring of Indigenous child welfare outcomes, including disaggregated data by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis identity
• Supports evidence-based policy: The CCWIS enables disaggregated analysis of national child welfare data to inform inclusive, culturally grounded, and responsive programming across jurisdictions, which ensures that interventions are shaped by the realities of those most impacted
• Informs monitoring and accountability: The CCWIS supports the ability to track progress toward improved health and social outcomes, particularly for Inuit children in care within and outside Inuit Nunangat, helping ensure their rights are upheld and benefits maintained
• National child welfare monitoring: The CCWIS establishes a mechanism for tracking and reporting national trends of children in out-of-home care, supporting system-wide efforts to reduce child apprehensions and promote family unity
• Cross-jurisdictional collaboration: Developed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations, provinces, territories, and ISC, the CCWIS initiative strengthens shared accountability in child welfare reporting
• Data accessibility and transparency: The release of the first CCWIS report (2023 to 2024) and its companion blog increases public access to national child welfare data, promoting transparency and public understanding of how children's experiences in care are measured and addressed
• Informed public health and social policy: The CCWIS contributes to a public health approach to child and family well-being by generating the evidence base needed for prevention-focused interventions that improve long-term outcomes

The CCWIS is supported through existing PHAC resources within the Family Violence Epidemiology Section.

The Government of Nunavut, Indigenous Services Canada, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated are finalizing the multi-year budget and work plan for the operations of the centre, working towards a phased approach for the opening and intake of patients.

Construction on Aqqusariaq began in 2023, and its substantial completion date is expected to be summer of 2026. As of March 31, 2026, no confirmed operational opening date has been established. Indigenous Services Canada continues to meet regularly with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated through the Aqqusariaq Working Group and the Nunavut Partnership Table on Health.

The initiative responds to Call for Justice 16.7roman numeral 3iii by funding addictions treatment and healing options in Nunavut. Inuit families, survivors, and communities will benefit from Aqqusariaq, as it will lead to comprehensive addictions treatment that integrates both cultural and clinical healing practices that allow Nunavummiut to receive treatment closer to home.

• Inuit-led healing: A fully Inuit-designed and Inuit-governed recovery centre based on IQ principles
• Improved access: In-territory care reduces the need for individuals to leave Nunavut to seek treatment
• Cultural continuity: Services delivered in Inuit languages and connected to land-based programs
• Systemic reconciliation: Embeds Inuit self-determination and co-development into the health care system
• Trauma-informed practice: Merges clinical and cultural approaches for holistic recovery outcomes

Through Budget 2019, ISC committed $47.5 million over five years to support the design and construction of Aqqusariaq and $9.7 million ongoing in support of treatment centre operations. In 2024-2025 ISC provided an additional $10 million in funding towards the construction.

In 2025-2026, the first year of operational funding has been provided to the Government of Nunavut. For this year only, the total funding provided was $12,088,400. Due to the a change in the opening date, the additional funding provided in 2025-2026 was reprofiled from a previous year.

• On February 19, 2026, the federal government announced $115 million to renew funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative until March 31, 2027
• Previously, the Government of Canada renewed funding for the Inuit CFI, allocating an additional $121.7 million to extend the Inuit CFI until March 31, 2026 to support ongoing service delivery in the interim while Canada and Inuit partners move forward on the co-development of a long-term approach for Inuit children
• ISC and Inuit partners have made progress on the co-development of a National Framework based on a Shared Responsibility Model proposed by Inuit partners

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.7 by providing health, social and educational supports and services to Inuit children.

The Government of Canada has committed $509.2 million since 2019 to March 31, 2026, to the Inuit CFI.

• An initial $220 million over five years was announced, announced in 2019, to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to continue working with Inuit partners to improve local capacity to deliver services
• An additional $167.5 million over two years, starting in 2023-2024, announced in 2024, to support the continued delivery of the interim approach while co-development of a long-term Inuit-specific approach progressed
• An additional $121.7 million of funding to extend the Inuit Child First Initiative until March 31, 2026

From April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2026, the Inuit CFI total expenditures were $453.2 million. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year fiscal year, $44.8 million in funds were approved for Inuit children through the Inuit CFI.

In 2025-2026, significant progress was made to strengthen Nunavut's coordinated, child-centred response to abuse and neglect. Several major developments now formalize, expand, and operationalize the coordinated model.

The RCMP and the Government of Nunavut's Department of Family Services signed a comprehensive five‑year Memorandum of Understanding. This established an aligned, concurrent investigative process under the Child and Family Services Act. This Memorandum of Understanding solidifies practices already occurring informally under Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit – Nunavut Child Abuse and Neglect Response Agreement and creates a legally compliant, enduring foundation for a unified response. To date, this is the most formal and detailed description for how child protection and criminal investigations must run concurrently, and sets expectations for:

• Immediate two‑way notification requirements
• Early joint development of an investigative strategy
• Clear direction on trauma‑minimizing practices when interviewing children
• Tightened personal‑information stewardship obligations laid out in the Privacy Act, Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
• Annual review and multi‑level dispute‑resolution processes

Under the authority of the Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit Committee, the territory released a multi‑sector Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, with actionable, time‑bound steps beginning immediately in 2025-2026.

These include:

• In September 2025, the deployment of a mobile, interdisciplinary response team made up of RCMP Special Investigations and Community Social Services Workers, with language and interpretation supports
• Regular case audits and peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency of child‑centred investigations
• Between September and December 2025, the development of a case‑based information‑sharing protocol across all Surusinut partners to eliminate file‑handoff gaps
• Preparation and launch of a territory‑wide public education campaign on child sexual abuse
• Cross‑departmental training opportunities in forensic interviewing, pediatric sexual assault response, and trauma‑informed practice

These activities formally embed the RCMP as a standing partner in every major aspect of the territory's child sexual abuse prevention and response system.

This coordinated model responds to Call for Justice 16.7 by connecting policing activities directly with culturally appropriate wellness services in Nunavut communities. When a child or family reports abuse, they are immediately linked to trauma‑informed care through the Umingmak Child Advocacy Center and local health providers.

By bringing wellness professionals into law‑enforcement processes, the approach improves access to holistic, community‑based supports grounded in Inuit principles of care, safety, and shared responsibility.

The integration of mobile interagency response teams and Umingmak's specialized trauma‑informed services as well as improved referral pathways across RCMP, Health, Education, and Family Services creates a comprehensive and coordinated system. Together, these supports help children and caregivers receive timely counselling, medical care, advocacy, and safety planning in a way that is more supportive and culturally aligned.

• More coordinated child safety responses: Clear roles for the RCMP and the Department of Family Services help reduce delays when abuse or neglect is reported, and supports faster safety planning, protective measures, and follow-up support for children and families
• Reduced re-traumatization for children and families: The Umingmak Child Advocacy Center supports child-centred, trauma-informed forensic interviewing, medical exams, therapy and advocacy. This helps reduce the number of times children have to retell their experiences. It also limits the need for families to navigate multiple systems on their own
• Stronger shared accountability across public institutions: The renewed agreement helps the RCMP, Family Services, and other partners work together more clearly and consistently. It sets shared expectations for follow-up, oversight, and learning, helping strengthen coordinated responses to violence
• A fully formalized, multi‑agency child protection pathway: With the signing of the RCMP–Department of Family Services Memorandum of Understanding and the implementation of the Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, Nunavut now has the clearest and most structured cross‑system response to child abuse in its history
• Stronger specialist supports for children: Mobile teams, specialized pediatric training, and more efficient referrals to the Umingmak Child Advocacy Center help children access support through a more coordinated process. This means children and caregivers are supported in a single, well‑supported environment for interviews, medical care, and counselling
• Stronger accountability and case continuity: Regular case audits, peer reviews, and new information‑sharing protocols reduce the risk of cases being missed
  • Annual review of the Memorandum of Understanding and oversight by Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit also helps partners identify system‑level gaps and resolve them together
• More community-level ownership and culturally grounded policing: Through First Nations Inuit Policing Program Letters of Expectation, Community Consultative Group meetings, and RCMP V Division reporting, Inuit communities have direct influence on the priorities and deployment of enhanced policing resources. This supports stronger relationships with communities and aligns the distinctions‑based approach emphasized in the National Action Plan
• Earlier connection to wellness supports alongside investigative action: Embedding health and social service providers into the response ensures children and caregivers are linked to trauma-informed care and wraparound supports while investigative steps are underway, not only after legal processes conclude
• Improved protection in communities with limited immediate service availability: Where Child & Family Services capacity is constrained, RCMP risk assessment and emergency authorities can be activated to prevent serious harm, helping stabilize situations until full child-welfare supports are available
• Improved capacity through interdepartmental and cross‑sector training: Joint training with community social services workers, health providers, justice partners, and Umingmak Child Advocacy Center's providers helps build shared understanding across sectors. This supports more consistent, trauma-informed responses for child and families across Nunavut's 25 communities

In 2025-2026, PHAC advanced key strategic priorities for AHSUNC and provided $70 million to support 136 sites across urban and northern communities. Significant progress was made toward devolution, including joint work with the National Aboriginal Head Start Association of Canada. This work advanced governance transition planning and helped build the administrative capacity needed for future Indigenous-led program delivery. These efforts helped build the foundation for Indigenous-led delivery models grounded in community-defined priorities and values.

PHAC also collaborated with Indigenous partners to develop the AHSUNC Results Framework. The Results Framework includes updated indicators that are community-driven, and reflects Indigenous priorities, strengths-based measures of success, and culturally grounded outcomes for children and families. The next stages of work on the Results Framework will focus on implementation expected to begin in late 2025-2026 and continue into 2026-2027.

The AHSUNC program responds to part of Call for Justice 16.10 by incorporating healing and health promotion within early childhood education systems. The program supports the holistic development of Indigenous children, including Inuit children, and encourages community-led and culturally relevant approaches to early learning that may reflect Inuit knowledge, traditions, and community priorities where appropriate. By including culturally relevant health promotion and well-being initiatives in early childhood education, AHSUNC contributes to broader efforts to improve health outcomes and support long-term community well-being.

Inuit survivors, families, and communities benefit from the program through access to culturally supportive early learning and health-promoting environments that help foster children's sense of identity, belonging, and well-being.

