2025-2026 Reporting on the Calls for Justice: 7.1 to 7.9: Health and Wellness Service Providers

During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, CIHR, through Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health and in collaboration with partners across CIHR continued to support Indigenous-led, community-based, and distinctions-based health research. Notable examples include:

• CIHR-Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health completed 18 months of national engagement to inform its strategic directions, bringing together Indigenous partners, communities, researchers, trainees, and organizations to identify priorities and opportunities for Indigenous health research
  • This engagement helps ensure Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health -supported research reflects Indigenous-defined priorities, including those related to safety, wellness, healing, and culturally grounded care
• Support for the Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative cohorts, advancing Indigenous-led research focused on health and wellness across the life course, including early life, families, and future generation

CIHR responds to Call for Justice 7.1 by strengthening Indigenous health research governance through approaches that embed Indigenous knowledge systems, ethics, and laws in research processes and funding practices. CIHR funding opportunities, partnerships, and policies, support Indigenous-led research that reflects Indigenous Peoples' expertise in their own care and advances Indigenous defined approaches to healing, wellness, and decision making. By supporting research governance that upholds Indigenous self-determination and culturally grounded methodologies, CIHR contributes to shifting research and health systems toward practices that are more culturally safe, distinctions-based, and responsive to Indigenous priorities. Indigenous Peoples and communities may benefit from stronger Indigenous governance in research, increased recognition of Indigenous knowledges in health evidence, and improved access to culturally grounded approaches to healing and wellness that support Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through the federal research funding agencies, and extensive engagement with diverse stakeholders to gather perspectives, CIHR supported the development and now implementation of the 2024 Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation to ensure research funding, programs, and/or appointments intended for Indigenous Peoples are held by Indigenous People.

• Indigenous-led health research leadership: CIHR-IIPH leads a national research agenda on Indigenous health and wellness and supports innovative research that can improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
• Strengthened Indigenous self-determination in research: CIHR advances Indigenous self-determination in health research and supports Indigenous governance and leadership in health knowledge production through funding opportunities, partnerships, and research governance approaches
• Increased Indigenous research capacity and workforce pathways: CIHR supports training and mentorship for Indigenous researchers and health practitioners, including through partnerships with the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research, post secondary institutions, and Indigenous organizations
• Culturally safe and community-based health evidence: CIHR funds research grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and community defined priorities that can inform culturally safe, community-based health services and improve responsiveness of health systems
• Trauma-informed and culturally grounded healing approaches: CIHR supports Indigenous-led research that addresses intergenerational and collective healing and advances culturally grounded healing and wellness pathways, including the development and use of community defined indicators of wellness, including support for the National Women's Health Research Initiative focused on improving the health of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people
• Distinctions-based Inuit research capacity and infrastructure: Through relationship building and partnerships with Inuit organizations, CIHR supports Inuit-led research capacity and infrastructure within Inuit Nunangat and strengthens conditions for Inuit defined research priorities, including continued support for the Inuit Research Network towards self-determination in interdisciplinary research and capacity building
• Inclusive research and improved evidence on 2SLGBTQI+ health realities: Through inclusive and community driven approaches, and where projects prioritize 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, CIHR strengthens the potential for more accurate representation and improved evidence on the health realities of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people to inform culturally safe services and supports

The Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Program represents a commitment of $105.5 million over six years by CIHR to strengthen Indigenous health research capacity in Canada.

In 2025-2026, the Clinical and Client Care Program continued to provide, and/or fund, primary care and public health services for 79 First Nations in remote and isolated communities.

As of November 2025, control over Clinical and Client Care Services has been transferred to 29 out of the 79 remote and isolated First Nations communities.

ISC is implementing a Nursing Health Human Resources Framework. This Framework focuses on enhancing retention and recruitment efforts to help stabilize and grow the nursing workforce in First Nations communities.

The implementation of this framework has resulted in the number of frontline nurses within the Department increasing from 593 in 2021 to 692 in 2024. Similarly, the number of ISC nurses working in remote and isolated Indigenous communities increased from 366 in 2021 to 396 in 2024.