• Early learning and cultural foundations: Gives Inuit children access to culturally rooted early learning that strengthens identity and self-esteem
• Health and well-being: Promotes physical, emotional, and social health as part of early learning in Inuit communities
• Parental and community involvement: Strengthens family and community connections by supporting their active participation in early childhood education and cultural activities
• Indigenous language and cultural revitalization: Supports the preservation and transmission of Indigenous languages and traditions with children. It helps children build cultural pride and a strong sense of Indigenous identity from an early age
• Better long-term outcomes: Helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning through school readiness. Supports educational success rooted in culture and wellness, as well as health, and social well-being for Indigenous children and their families.
• Indigenous-led service delivery and governance:
  • The program's design and delivery is co-developed with partners, so that it is culturally relevant, responsive to local priorities, and aligned with Inuit values
  • Work is underway with the National Aboriginal Head Start Association of Canada to strengthen its governance capacity, with the long-term objective of having the Association oversee program delivery and funding directly

In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, AHSUNC received a total of $70.0 million in federal funding. This includes:

• $29.7 million in secure existing funding
• $37.4 million through the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care framework
• $2.9 million in strategic governance support

AHSUNC is delivered by Indigenous organizations at the community level, with PHAC serving as the primary funder. Guided by culturally appropriate evaluation frameworks PHAC provides support through:

• contribution agreements
• training
• technical assistance
• performance monitoring

• On February 19, 2026, the federal government announced $115 million to renew funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative until March 31, 2027
• Previously, the Government of Canada renewed funding for the Inuit CFI, allocating an additional $121.7 million to extend the Inuit CFI until March 31, 2026 to support ongoing service delivery in the interim while Canada and Inuit partners move forward on the co-development of a long-term approach for Inuit children
• ISC and Inuit partners have made progress on the co-development of a National Framework based on a Shared Responsibility Model proposed by Inuit partners

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.10 by offering funding for specialized education services and land-based activities, as well as other resources to teach Inuit children Inuit-appropriate socio-emotional coping skills.

The Government of Canada has committed $509.2 million since 2019 to March 31, 2026, to the Inuit CFI.

• An initial $220 million over five years was announced, announced in 2019, to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to continue working with Inuit partners to improve local capacity to deliver services
• An additional $167.5 million over two years, starting in 2023-2024, announced in 2024, to support the continued delivery of the interim approach while co-development of a long-term Inuit-specific approach progressed
• An additional $121.7 million of funding to extend the Inuit Child First Initiative until March 31, 2026

From April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2026, the Inuit CFI total expenditures were $453.2 million. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year fiscal year, $44.8 million in funds were approved for Inuit children through the Inuit CFI.

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

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

Key highlights and successes made possible through NAB funding included:

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

NAB responds to part of Call for Justice 16.11. It invests in Inuit-led broadcasting and language revitalization projects. These projects provide culturally appropriate radio and television programming for Inuit families and youth.

NAB focuses on Indigenous radio and television that is distributed in the North. Many funded organizations are located within Inuit Nunangat and create content in Inuktitut. For Inuit families and survivors impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis, these initiatives help protect cultural continuity and identity, particularly for children and youth who are growing up in urban centres or outside Inuit Nunangat. They fulfill part of CFJ 16.11 by ensuring that Inuit families and youth can access culturally appropriate media and language programming created by their own communities.

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

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

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.

The Mental Wellness Program responds to Call for Justice 16.13 by supporting the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy (NISPS) through targeted funding and culturally grounded mental wellness initiatives in Inuit communities. The program recognizes the distinct mental health needs of Inuit and invests in community-led, trauma-informed approaches that align with Inuit worldviews, values, and priorities. This includes funding for life promotion, suicide prevention, and crisis response services that are accessible, culturally relevant, and rooted in Inuit knowledge systems. These investments directly contribute to advancing the goals of the NISPS and addressing the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma and systemic inequities experienced by Inuit. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it strengthens Inuit-led mental wellness supports.

Funding for the Mental Wellness Program for 2026-2027 is approximately $768 million. 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.

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 16.14 by affirming the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services, including for Inuit children who may be placed in care outside of their communities. The Act introduces binding national standards that require culturally informed and equitable service provision regardless of location. Specific provisions of the Act ensure that Indigenous children in care must be connected to their language, culture, and community, and that apprehension based solely on socio-economic conditions is prohibited. The Act provides a framework for Inuit governing bodies to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services and create their own service delivery models that conform to Inuit laws and values. If they wish, those models can include Inuit-specific parenting and caregiving teachings and services.

Inuit families and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from improved recognition of Inuit jurisdiction and cultural rights within child and family services systems. The prioritization of community-based placements and continued engagement with cultural identity serves as a protective measure and affirms Inuit-led solutions in supporting children's wellbeing.

• 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, PHAC will continue to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government to complete a pilot project using data from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Project outputs will include a published study comparing out-of-home care rates among Inuit and non-Indigenous children in that region and an article describing how Inuit research principles guided the partnership, study design, implementation and dissemination of findings. This work advances Inuit data sovereignty and produces meaningful public health information for policy and program decision making.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.16 by maintaining partnerships with provincial, territorial, and with Inuit representative organizations. These partnerships are essential for developing disaggregated data, especially regarding Inuit children in care outside of Inuit Nunangat to support the goal of upholding their rights and maintaining their benefits.

Inuit survivors, families, and communities, benefit from this initiative as it supports Indigenous data sovereignty. This collaborative effort is a necessary step toward tracking and reducing inequities in child welfare outcomes, ensuring that policies reflect the priorities, geographies, and lived experiences of Inuit families.

• Collection of disaggregated data: Over time, the CCWIS aims to improve the national data landscape by acknowledging the unique experiences, needs, and priorities of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities across the country. This foundational work supports future distinctions-based analysis that centres on a public health approach to child and family wellbeing
• Foundation for distinctions-based reporting: The CCWIS reports create a baseline for future distinctions-based monitoring of Indigenous child welfare outcomes, including disaggregated data by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis identity
• Supports evidence-based policy: The CCWIS enables disaggregated analysis of national child welfare data to inform inclusive, culturally grounded, and responsive programming across jurisdictions, which ensures that interventions are shaped by the realities of those most impacted
• Informs monitoring and accountability: The CCWIS supports the ability to track progress toward improved health and social outcomes, particularly for Inuit children in care within and outside Inuit Nunangat, helping ensure their rights are upheld and benefits maintained
• National child welfare monitoring: The CCWIS establishes a mechanism for tracking and reporting national trends of children in out-of-home care, supporting system-wide efforts to reduce child apprehensions and promote family unity
• Cross-jurisdictional collaboration: Developed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations, provinces, territories, and ISC, the CCWIS initiative strengthens shared accountability in child welfare reporting
• Data accessibility and transparency: The release of the first CCWIS report (2023 to 24) and its companion blog increases public access to national child welfare data, promoting transparency and public understanding of how children's experiences in care are measured and addressed
• Informed public health and social policy: The CCWIS contributes to a public health approach to child and family well-being by generating the evidence base needed for prevention-focused interventions that improve long-term outcomes

The CCWIS is supported through existing PHAC resources within the Family Violence Epidemiology Section.

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 16.16 by supporting distinctions-based data development in partnership with Indigenous organizations and governments. ISC participates in working groups with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit treaty organizations, Inuit women's and youth groups, and representatives from territorial and provincial governments to co-develop gender-based indicators and Inuit-specific data strategies. A data inventory scan for Inuit children in care was completed and publicly released, identifying key gaps and proposing concrete actions to improve data quality and reporting.

Inuit children, families, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from transparent and distinctions-based data systems that promote accountability. Strengthened data enables service providers and governments to track progress, identify systemic gaps, and make informed decisions that better respond to the realities and needs of Inuit children and families.

• 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 16.17 by requiring in section 15 of the Act that, in the context of providing child and family service to an Indigenous child, socioeconomic conditions, including poverty, lack of adequate housing or infrastructure or the state of health of a child's parent or the care provider, not be the sole justification for apprehending a child. Unless immediate apprehension is in the best interests of the child, reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that the child continues to reside with the their parent or family member. This helps to ensure that apprehension occurs only when absolutely required to protect an Inuit child. In the event where a child has to be apprehended, section 16 stipulates the order of priority to follow in the placement: (1) with a parent, (2) with an adult family member, (3) with an adult who belongs to the same Indigenous group, community or people, (4) with any other Indigenous adult, (5) with any other adult. These standards help to keep children within their extended families and in Inuit homes and homelands.

Inuit families, children, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from legal safeguards that prevent cultural disconnection and support family preservation. These protections are critical for promoting healing and mitigating long-term harm to children who would have formerly been placed outside of their communities.

• 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)

The CHIF responds to Call for Justice 16.8 by funding modernized, expanded, improved critical housing-enabling infrastructure projects that meet the social and economic needs of Indigenous peoples and their communities through better living conditions, safe drinking water, and essential waste management services. Inuit families, survivors, and communities, including Inuit children and people in care benefit from this program through investments in water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure that enables and preserves housing, and increased access to essential services that support Indigenous health, well-being, and long-term community stability.

• Improved living conditions: Investment in clean drinking water, wastewater, and waste management enhances public health
• Housing expansion: Increased and improved infrastructure capacity enables the construction of more housing units
• Sustainable communities: Modernized water and waste systems reduce health risks and enhance community resilience
• Economic and social growth: Investments support long-term stability and growth in Indigenous communities and dedicated funding ensures targeted improvements in Indigenous infrastructure.
• Health and well-being: Investment in clean water and sanitation improves health outcomes in Indigenous communities
• Resilience against industry impact: CHIF funding supports infrastructure expansion to accommodate population and economic growth
• Sustainable infrastructure: Modernized water and waste systems create long-term environmental and health benefits
• Safe and reliable infrastructure: Investments improve access to essential services
• Community-led and culturally responsive development: Indigenous governments and organizations can lead infrastructure projects tailored to their needs, allowing infrastructure projects align with Indigenous housing and community planning priorities

The CHIF is a $6 billion federal investment designed to support housing-enabling infrastructure across Canada over a ten-year period from 2024-2025 to 2033-34. The fund is structured to ensure long-term financial support for infrastructure projects that enable increased housing supply and sustainability. A minimum of 10% of the direct delivery stream will be reserved for Indigenous-led projects and the provincial-territorial agreement stream requires provinces to allocate at least 20% of their funding to Indigenous, rural and northern communities. The funding is available to a range of eligible recipients, including Indigenous governing bodies, development corporations, non-profit organizations focused on Indigenous well-being and municipalities. By reserving a minimum allocation percentage in both streams, CHIF ensures that historically underserved communities receive the infrastructure investments needed to support housing and long-term community stability.

In 2025-2026, under CHIF DD, three Indigenous-led projects were approved and announced for over $52 million in federal funding. No Indigenous-led projects have been approved under the PT Agreement stream to date.

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 16.18 through the implementation of the Act, which sets out national minimum standards that apply to Indigenous children in care regardless of geography. These standards ensure that Inuit children placed outside their homelands maintain access to language, family connections, and cultural identity. Cultural continuity is identified as a legal requirement, and service providers must prioritize placement within community and reassess options to reunite children with family members.

Inuit families, children, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from legal safeguards that prevent cultural disconnection and support family preservation. These protections are critical for promoting healing and mitigating long-term harm to children placed outside of their communities.

• 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)

Distinctions-based housing funding continues to be delivered to all four Inuit Treaty Organizations through flexible, multi-year grant funding agreements for Inuit-led housing delivery leading to new and improved housing in all four regions of Inuit Nunangat.

The distinctions-based Inuit housing investments respond to part of Call for Justice 16.18 by directly addressing the urgent need for safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing within Inuit communities and supporting Inuit residing outside their homelands. Investments made through this initiative contribute significantly toward mitigating the Inuit housing crisis, which is deeply linked to broader issues of violence, health disparities, and suicide in Inuit populations. Inuit survivors, families, and communities benefit from improved housing stability and strengthened connections to their culture and kinship systems, fostering safer and healthier living environments.

• Improved housing infrastructure and housing availability: Targeting the construction of 60 new Inuit housing units and the renovation of 40 units by March 31, 2026, providing safe, suitable homes for Inuit families and addressing immediate gaps in housing provision
• Enhanced living conditions: Investing in extensive renovations and repairs of existing housing, significantly improving safety, energy efficiency, and the health of community members
• Cultural relevance and safety: Inuit-led housing prioritization and design ensure housing solutions are culturally appropriate, respectful of Inuit traditions and lifestyle. Housing projects and decisions informed by Inuit governance and cultural practices, enhancing relevance and effectiveness
• Economic empowerment: Investment in community-driven housing projects fosters local employment and skills development, boosting economic activity within Inuit Nunangat
• Economic and social stability: Housing stability supports improved community health outcomes, economic security, and reduced vulnerability among Inuit populations
• Self-determined housing priorities and solutions: Empowering Inuit Treaty Organizations to govern and deliver housing programs aligned with Inuit-specific priorities, bolstering Inuit governance and decision-making, and respond effectively to emergent and existing crises
• Compliance with agreements: Addressing housing needs as stipulated in Articles 23 and 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, enhancing the socio-economic rights and conditions for Inuit
• Mitigation of health risks: Investments in safe, suitable housing reduce risks associated with overcrowding, poor health conditions, and related social issues such as violence and suicide

Funding has been allocated to respond to the housing needs of the communities, by investing in the construction and purchase of new housing units, renovation of existing housing units, subsidized rent, and other Inuit-led housing priorities. Detailed examples are not provided in this report due to the autonomous and community-led nature of project implementation. This approach aligns with the principle of self-determination, ensuring that Inuit governance structures have full authority over decision-making processes.

In 2022 $845 million was allocated over seven years ($51.6 million in 2025-2026) specifically for Inuit Treaty Organizations, guided by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Board of Directors' regional distribution decisions. This targeted approach ensures that funding is responsive to the unique housing needs and priorities established by Inuit communities, facilitating measurable improvements in housing conditions across Inuit Nunangat. The funding supports both new housing construction and critical repairs, impacting thousands of Inuit community members across the region. CIRNAC is also delivering remaining housing investments through Budget 2018 ($400 million over 10 years) and through the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.

Reaching Home has invested approximately $5 billion dollars over nine years (2019-28) to address homelessness across the country. Of this, the Indigenous Homelessness and Distinctions-based Approaches streams received approximately $890 million and $286.9 million respectively. In 2025-2026, these streams saw approximately $110 million (Indigenous Homelessness stream) and $43.9 million (Distinctions-based Approaches stream) invested. In 2025-2026, significant progress has continued to occur in advancing distinctions-based partnerships. For instance, $8,955,165 was provided to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivvik, Nunatsiavut Government, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to address the unique needs of Inuit peoples experiencing homelessness.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) worked with First Nations on a regional basis to negotiate and implement agreements that support and honour First Nations processes, autonomy, and self-determination while recognizing regional differences and competing priorities. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) also continued its collaboration with Métis, Inuit, and Modern Treaty partners on the implementation of Reaching Home. Additionally, in 2025-2026, funding flowed through new agreements with Self-Governing First Nations and Modern Treaty Holders including:

• Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
• shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation
• Ka:yu:'k't'h' / Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations
• Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) First Nation
• Huu ay aht First Nations
• Toquaht Nation
• Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

Reaching Home also aligns with the broader goals of the National Housing Strategy, which seeks to improve access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across Canada. Through long-term funding commitments and partnerships with Indigenous governments and organizations, the program aims to reduce chronic homelessness, strengthen housing security, and promote social and economic stability for Indigenous individuals and families.

Reaching Home responds to part of Call for Justice 16.18 by providing funding for housing and homelessness supports for Inuit, within and outside Inuit Nunangat, with the intention of providing accessible and culturally appropriate services for Inuit at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Further, the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Homelessness Working Group, co-led by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), is working to reduce Inuit homelessness by 2030 while supporting all Inuit experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from safe, stable housing that supports cultural continuity and well-being.

• Community-driven, culturally relevant approach: Funding decisions are made locally, prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives that incorporate traditional knowledge, healing practices, and language supports
• Holistic housing solutions: Investments in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term housing security for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and families fleeing violence
• Economic and social empowerment: Programs connect individuals to income supports, employment services, and education, reducing poverty-related risks and supporting self-sufficiency
• Family and child welfare support: Indigenous-led programs can strengthen family unity, prevent child welfare interventions, and provide culturally appropriate services to keep families together
• Inclusive and culturally responsive services: Reaching Home can be used to fund wraparound supports, including culturally appropriate services and connection with community (for example, cultural ceremonies, traditional healing, services provided by Elders and Indigenous language and culture classes)
• Infrastructure and capacity development: Sustainable investments in housing, support services, and safe spaces
• Targeted investments for vulnerable populations: Reaching Home funded communities are encouraged to prioritize vulnerable populations including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families fleeing violence
• Inuit-specific housing and economic initiatives: Investment in Inuit-led housing projects to prevent displacement and support economic development through employment and education opportunities tailored to Inuit communities
• Preservation of Inuit culture and language: Programs ensuring access to Inuit cultural and linguistic resources, strengthening identity and connection to traditions

In 2025-2026, $110 million was allocated to the Indigenous Homelessness stream and $43.9 million to the Distinctions-based Approaches stream. This includes dedicated funding for Indigenous-led homelessness programming that can support a range of services, support and resources for wraparound services, emergency housing, prevention services, and long-term housing solutions.

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 16.19 by providing funding for Indigenous-led emergency shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQI+ people. While more investment is needed to ensure universal access to shelters in every Indigenous community, especially those in remote and northern regions, this initiative is working to strengthen safety and security for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by having increased access to safe and culturally appropriate spaces that offer protection and healing from family violence.

• 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, $0.7 million to support shelter project development, and $39.8 million to programs and services for Indigenous peoples facing gender-based violence.

To date, $398 million has been conditionally or financially committed toward the construction of 38 new shelters and 39 transitional homes.

• 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 16.19 by funding the construction and operation of emergency shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, particularly in northern and urban areas. The initiative provides essential support to Inuit people to prevent homelessness and strengthen culturally appropriate services, and ongoing investments are required to ensure sustainable, wraparound care. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit by having access to safe, culturally appropriate shelters and transitional housing that fosters healing and recovery.

• 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, $381.7 million has been committed towards the construction of new shelters, with construction funding managed by CMHC and flowed to Indigenous partners.

As of March 31, 2025, CMHC funded four new projects through ISTHI and provided $67.5 million in funding.

The ICIF – Inuit Component responds to part of Call for Justice 16.19 by supporting infrastructure projects that include the construction of shelters. While some partners are investing in shelters, there is no universal commitment across all projects to ensure safe spaces for Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program by gaining access to improved shelter and housing options that contribute to their safety and security.

• Strengthened infrastructure for community support services: Extends funding to community centers and emergency shelters, providing critical support services for individuals facing housing insecurity or fleeing violence. Increases the availability of safe spaces for Inuit women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
• Enhanced community stability and wellbeing: Supports improved quality of life by providing access to safe, stable living conditions, particularly for Inuit women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who may be at heightened risk of violence and exploitation.
• Increased availability of safe and culturally appropriate housing: Supports the construction of new housing and repairs to existing homes in Inuit communities. Enhances safety through improved living conditions and infrastructure upgrades.
• Inuit-led and regional self-determined solutions: Provides distinctions-based funding to Inuit Treaty Organizations to self-determine community-specific priorities for housing and infrastructure. Ensures housing aligns with Inuit cultural, environmental, and geographic needs, including considerations for northern climates and community structures. Addresses regional infrastructure needs that are developed and managed by and for Inuit communities.

The ICIF – Inuit Component provides distinctions-based funding that allows Inuit Treaty Organizations and other Indigenous-led entities to allocate resources in response to community-identified priorities. As a result, the specific impacts and project details remain with the funding recipients, who determine how best to meet the infrastructure needs in their communities.

Funding has been allocated to support critical infrastructure projects, including shelters and homes for vulnerable populations, heritage centres, and community centres. Details are not provided in this report due to the autonomous and community-led nature of project implementation. This approach aligns with the principle of self-determination, ensuring that Inuit governance structures have full authority over decision-making processes.

Budget 2021 allocated $517.8 million for this initiative, enabling Inuit-led infrastructure development to address critical needs in Inuit communities. Funding is allocated regionally and split among Inuit Treaty Organizations based on a pre-determined funding formula approved by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Board of Directors.

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

The NHS responds to Call for Justice 16.19 through prioritizing the development of new shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous individuals at risk of violence. Investments ensure that culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services are available across all Indigenous communities. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from secure housing options that promote healing and safety.

• 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.

Reaching Home has invested approximately $5 billion dollars over nine years (2019-28) to address homelessness across the country. Of this, the Indigenous Homelessness and Distinctions-based Approaches streams received approximately $890 million and $286.9 million respectively. In 2025-2026, these streams saw approximately $110 million (Indigenous Homelessness stream) and $43.9 million (Distinctions-based Approaches stream) invested. For instance, $8,955,165 was provided to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Makivvik, Nunatsiavut Government, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to address the unique needs of Inuit peoples experiencing homelessness.

In 2025-2026, significant progress has continued to occur in advancing distinctions-based partnerships. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) worked with First Nations on a regional basis to negotiate and implement agreements that support and honour First Nations processes, autonomy, and self-determination while recognizing regional differences and competing priorities. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) also continued its collaboration with Métis, Inuit, and Modern Treaty partners on the implementation of Reaching Home. Additionally, in 2025-2026, funding flowed through new agreements with Self-Governing First Nations and Modern Treaty Holders including:

• Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
• shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation
• Ka:yu:'k't'h' / Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations
• Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) First Nation
• Huu ay aht First Nations
• Toquaht Nation
• Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

Reaching Home also aligns with the broader goals of the National Housing Strategy, which seeks to improve access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across Canada. Through long-term funding commitments and partnerships with Indigenous governments and organizations, the program aims to reduce chronic homelessness, strengthen housing security, and promote social and economic stability for Indigenous individuals and families.

Reaching Home responds to part of Call for Justice 16.19 by providing direct financial support for culturally appropriate housing and support programs for Inuit including Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+, people within and outside Inuit Nunangat. It strengthens community-led solutions that address homelessness and gender-based violence. Funding can be used to support a range of culturally appropriate interventions to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (IWG2S+) people, such as delivering shelter, transitional and supportive housing services, and homelessness prevention and shelter diversion services. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from safe, culturally appropriate housing options that foster healing and security.

• Community-driven, culturally relevant approach: Funding decisions are made locally, prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives that incorporate traditional knowledge, healing practices, and language supports
• Holistic housing solutions: Investments in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term housing security for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and families fleeing violence
• Economic and social empowerment: Programs connect individuals to income supports, employment services, and education, reducing poverty-related risks and supporting self-sufficiency
• Family and child welfare support: Indigenous-led programs can strengthen family unity, prevent child welfare interventions, and provide culturally appropriate services to keep families together
• Inclusive and culturally responsive services: Reaching Home can be used to fund wraparound supports, including culturally appropriate services and connection with community (for example, cultural ceremonies, traditional healing, services provided by Elders and Indigenous language and culture classes)
• Infrastructure and capacity development: Sustainable investments in housing, support services, and safe spaces
• Targeted investments for vulnerable populations: Reaching Home funded communities are encouraged to prioritize vulnerable populations including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families fleeing violence
• Inuit-specific housing and economic initiatives: Investment in Inuit-led housing projects to prevent displacement and support economic development through employment and education opportunities tailored to Inuit communities
• Preservation of Inuit culture and language: Programs ensuring access to Inuit cultural and linguistic resources, strengthening identity and connection to traditions

In 2025-2026, $110 million was allocated to the Indigenous Homelessness stream and $43.9 million to the Distinctions-based Approaches stream. This includes dedicated funding for Indigenous-led homelessness programming that can support a range of services, support and resources for wraparound services, emergency housing, prevention services, and long-term housing solutions.

CIRNAC receives progress reports from recipients on the harvesting and food-sharing activities supported through the Harvesters Support Grant. These reports provide valuable qualitative insight into how the Grant benefits vulnerable groups, such as women and Elders, and continues to shape program development. Ongoing engagement with Indigenous partners further strengthens CIRNAC's understanding of the lived experiences of women and other vulnerable groups within eligible communities.

The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund support a wide range of hunting and harvesting initiatives, and have collectively assisted more than 15,000 traditional harvesters. Through these programs, over 700 new food-sharing initiatives and 400 community hunts and harvests have been carried out across more than 112 remote communities, in partnership with 24 Indigenous governments and organizations. These new partnerships are fostering innovative supply networks, increasing access to country foods, promoting food sharing initiatives, and helping create low-cost food options that complement, and in many cases inspire, the restoration of traditional harvesting practices.

In the spirit of self-determination and to respect the principles of, for example, OCAP ®, projects are autonomously designed and implemented at the community level, and the specific, detailed results of each initiative remain with the funding recipients. As a result, detailed examples cannot be included in this report. This approach reflects and upholds the principle of self-determination, ensuring that Indigenous governance structures maintain full authority over their decision-making processes.

The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund respond to part of Call for Justice 16.20 by financially supporting and promoting Inuit hunting, harvesting, and food sharing practices in Inuit communities. Inuit survivors, families, and communities benefit from increased access to country foods, cultural continuity, and greater food security.

• Increased food security: Funds traditional harvesting, food production, and food sharing initiatives
• Supporting traditional practices: Encourages the revitalization of Indigenous harvesting and food sharing customs. Strengthens Indigenous food systems and respects traditional hunting and harvesting rights
• Self-determination: Enables Indigenous communities to design and implement food security solutions that align with their needs and cultural traditions
• Community-driven solutions: Enables Indigenous communities to design and implement food security solutions that align with their needs and cultural traditions, and supports the capacity of Indigenous-led shelters, transition homes, and second-stage housing to provide adequate, healthy food to vulnerable people in crisis
• Supporting traditional practices:
  • Encourages the revitalization of Indigenous harvesting and food sharing customs. Programs that restore traditional food practices, such as community harvesting, land-based food systems, and food sovereignty initiatives
  • Shelters and safe spaces that incorporate land-based food programming can support healing, cultural connection, and self-sufficiency, particularly for those recovering from violence or displacement
• Holistic support: Funding supports a range of activities, including hunting, transportation, storage, and local food production
• Sustainable food access: Supports community-led food production and harvesting. Strengthens local food systems, including country foods (hunting, trapping, and fishing). Reduces dependency on external food sources, and the cost burden of food in remote communities
• Community food sovereignty: Ensures decisions about food security and resource allocation are community-driven and culturally appropriate, as Indigenous organizations govern and determine how funding supports their unique food security priorities and needs
• Support for Inuit harvesting practices: Funds harvesting equipment, transportation and storage infrastructure to ensures Inuit communities can continue traditional hunting and harvesting activities
• Enhanced food sharing networks: Strengthens community-driven, self-sufficient local food production and food distribution systems. Reduces reliance on store-bought food, which is often nutritionally inadequate and prohibitively expensive in northern communities
• Culturally relevant food security solutions: Supports Inuit-led initiatives to improve food sovereignty

In 2024, $96.7 million was allocated to the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund (HSG/CFPF) for the 2024–2027 funding cycle. Together, this brings the total investment in the HSG/CFPF programs over the three year period to $120.7 million ($118.4 million has already been allocated, with the remainder in progress).

The Nutrition North Canada program only accessed Budget 2021 funding starting in 2022, which required compressing two years of funding into $72.5 million for 2022–23 and $40.2 million for 2023–24 (including the ongoing $8 million per year).

Overall, from 2019 to 2027, a total of $255.1 million has been invested in HSG/CFPF programs. This includes $64 million in ongoing funding (based on $8 million per year from 2019 to 2027), along with an additional $191.1 million investments over the eight year period.

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

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

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

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

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

The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning responds to part of Call for Justice 16.21 by addressing the educational needs of Inuit and Inuvialuit communities through culturally grounded, land-based post-secondary programming. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities are served by the way the Centre provides access to education that strengthens cultural identity, preserves traditional knowledge, and supports future Indigenous leaders in self-governance and economic development.

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

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

• Continued implementation of the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy to support initiatives that provide First Nations and Inuit youth aged 15 to 30 with work experience, information about career options, and skills development opportunities to support career development and transition into the workforce
• Funding announced in 2025 provided $307.9 million over two years, starting in 2026-27, for the horizontal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to support approximately 20,000 youth facing employment barriers annually. This includes $54 million over two years, starting in 2026-27, for the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy

FNIYES responds to part of Call for Justice 16.21 by providing accessible training, employment pathways, and career-building resources to First Nations youth living on reserve and Inuit youth living outside of their territory. Through its mentored work placements and wage subsidies, FNIYES helps break down employment barriers and increases equitable access to high-quality economic opportunities for First Nations and Inuit youth, including First Nations and Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people who face economic hardship, discrimination, and systemic obstacles. The initiative also plays a role in addressing employment gaps in Inuit Nunangat, where access to education and work experience opportunities is often limited.

First Nations and Inuit communities benefit from the way this program allows them to acquire the skills, learning experiences and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school.

• Empowerment of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people: Support for First Nations and Inuit women and 2SLGBTQI+ youth facing barriers to employment and helps them transition into the workforce and pursue meaningful careers
• Workforce and economic inclusion: Equips First Nations and Inuit youth with skills and opportunities that target job readiness and financial independence, and ensure long-term workforce participation
• Equitable economic opportunities: Provides First Nations and Inuit youth with access to job training, mentorship, and career development that supports their economic success, and aligns with their aspirations and cultural values
• Increased workforce participation: Helps First Nations and Inuit youth transition from school to employment, and cultivates their economic independence and self-sufficiency
• Empowerment through education and work experience: Helps to support long-term economic stability by providing First Nations and Inuit youth with essential employability skills, exposure to different career options, and financial readiness for education

FNIYES has permanent annual funding of approximately $25.9 million. In 2022, the Government announced a time-limited investment of $54.0 million over two years ($27.0 million per year). In 2024 and in 2025, FNIYES received $27 million per year in additional time-limited investments, the latter investment sunsets in 2027-2028.

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 16.21 by supporting equitable access to language retention, cultural curriculum development, and Indigenous-controlled early childhood education within Inuit communities. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit as Inuit children are provided high-quality early learning experiences that teach, reinforce and cultivate understanding of their cultural heritage. The initiative also invests in economic opportunities for Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. As women are often primary caregivers, accessible and affordable IELCC programming provides essential support, empowering them to fully participate in the labour force. Additionally, it offers formal employment opportunities for individuals of all genders. Wage equity and stability from these employment opportunities can significantly impact the wellbeing of ELCC educators and their families.

• 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.

• Continued implementation of the Inuit PSE Strategy through Inuit partners to support students, programs and services, community engagement and governance or national coordination
• ISC continued working with partners to update Terms and Conditions to ensure ongoing relevance and responsiveness

The Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy responds to part of CFJ 16.21 by increasing equitable access to high-quality post-secondary education for Inuit learners through distinctions-based, regionally delivered, and Inuit-controlled supports.

The Strategy helps Inuit students access and succeed in post-secondary education while reducing barriers linked to cost, geography, and institutional fit, through:

• direct financial assistance
• culturally responsive student services
• mentorship
• career counselling
• transition and retention supports

By investing in Inuit governance capacity and providing funding directly to Inuit partners, the Strategy supports Inuit self-determination in education and strengthens community-based delivery. These efforts help improve educational outcomes and help expand longer-term economic opportunities for Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

• Inuit-controlled education funding: Provides funding that is allocated directly to Inuit governing bodies for distribution based on regional needs
• Economic empowerment: Supports post-secondary education, leading to improved job prospects and financial security for Inuit graduates
• Community development: Strengthens local economies by increasing the number of Inuit professionals contributing to various sectors
• Increased post-secondary enrollment: Supports a higher number of Inuit students accessing post-secondary education
• Culturally-responsive student support: Offers mentorship, career counseling, and cultural programming to support Inuit learners
• Enhanced institutional capacity: Strengthens Inuit education organizations and post-secondary institutions serving Inuit students
• Targeted financial support: Covers tuition, books, living expenses, and travel for Inuit students
• Transition and retention programs: Provides academic readiness, mentorship, and career navigation support to promote student success
• Capacity building for Inuit education organizations: Strengthens the ability of regional organizations to support Inuit youth in education

Investments announced in 2019 provided $125.5 million over ten years (2019-20 to 2028-29), plus $21.8 million in ongoing funding, for the Inuit PSE Strategy, which ramps up year over year. The total annual allocation for the Inuit PSE Strategy in 2025-2026 was approximately $14.2 million which was distributed to the ITK and Inuit land-claim organizations based on the allocation methodologies determined by the ITK Board of Directors.

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

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

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

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

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

The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning responds to part of Call for Justice 16.25 by ensuring that Inuit and Inuvialuit students have access to education rooted in their cultural and linguistic traditions. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities are served by the way the Centre fosters language preservation, strengthens Indigenous identity, and ensures that education systems reflect and sustain Indigenous cultural values.

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

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

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 16.25 by digitizing Inuit-related content within LAC's holdings, ensuring that this material is available for Inuit communities and the broader public. Inuit families, survivors and communities benefit by reclaiming access to historical records and language materials that are crucial for cultural preservation and revitalization.

• Inuit historical records digitization: Increases digital accessibility of Inuit documentary heritage.
• Language and cultural revitalization: Supports efforts to preserve and teach Inuit languages.
• Culturally-responsive digital collections: Ensures Inuit governance over their digital materials.
• Public awareness of Inuit contributions: Digitizes Inuit documentary heritage materials and makes them accessible through its public online collections, which expands knowledge and appreciation of Inuit culture.

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

There are no updates for the fiscal year. Programming remains ongoing.

The First Nations and Inuit Cultural Education Centres Program responds to Call for Justice 16.25 by providing access to Inuit-led cultural education and through the development of culturally relevant curricula for First Nations and Inuit students. Inuit families, survivors and communities may benefit from these initiatives as the cultural education centres work toward an enhanced cultural environment and understanding within communities, as they support the development and promotion of First Nations and Inuit cultural heritage.

• The development of curricula for First Nations and Inuit schools which is culturally relevant to the student population
• Reduced gap in educational outcomes between First Nations and Inuit students and other Canadian students
• Better awareness and appreciation of Indigenous language and culture

An annual allocation of $9,384,000 is distributed to eligible recipients such as First Nations or Inuit organization with cultural education centres on or off reserve and First Nations cultural education centres. Indigenous Services Canada funds the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, which manages and administers First Nations and Inuit Cultural Education Centre Program funds for a majority of First Nations cultural education centres. For 2025-2026, ISC has allocated $9,066,249.

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 16.25 by ensuring that Inuit children receive education that reflects Inuit culture. Permanent and sustainable investments in Inuit early learning support Inuktut language programs and other culturally relevant curriculum, all of which work to revitalize and protect Inuit culture and identity. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit as Inuit children develop a strong sense of belonging through language and Inuit culture-centered learning environments. Additionally, the IELCC initiative's partnership model supports Inuit self-determination and jurisdiction over Inuit ELCC through flexible distinction-based funding envelopes. These envelopes enable Inuit leaders at the national level to direct funding allocations at any number of priorities including, the expansion of programs and services, the strengthening of governance capacity, and the funding of infrastructure repairs and renovations, both major and minor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Indigenous Languages Program (ILP) responds to part to Call for Justice 16.25 by contributing funding to a Tripartite Agreement with the Government of Nunavut (for the Northern Arctic College) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. This agreement aims to increase the number of Inuktut-speaking educators in Nunavut's education system. Through this investment, the ILP expands access to instruction in Inuktuk for students. Inuit survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program by ensuring that future generations can receive education in their language, reinforcing cultural identity and linguistic continuity.

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

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

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

This program distributes an annual allocation of $45,000 to eligible recipients. For 2025-2026, 9, 2025, a total of $45,061 has been allocated.

The Inuit Cultural Education Centres Grant Program responds to Call for Justice 16.25 by providing access to Inuit-led cultural education activities. Inuit families, survivors and communities may benefit from this program as it supports Inuit individuals and communities in expressing, preserving, developing, promoting and sharing their cultural heritage with other Canadians, thereby promoting awareness of Canada's cultural diversity.

• An enhanced understanding of Inuit culture and a richer Canadian cultural fabric

An annual allocation of $45,000 is distributed to eligible recipients such as Inuit individuals ordinarily resident in Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Nunavik, Quebec, Nunavut or Inuvialuit Settlement Region in Northwest Territories, and community-based Inuit cultural education centres.

The Government of Nunavut, Indigenous Services Canada, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated are finalizing the multi-year budget and work plan for the operations of the centre, working towards a phased approach for the opening and intake of patients.

Construction on Aqqusariaq began in 2023, and its substantial completion date is slated for the summer of 2021. As of March 31, 2026, no confirmed operational opening date has been established. Indigenous Services Canada continues to meet regularly with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated through the Aqqusariaq Working Group and the Nunavut Partnership Table on Health.

The initiative responds to Call for Justice 16.28 through the collaborative partnership between the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and ISC, reflecting the true spirit of reconciliation and the need for a system-wide, Inuit-led approach to substance use and trauma treatment in Nunavut.

Inuit families, survivors, and communities will benefit from Aqqusariaq, as it will lead to comprehensive addictions treatment that integrates both cultural and clinical healing practices that allow Nunavummiut to receive treatment closer to home.

• Inuit-led healing: A fully Inuit-designed and Inuit-governed recovery centre based on IQ principles
• Improved access: In-territory care reduces the need for individuals to leave Nunavut to seek treatment
• Cultural continuity: Services delivered in Inuit languages and connected to land-based programs
• Systemic reconciliation: Embeds Inuit self-determination and co-development into the health care system
• Trauma-informed practice: Merges clinical and cultural approaches for holistic recovery outcomes

Through funding announced in 2019, ISC committed $47.5 million over five years to support the design and construction of Aqqusariaq and $9.7 million ongoing in support of treatment centre operations. In 2024-2025 ISC provided an additional $10 million in funding towards the construction.

In 2025-2026, the first year of operational funding has been provided to the Government of Nunavut. For this year only, the total funding provided was $12,088,400. Due to the a change in the opening date, the additional funding provided in 2025-2026 was reprofiled from a previous year.

• Continued funding in support of 27 Indigenous-led projects in all regions of Canada to assist families of missing and murdered Indigenous people
• Investments included $150,000 for the Manitoba Inuit Association's Kativiik Program that supports trained and qualified Inuit outreach workers to reach out to Inuit family members who are directly affected by the experience of losing a loved one who is either missing or has been murdered. The outreach worker provides culturally responsive, community-based, Inuit-specific, trauma-informed counselling, and is trained and practicing Inuit traditional culture.
• 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 16.29 by making available project funding to increase access to Inuit-led, healing and support services. The initiative makes available funding for projects that integrate Inuit cultural knowledge, including land-based healing and connections to Elders, to create meaningful pathways for healing and resilience. Inuit families, survivors, 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.

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 16.29 by funding emergency and transitional housing, ensuring survivors of violence have access to safe spaces and holistic support. While further investment is necessary to fully meet Indigenous communities' needs, this initiative contributes to long-term housing stability and healing for survivors. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by gaining access to culturally appropriate, safe housing and essential support 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, $0.7 million to support shelter project development, and $39.8 million to programs and services for Indigenous peoples facing gender-based violence.

In fiscal year 2025-2026, the initiative continued to build on the expanded mandate introduced in 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 16.29 by ensuring that Inuit families of missing and murdered loved ones have access to wraparound, accessible, and culturally appropriate victim services. This Call emphasizes the need for Inuit-specific services that are responsive to the unique realities of Inuit communities, including geography, language, and cultural practices. FILUs support this by working with Inuit families to gather information held by government agencies, address unanswered questions about their loved ones, and connect them to Inuit-informed supports when available. FILUs represent an important step toward improving access and cultural safety for Inuit families navigating complex justice and support systems and Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by receiving coordinated, culturally sensitive assistance that helps them access information, navigate services, and engage in healing on their own terms.

• 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.

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

ISTHI responds to part of Call for Justice 16.29 by ensuring the availability of culturally appropriate victim services through the provision of Inuit-led shelters and transitional homes. The initiative supports trauma-informed, wraparound services to help Inuit individuals rebuild their lives, and continued funding is necessary to expand accessibility and long-term care. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit by receiving holistic, culturally competent support that aids in recovery and resilience.

• 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, 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.

• 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, including $399,847 for two ongoing Inuit specific programs
• The fund provided $200,000 to the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation's Community Dialogue and Engagement to Expand Umingmak Centre Activities, and looked at how best to expand the services of Nunavut's first Child Advocacy Centre outside of Iqaluit
• The fund also provided $199,847 to Nunatsiavut Government's Inuit Victim Services Program, a culturally sensitive and community focused initiative supporting Inuit who are victims of survivors of crime, recognizing the historical and social challenges faced by Inuit
  • This program aimed to work with and strengthen partnerships with the Government of Nunatsiavut, local Inuit organizations and community services to ensure a universal and holistic approach to victim services
• 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 16.29 by creating opportunities for Inuit organizations, agencies, and governments to design and deliver victim services and supports for Inuit harmed by crime and violence.

• 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 and 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.

CSC continues to advance the Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy, which guides its approach to Inuit corrections through healing, reintegration, and strengthened cultural connections. Established in May 2024, he Strategy is supported by the Anijaarniq Strategy Working Group, and composed of:

• Inuit organizations (including those representing Inuit women)
• territorial governments
• CSC leadership
• representatives from all four Inuit land claim regions.

ASWG's work emphasizes:

• recruitment of Inuit Elders and staff
• repatriation of Inuit offenders
• implementation of Inuit‑specific programming
• Inuit Cultural Awareness training for CSC staff
• greater engagement with Inuit communities
• discusses and supports improvements in policy, services and reintegration planning

CSC continues to deliver Inuit Cultural Awareness training intended for frontline staff working in Inuit Centres of Excellence. The training helps staff better understand Inuit cultures and realities, promote Inuit‑specific approaches to care, and deliver services are more responsive to Inuit needs.

CSC continues to make progress in culturally responsive reintegration and community‑based supports by:

• contracting Inuit Elders and Spiritual Advisors
• reducing language barriers through Inuktitut translation and interpretation service agreements
• issuing guidance intended to reduce isolation and support culturally informed placement decisions for federally serving Inuit

A service agreement with the Labrador Correctional Centre expands opportunities for Inuit offenders from Nunatsiavut to stay closer to their communities while they serve a federal sentence. Through the Community Reintegration Fund, CSC and the Makivik Justice Department in Quebec are working together to streamline communication, strengthen community‑driven reintegration planning, and coordinate support for Inuit offenders returning home. Through the same fund, the Iqaluit Community Tukisigiarvik Society in Iqaluit, Nunavut is engaging the community to support of Section 81 and 84 development. Together, these initiatives aim to enhance community engagement, improve continuity of care, and support successful, culturally grounded reintegration for Inuit offenders who are returning home.

The Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy responds to part of Call for Justice 16.30. It does so by structuring federal corrections policy and services around Inuit Nunangat realities and Inuit partnership. In this way, it provides a concrete federal pathway to deliver corrections programming by, with, and in Inuit Nunangat. The Strategy was co-developed and is distinctions-based. This aligns with the federal Inuit Nunangat Policy, which guides how federal programs are designed and delivered in and for Inuit Nunangat. CSC also responds to Call for Justice 16.30 through the Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy Working Group's membership and purpose.

• Distinctions-based corrections pathway: Provides Inuit-specific correctional pathways that better reflect Inuit culture, language, spirituality, and the realities of Inuit Nunangat. This helps reduce reliance on generic models that can be many not meet Inuit needs and contexts
• Stronger cultural continuity across throughout a sentence: Inuit Centres of Excellence, culturally specific programming, and access to Elders and workers bring Inuit knowledge and values into correctional services, from the time of a person's intake through reintegration. This provides identity affirmation and culturally safe supports for Inuit in custody.
• Safer, more effective reintegration to Inuit Nunangat: By prioritizing return "at home," the Strategy strengthens reintegration planning that reflects the geography, relationships and available services in Inuit communities. This can help reduce the disruption caused by being far from home, and supports better continuity of care after release
• Improved release planning with Inuit communities: Emphasizes Section 84 release planning which allows for more structured collaboration with Inuit communities and service partners as they plan a person's return home. This means that releases reflect with local community-level capacity, supervision options, and local reintegration supports
• Strengthens Inuit partnership in program design: The Anijaarniq Holistic Strategy Working Group provides ongoing direction to CSC on Inuit-specific needs. This supports more accountable, Inuit-informed policy and program development over time

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 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 16.31 by advancing distinctions-based data collection across federal systems. The work ensures that data collected on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations are sufficiently detailed, relevant, and disaggregated to reflect diverse experiences, particularly in the context of justice and public safety. Inuit survivors, families, and communities benefit from distinctions-based data because it acknowledges the unique cultural, geographic, and social realities of different Indigenous peoples. This allows for the design of more responsive policies and supports that reflect the specific needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families and communities affected by violence and systemic neglect.

• 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 2021-2022 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.

• The FNIM Recruitment Strategy has recently been approved by the Commissioner. Next steps include engaging and partnering with key internal and external partners on the associated Action Plan. The National Recruitment Program will continue to prioritize FNIM applicants and offer them the opportunity to either join a troop as soon as possible or an Indigenous cohort moving forward. This will allow applicants to begin training without delay and allows NRP and Depot to maximize the use of facilities and training staff.
• The Indigenous Applicant Mentorship Program (I-AM RCMP) was launched in July 2025. In the six months since the I-AM program launched (July 2025), 78 active Regular Members have committed to be mentors, and 189 Indigenous applicants are working with a mentor.
• The RCMP Indigenous Career Navigator Program (ICNP) under IPS-N a national initiative working with RCMP Public Service Staffing Units, offers a distinctions-based approach in the field of recruitment, professional development for existing Indigenous Federal Public Servants and First Nation, Inuit and Métis people seeking to join the Federal Public Service.

The FNIM Recruitment Strategy responds to Call for Justice 16.32 by setting goals to increase Inuit and broader Indigenous representation in policing through targeted recruitment, outreach, and retention measures. In addition, the Indigenous Applicant Mentorship Program (I-AM-RCMP) responds to part of Call for Justice 16.32 by mentoring Indigenous applicants, including Inuit. Alignment is partial because Inuit-specific pathways are not distinct and participation depends on individual applicants rather than Inuit-targeted recruitment streams.

One session was conducted and all eight IPTP participants successfully completed the program. Moving forward, two IPTP sessions will be held per fiscal year.

The IPTP responds to Call for Justice 16.32. It does so by strengthening equitable and accessible pathways for First Nations, Inuit and Métis candidates to pursue policing careers within the RCMP. By covering costs such as travel, accommodations, and uniforms, the IPTP helps remove financial barriers for Indigenous applicants. The program also provides mentorship and a culturally safe environment throughout the officer application process, helping Indigenous applicants access policing opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. The program's immersive format supports recruitment and retention by:

• giving participants early experience to RCMP training environments
• helping participants foster leadership development within policing institutions.

Collectively, these efforts increase Indigenous representation in law enforcement and support a longer-term shift towards culturally safe, community-grounded, and responsive policing approaches.

• Reduces barriers for Indigenous applicants: Paid participation and covered costs, such as travel, accommodations, uniforms, make it easier for First Nations, Inuit and Métis candidates to explore a career with the RCMP. This is especially important for applicants who face financial and geographic constraints
• Strengthens Indigenous representation in law enforcement: Gives Indigenous applicants a structured and supported learning experience. This can help them become stronger candidates in the RCMP officer application process, which can support increased Indigenous representation in policing.
• Builds sustained candidate support and retention: Mentorship from Indigenous RCMP members and continued guidance after Depot helps applicants build increased readiness, confidence, and persistence as they move through the recruitment stages. This can help reduce the likelihood of candidates not completing the process.
• Prepares new officers for culturally safe service delivery: Early exposure to RCMP policy, the Criminal Code, teamwork expectations, and training environments helps participants enter policing with better understanding of the role of an RCMP officer. This builds a stronger foundation for respectful engagement with Indigenous families, survivors, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis
• Builds leadership and community-informed policing capacity: Leadership development and cohort-based learning helps participants build the skills to work within policing institutions and support culturally responsive policing. This can help make policing approaches more community-grounded and better meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples and their communities
• Supports relationship-building and trust over the long term: Consistent engagement between Indigenous participants, mentors, and training institutions supports continued dialogue and more respectful working relationships between police services and Indigenous communities

There is currently no dedicated funding for the Indigenous Pre-cadet Training Program. National program management and coordination costs are absorbed by Indigenous Policing Services – National budget allocations. Candidates attending IPTP are dependent on division's funding availability.

2025–2026 represents the first full year of implementation of stabilization funding for the Nunavik Police Service. Based on ongoing communications with the police service, recruitment, training, and other funded activities are being put into action, in line with the contribution agreement.

Public Safety Canada's investment on the provision of police services in the Kativik region responds to part of Call for Justice 16.35. It does so by resourcing policing services in Nunavik and helping advance implementation of the policing provisions under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, in partnership with Quebec.

Through the tripartite contribution agreement, funding helps the Nunavik Police Service deliver dedicated policing services that:

• respond to Inuit community needs and culture
• support increased trust and confidence in the law enforcement institutions
• improve policing services and safety in communities
• strengthen the operational capacity of Inuit-governed regional policing to meet service obligations in a northern context where costs are high

Inuit families, survivors and communities may benefit from strengthened Inuit-focused policing, more responsive services, and increased safety in Nunavik.

• Funding for Inuit-focused policing: Federal funding strengthens the Nunavik Police Service's ability to meet the service, performance, and governance requirements
• Stronger service delivery in northerner communities: Funding helps address the high costs and service pressures of policing in remote communities. It supports staffing, training, and day-to-day policing service needs
• Community-based approaches to safety: Strengthens trust and cooperation between police and communities, supporting safer communities
• More consistent and stable policing services: Multi-year funding supports continuity of policing services over time. It creates conditions for longer- term planning and service improvements

For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the funding profile under this agreement includes Canada's contribution of $50,637,400. Formal financial reporting for this fiscal year is due after the Federal Pathway's Annual Progress Report, in June 2026.

In 2025-2026, significant progress was made to strengthen Nunavut's coordinated, child-centred response to abuse and neglect. Several major developments now formalize, expand, and operationalize the coordinated model.

The RCMP and the Government of Nunavut's Department of Family Services signed a comprehensive five‑year Memorandum of Understanding. This established an aligned, concurrent investigative process under the Child and Family Services Act. This Memorandum of Understanding solidifies practices already occurring informally under Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit – Nunavut Child Abuse and Neglect Response Agreement and creates a legally compliant, enduring foundation for a unified response. To date, this is the most formal and detailed description for how child protection and criminal investigations must run concurrently, and sets expectations for:

• Immediate two‑way notification requirements
• Early joint development of an investigative strategy
• Clear direction on trauma‑minimizing practices when interviewing children
• Tightened personal‑information stewardship obligations laid out in the Privacy Act, Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
• Annual review and multi‑level dispute‑resolution processes

Under the authority of the Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit Committee, the territory released a multi‑sector Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, with actionable, time‑bound steps beginning immediately in 2025-2026.

These include:

• In September 2025, the deployment of a mobile, interdisciplinary response team made up of RCMP Special Investigations and Community Social Services Workers, with language and interpretation supports
• Regular case audits and peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency of child‑centred investigations
• Between September and December 2025, the development of a case‑based information‑sharing protocol across all Surusinut partners to eliminate file‑handoff gaps
• Preparation and launch of a territory‑wide public education campaign on child sexual abuse
• Cross‑departmental training opportunities in forensic interviewing, pediatric sexual assault response, and trauma‑informed practice

These activities formally embed the RCMP as a standing partner in every major aspect of the territory's child sexual abuse prevention and response system.

This coordinated model responds to Call for Justice 16.38 by formalizing a standing, multi‑agency framework for child protection and abuse response in Nunavut.

Under this model, the RCMP, the Government of Nunavut's Family Wellness Division, and health and justice partners follow shared protocols. These protocols support coordinated investigations, joint safety planning, and consistent communication across systems. This helps reduce the fragmentation that can happen when agencies work separately. It ensures that earlier, more comprehensive intervention and help is provided in cases of domestic and sexualized violence. By making roles clearer, aligning responsibilities and improving how agencies work together, the model helps children and families experiencing or at risk of harm, receive more timely and reliable protection.

The commitments outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the RCMP and the Department of Family Services, as well as the Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan further solidify this approach. Mandatory coordinated investigations, routine case audits, and standardized procedures from the first report to follow‑up help reduce duplication and prevent critical steps from being missed. These measures help ensure that children and caregivers receive timely protection, and that each case moves through a coherent, well‑coordinated system of care.

• More coordinated child safety responses: Clear roles for the RCMP and the Department of Family Services help reduce delays when abuse or neglect is reported, and supports faster safety planning, protective measures, and follow-up support for children and families
• Reduced re-traumatization for children and families: The Umingmak Child Advocacy Center supports child-centred, trauma-informed forensic interviewing, medical exams, therapy and advocacy. This helps reduce the number of times children have to retell their experiences. It also limits the need for families to navigate multiple systems on their own.
• Stronger shared accountability across public institutions: The renewed agreement helps the RCMP, Family Services, and other partners work together more clearly and consistently. It sets shared expectations for follow-up, oversight, and learning, helping strengthen coordinated responses to violence.
• A fully formalized, multi‑agency child protection pathway: With the signing of the RCMP–Department of Family Services Memorandum of Understanding and the implementation of the Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, Nunavut now has the clearest and most structured cross‑system response to child abuse in its history.
• Stronger specialist supports for children: Mobile teams, specialized pediatric training, and more efficient referrals to the Umingmak Child Advocacy Center help children access support through a more coordinated process. This means children and caregivers are supported in a single, well‑supported environment for interviews, medical care, and counselling
• Stronger accountability and case continuity: Regular case audits, peer reviews, and new information‑sharing protocols reduce the risk of cases being missed.
  • Annual review of the Memorandum of Understanding and oversight by Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit also helps partners identify system‑level gaps and resolve them together
• More community-level ownership and culturally grounded policing: Through First Nations Inuit Policing Program Letters of Expectation, Community Consultative Group meetings, and RCMP V Division reporting, Inuit communities have direct influence on the priorities and deployment of enhanced policing resources. This supports stronger relationships with communities and aligns the distinctions‑based approach emphasized in the National Action Plan
• Earlier connection to wellness supports alongside investigative action: Embedding health and social service providers into the response ensures children and caregivers are linked to trauma-informed care and wraparound supports while investigative steps are underway, not only after legal processes conclude
• Improved protection in communities with limited immediate service availability: Where Child & Family Services capacity is constrained, RCMP risk assessment and emergency authorities can be activated to prevent serious harm, helping stabilize situations until full child-welfare supports are available
• Improved capacity through interdepartmental and cross‑sector training: Joint training with community social services workers, health providers, justice partners, and Umingmak Child Advocacy Center's providers helps build shared understanding across sectors. This supports more consistent, trauma-informed responses for child and families across Nunavut's 25 communities

• 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, including $399,847 for two ongoing Inuit specific programs
• The fund provided $200,000 to the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation's Community Dialogue and Engagement to Expand Umingmak Centre Activities, and looked at how best to expand the services of Nunavut's first Child Advocacy Centre outside of Iqaluit
• The fund also provided $199,847 to Nunatsiavut Government's Inuit Victim Services Program, a culturally sensitive and community focused initiative supporting Inuit who are victims of survivors of crime, recognizing the historical and social challenges faced by Inuit.
  • This program aimed to work with and strengthen partnerships with the Government of Nunatsiavut, local Inuit organizations and community services to ensure a universal and holistic approach to victim services
• 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 16.39 by strengthening Indigenous-led and Indigenous-supported child advocacy centers and services that address the unique needs of Indigenous survivors. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from increased access to specialized supports for children who are victims of crime that prioritize healing, dignity, and advocacy.

• 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 and 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.

In 2025-2026, significant progress was made to strengthen Nunavut's coordinated, child-centred response to abuse and neglect. Several major developments now formalize, expand, and operationalize the coordinated model.

The RCMP and the Government of Nunavut's Department of Family Services signed a comprehensive five‑year Memorandum of Understanding. This established an aligned, concurrent investigative process under the Child and Family Services Act. This Memorandum of Understanding solidifies practices already occurring informally under Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit – Nunavut Child Abuse and Neglect Response Agreement and creates a legally compliant, enduring foundation for a unified response. To date, this is the most formal and detailed description for how child protection and criminal investigations must run concurrently, and sets expectations for:

• Immediate two‑way notification requirements
• Early joint development of an investigative strategy
• Clear direction on trauma‑minimizing practices when interviewing children
• Tightened personal‑information stewardship obligations laid out in the Privacy Act, Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
• Annual review and multi‑level dispute‑resolution processes

Under the authority of the Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit Committee, the territory released a multi‑sector Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, with actionable, time‑bound steps beginning immediately in 2025-2026.

These include:

• In September 2025, the deployment of a mobile, interdisciplinary response team made up of RCMP Special Investigations and Community Social Services Workers, with language and interpretation supports
• Regular case audits and peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency of child‑centred investigations
• Between September and December 2025, the development of a case‑based information‑sharing protocol across all Surusinut partners to eliminate file‑handoff gaps
• Preparation and launch of a territory‑wide public education campaign on child sexual abuse
• Cross‑departmental training opportunities in forensic interviewing, pediatric sexual assault response, and trauma‑informed practice

These activities formally embed the RCMP as a standing partner in every major aspect of the territory's child sexual abuse prevention and response system.

This coordinated model responds to Call for Justice 16.40 by creating a seamless, trauma‑informed pathway for children who disclose sexual or physical abuse. When a report is received, RCMP officers and Family Wellness staff, and Child and Family Services staff follow shared protocols that focus on child safety and immediate access to specialized services. Through the Umingmak Child Advocacy Center and local health teams, children access forensic interviewing, medical care, and counselling in settings intentionally designed to be child‑centred and culturally appropriate. By bringing policing, social services, and health supports together in one unified care plans, the model helps children receive early attention and support, and this reduces the risk that they will be re‑traumatization.

The coordinated RCMP–Department of Family Services approach further strengthens this trauma-informed pathway. It is supported by interviews through the Child Advocacy Center, clear and standardized investigative steps, and comprehensive wraparound supports. Together, these measures reduce the need for children to retell their experiences multiple times and help prevent system‑driven harms. They help ensure that survivors and their families receive continuous, coordinated support from first report through longer‑term healing and recovery.

• More coordinated child safety responses: Clear roles for the RCMP and the Department of Family Services help reduce delays when abuse or neglect is reported, and supports faster safety planning, protective measures, and follow-up support for children and families
• Reduced re-traumatization for children and families: The Umingmak Child Advocacy Center supports child-centred, trauma-informed forensic interviewing, medical exams, therapy and advocacy. This helps reduce the number of times children have to retell their experiences. It also limits the need for families to navigate multiple systems on their own
• Stronger shared accountability across public institutions: The renewed agreement helps the RCMP, Family Services, and other partners work together more clearly and consistently. It sets shared expectations for follow-up, oversight, and learning, helping strengthen coordinated responses to violence
• A fully formalized, multi‑agency child protection pathway: With the signing of the RCMP–Department of Family Services Memorandum of Understanding and the implementation of the Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, Nunavut now has the clearest and most structured cross‑system response to child abuse in its history
• Stronger specialist supports for children: Mobile teams, specialized pediatric training, and more efficient referrals to the Umingmak Child Advocacy Center help children access support through a more coordinated process. This means children and caregivers are supported in a single, well‑supported environment for interviews, medical care, and counselling
• Stronger accountability and case continuity: Regular case audits, peer reviews, and new information‑sharing protocols reduce the risk of cases being missed
  • Annual review of the Memorandum of Understanding and oversight by Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit also helps partners identify system‑level gaps and resolve them together
• More community-level ownership and culturally grounded policing: Through First Nations Inuit Policing Program Letters of Expectation, Community Consultative Group meetings, and RCMP V Division reporting, Inuit communities have direct influence on the priorities and deployment of enhanced policing resources. This supports stronger relationships with communities and aligns the distinctions‑based approach emphasized in the National Action Plan
• Earlier connection to wellness supports alongside investigative action: Embedding health and social service providers into the response ensures children and caregivers are linked to trauma-informed care and wraparound supports while investigative steps are underway, not only after legal processes conclude
• Improved protection in communities with limited immediate service availability: Where Child & Family Services capacity is constrained, RCMP risk assessment and emergency authorities can be activated to prevent serious harm, helping stabilize situations until full child-welfare supports are available
• Improved capacity through interdepartmental and cross‑sector training: Joint training with community social services workers, health providers, justice partners, and Umingmak Child Advocacy Center's providers helps build shared understanding across sectors. This supports more consistent, trauma-informed responses for child and families across Nunavut's 25 communities

• 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 16.41 by funding and collaborating with Inuit women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to address barriers and promote their equal representation within governance, as well as to advance their social, economic, cultural, and political rights. This initiative funded and supported projects that amplified and advanced Inuit grassroots voices, priorities, and perspectives, and worked collaboratively to address barriers to Inuit representation in governance.

• 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.

• 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 16.42 by providing long-term, sustainable funding that allowed Inuit organizations to strengthen governance, engage communities, conduct research, and develop policy positions based on Inuit self-determined priorities (not tied to federal government 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.

Following the release of the final report, the CRCC launched a public awareness campaign in response to one of its recommendations. This campaign continued into 2025-2026.

Key activities included:

• conducting virtual information sessions on the public complaint process with the Government of Nunavut's Justice managers and staff
• organizing direct mail campaigns to members of Nunavut's legislative assembly and municipal leaders
• sharing community bulletins with information about the CRCC and relevant regional news
• providing an in-person presentation about the CRCC to municipal leaders

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 16.43 by conducting a systemic investigation into the RCMP's public complaint process in Nunavut, directly contributing to improved police oversight. The CRCC's work enhances transparency and accountability, ensuring that Inuit concerns about police misconduct and the public complaint system are formally examined and addressed. The public awareness campaign continues to support access to and knowledge of the public complaint process.

Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this initiative as it fosters trust in the justice system, ensures their voices are heard in policing matters, and leads to reforms that make the complaint process more responsive to community needs.

• Enhanced accessibility: Systemic investigation findings and public awareness products are available in Inuktitut, ensuring language is not a barrier to understanding rights and procedures.
• Respect for Inuit language and culture: Translation of key documents acknowledges the importance of Inuktitut as a foundational language in Nunavut.
• Improved engagement with the RCMP complaint system: Inuit communities are better equipped to participate in discussions on police accountability.
• Improved oversight: The investigation identifies gaps and strengthens accountability in the RCMP's handling of public complaints.
• Community-based recommendations: Findings were informed by trauma-informed research conducted in collaboration with an Indigenous-owned research firm.
• Increased public awareness: Community outreach initiatives ensure Nunavummiut understand how to file complaints and access information.

This initiative is funded internally by the CRCC.

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 16.44 by collecting a larger sample of:

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations
• gender minorities, including non-binary and transgender individuals
• youth aged 15 to 24

This helps provide a clearer understanding of the nature, frequency, and context of violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals across Canada.

The survey uses a distinct method for the North. This method was developed in collaboration with the Northern Data Strategy and the Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships at Statistics Canada. These partnerships help ensure that data collection methods are guided by Indigenous perspectives and priorities. For instance, measures like specialized sensitivity training for interviewers, as well as providing in-person interviews in northern communities help encourage participation and foster respectful engagement.

This approach is particularly significant for Inuit populations, as the majority (69%) of Canada's 70,545 Inuit live in Inuit Nunangat, their traditional homeland spanning four regions across northern Canada.

• Increases representation:
  • Oversampling First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations, gender minorities including Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender diverse, and transgender people, 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 insights into gender-based violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
  • These findings help researchers, policymakers, and service providers design responsive, inclusive programs that address needs identified by respondents
  • The data 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.
  • 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

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

The Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program responds to Call for Justice 16.44 by ensuring that improvements of the existing collection processes of disaggregated data to monitor and report on the effectiveness of laws, policies, and services are designed to uphold the social, economic, political, and cultural rights of Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. It recognizes Inuit self-determination in data governance and advances efforts to track systemic inequalities and barriers. Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by ensuring their realities are accurately represented in decision-making processes.

• 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

Funding in the amount of $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.

In 2025-2026, significant progress was made to strengthen Nunavut's coordinated, child-centred response to abuse and neglect. Several major developments now formalize, expand, and operationalize the coordinated model.

The RCMP and the Government of Nunavut's Department of Family Services signed a comprehensive five‑year Memorandum of Understanding. This established an aligned, concurrent investigative process under the Child and Family Services Act. This Memorandum of Understanding solidifies practices already occurring informally under Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit – Nunavut Child Abuse and Neglect Response Agreement and creates a legally compliant, enduring foundation for a unified response. To date, this is the most formal and detailed description for how child protection and criminal investigations must run concurrently, and sets expectations for:

• Immediate two‑way notification requirements
• Early joint development of an investigative strategy
• Clear direction on trauma‑minimizing practices when interviewing children
• Tightened personal‑information stewardship obligations laid out in the Privacy Act, Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
• Annual review and multi‑level dispute‑resolution processes

Under the authority of the Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit Committee, the territory released a multi‑sector Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, with actionable, time‑bound steps beginning immediately in 2025-2026.

These include:

• In September 2025, the deployment of a mobile, interdisciplinary response team made up of RCMP Special Investigations and Community Social Services Workers, with language and interpretation supports
• Regular case audits and peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency of child‑centred investigations
• Between September and December 2025, the development of a case‑based information‑sharing protocol across all Surusinut partners to eliminate file‑handoff gaps
• Preparation and launch of a territory‑wide public education campaign on child sexual abuse
• Cross‑departmental training opportunities in forensic interviewing, pediatric sexual assault response, and trauma‑informed practice

These activities formally embed the RCMP as a standing partner in every major aspect of the territory's child sexual abuse prevention and response system.

Both the Child Sex Abuse Action Plan's development of a territorial child‑abuse data strategy, and the privacy and information management provisions in the Memorandum of Understanding between the RCMP and the Government of Nunavut's Department of Family Services respond to Call for Justice 16.44 by promoting ethical, safe, and child‑centred data practices. These practices include improved tracking, real‑time dashboards, and alignment with Indigenous data sovereignty principles.

• More coordinated child safety responses: Clear roles for the RCMP and the Department of Family Services help reduce delays when abuse or neglect is reported, and supports faster safety planning, protective measures, and follow-up support for children and families
• Reduced re-traumatization for children and families: The Umingmak Child Advocacy Center supports child-centred, trauma-informed forensic interviewing, medical exams, therapy and advocacy. This helps reduce the number of times children have to retell their experiences. It also limits the need for families to navigate multiple systems on their own
• Stronger shared accountability across public institutions: The renewed agreement helps the RCMP, Family Services, and other partners work together more clearly and consistently. It sets shared expectations for follow-up, oversight, and learning, helping strengthen coordinated responses to violence
• A fully formalized, multi‑agency child protection pathway: With the signing of the RCMP–Department of Family Services Memorandum of Understanding and the implementation of the Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan, Nunavut now has the clearest and most structured cross‑system response to child abuse in its history
• Stronger specialist supports for children: Mobile teams, specialized pediatric training, and more efficient referrals to the Umingmak Child Advocacy Center help children access support through a more coordinated process. This means children and caregivers are supported in a single, well‑supported environment for interviews, medical care, and counselling
• Stronger accountability and case continuity: Regular case audits, peer reviews, and new information‑sharing protocols reduce the risk of cases being missed
  • Annual review of the Memorandum of Understanding and oversight by Surusinut Ikajuqtigiit also helps partners identify system‑level gaps and resolve them together
• More community-level ownership and culturally grounded policing: Through First Nations Inuit Policing Program Letters of Expectation, Community Consultative Group meetings, and RCMP V Division reporting, Inuit communities have direct influence on the priorities and deployment of enhanced policing resources. This supports stronger relationships with communities and aligns the distinctions‑based approach emphasized in the National Action Plan
• Earlier connection to wellness supports alongside investigative action: Embedding health and social service providers into the response ensures children and caregivers are linked to trauma-informed care and wraparound supports while investigative steps are underway, not only after legal processes conclude
• Improved protection in communities with limited immediate service availability: Where Child & Family Services capacity is constrained, RCMP risk assessment and emergency authorities can be activated to prevent serious harm, helping stabilize situations until full child-welfare supports are available
• Improved capacity through interdepartmental and cross‑sector training: Joint training with community social services workers, health providers, justice partners, and Umingmak Child Advocacy Center's providers helps build shared understanding across sectors. This supports more consistent, trauma-informed responses for child and families across Nunavut's 25 communities.

CIRNAC will continue to collaborate with Qikiqtani Inuit Association on advancing reconciliation through the Saimaqatigiingniq Working Group, including updating its terms of reference to reflect the new strategic relationship between the Department and the Association.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 16.45 by recognizing the findings of the QTC and taking meaningful steps to implement its recommendations.

Through formal acknowledgement, apology, and financial investment, the federal government has supported Inuit-led program development that reflects community priorities and cultural values.

Families, survivors, and communities affected by the legacy of systemic colonial practices in the Qikiqtani region benefit from this initiative through access to permanent, Inuit-designed programs. These investments support healing, community wellness, and the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. The continued collaboration with QIA ensures that program development remains responsive to community needs and consistent with Inuit self-determination.

• Supports Inuit self-determination: Enables Qikiqtani Inuit to lead the design and implementation of culturally grounded programs
• Advances cultural continuity: Strengthens traditional practices such as dog sledding and supports the revitalization of Inuit history and identity
• Promotes healing and wellness: Provides community-based supports to address the historical and intergenerational impacts of colonial policies
• Enhances federal accountability: Demonstrates a continued federal commitment to reconciliation and respectful collaboration with Inuit partners
• Responds to MMIWG2S+ priorities: Addresses systemic harms that contribute to the marginalization and vulnerability of Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

The Saimaqatigiingniq Fund was established through a series of investments totaling $65 million. The funding period included fiscal years 2019–2020, 2021–2022, and 2023–2024, with the third and final payment issued in March 2024. The Fund is fully administered by the QIA. Funding supports the full administration of the initiative by the QIA and enables the long-term implementation of programs aligned with the Commission's recommendations and community priorities.

In March 2024, a Grant Funding agreement was signed between CIRNAC and the QIA for a third and final payment supporting the QIA Saimaqatigiingniq Fund.

In 2025-2026, the Nanilavut "Let's Find Them" Initiative continued to support Inuit families seeking information on loved ones lost during the TB epidemic.

Throughout the year, engagements were led by the project managers from each Inuit Nunangat region, Makivvik Corporation (Nunavik), Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (Inuvialuit Settlement Region), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (Nunavut), and the Nunatsiavut Government (Nunatsiavut). These partners collectively serve over 61,000 Inuit across Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland, and were funded in 2025-2026 to deliver localized supports grounded in cultural safety and Inuit self-determination. These project managers remained active in responding to family inquiries through the initiative's secure and confidential database; helped families access historical records; facilitated travel to gravesites, and supported memorialization activities.

The Nanilavut Working Group continued to provide oversight and coordination across jurisdictions.

The Nanilavut Initiative responds to Call for Justice 16.46, which calls on the federal government to support the project on a sustained, long-term basis. The initiative is grounded in truth, recognition, and healing, and supports Inuit self-determination by providing culturally appropriate, Inuit-led services. It seeks to redress intergenerational harm and to support families in reclaiming knowledge, honouring loved ones, and advancing healing.

Inuit families, survivors, and communities benefit from Nanilavut through access to trusted and compassionate research support, respectful commemorative activities, and dedicated resources to help locate, visit, and honour relatives lost during the TB epidemic. The initiative supports healing by addressing painful gaps in history and by ensuring families receive the information, dignity, and closure long denied to them.

• Supports truth and healing: Helps Inuit families access long-lost information about relatives who were sent south for TB treatment and never returned
• Community-led and Inuit-governed: Delivered by Inuit organizations and guided by a multi-partner working group that reflects Inuit governance and priorities
• Strengthens cultural continuity and reconnection: Enables families to visit gravesites, commemorate loved ones, and reclaim intergenerational connections through culturally appropriate memorials
• Preserves historical knowledge: Gathers and centralizes scattered archival and oral records into a secure, growing database of more than 4,500 entries

A total of $19,250,000 over five years (starting in 2021) has been allocated for Inuit Partners. In 2025-2026, $3,841,201 has been allocated to Inuit Partners through multi-year flexible funding agreements. These agreements are ended in March 2026.