ISC is strengthening its quality improvement processes, based on accreditation standards to steadily work towards industry best practices in remote and isolated communities. Accreditation standards are one of the department's foundational mechanisms for ensuring access to quality care. As of April 1, 2025, the first of the 50 ISC run nursing stations was accredited and work is active both nationally and regionally towards meeting accreditation standards.

The Clinical and Client Care Program responds to Call for Justice 7.1 by ensuring that primary care services are available and accessible to First Nations in remote and isolated communities. It funds 29 communities to manage and deliver their own primary care services, and directly provides care in an additional 50, with a long-term goal of transferring service delivery to Indigenous communities in support of health self-determination. The program delivers urgent and emergent care, routine primary care, and public health services through collaborative, predominantly nurse-led teams. Indigenous families, survivors and communities are served through community-based access to triage, urgent and emergent care, primary care, and public health services in locations where no other options exist.

• Primary care access in remote communities: Ensures life-saving and routine medical services are available to First Nations people in communities without access to these services
• Support for health self-determination: Equips communities to manage their own health services, aligning with Indigenous self-governance goals
• 24/7 emergency response: Delivers urgent and emergent care in geographically isolated areas
• Collaborative health teams: Nurse-led care teams supported by visiting physicians and health professionals increase service coverage and continuity

The program is supported by investments in 2021 ($354 million), 2022 ($40.5 million) and ($90.5 million). On March 26, 2026, $400 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, was announced to maintain access to health services and digital health tools in remote and isolated First Nations communities, including support for nurses and other health professionals.

Indigenous Services Canada continues to work closely with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to implement the Indigenous Health Equity Fund in support of Indigenous-led approaches to quality and culturally safe health services. With implementation underway across all regions, the department is focusing on strengthening the administration of the program, including ongoing work with Indigenous communities on updates to their plans, updates on reporting and outcomes, and ongoing discussions on how best to report on progress.

The Indigenous Health Equity Fund fully responds to Call for Justice 7.1 as it provides funding for self-determined, Indigenous-led initiatives to increase fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health services.

Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from the increased stability and responsiveness of health systems that reflect their values, knowledge systems, and healing practices. The fund supports the long-term development of services that are self-determined, rooted in cultural safety, and eliminate systemic barriers to care.

• Promotes Indigenous self-determination: Empowers communities to design and implement health solutions tailored to their priorities
• Increases access to culturally safe care: Supports care models that are grounded in Indigenous values, languages, and traditions
• Reduces health inequities: Addresses structural and systemic gaps through sustained investment
• Encourages innovation: Funds short-term, targeted initiatives that explore new models of culturally appropriate health service delivery
• Builds community capacity: Supports leadership, planning, and long-term systems change in Indigenous health

The Indigenous Health Equity Fund provides $2 billion over 10 years (2024-2025 to 2033-2034). As per above, the majority of this funding ($190 million annually) is being directed to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in support of their self-determined health priorities. Another $10 million annually is being directed to select Indigenous organizations in support of short-term, innovate and cross-cutting health projects.

In 2025-2026, a total of 55 of projects were funded, including:

• First Nations communities in New Brunswick are working together to strengthen the relationships between communities to pursue self-determination in health and engage in community-led processes to integrate health care services provided to First Nations peoples in New Brunswick.
• Meadow Lake Tribal Council is working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that would increase First Nations access to health care (such as access to physicians, nurse practitioners and mental health and addiction services) closer to their communities.
• Ochapowace First Nation's Stabilization Unit provides 24-hour support to community members that are waiting for an addictions treatment spot or who have been recently discharged from addictions treatment to develop structure and routine in preparation for attending treatment and maintaining their commitment to recovery in a nurturing environment after treatment. Support is provided through a Cree cultural lens and focuses on connection to land, ceremony, and language.
• Centre d'amitié autochtone de Québec (CAAQ) is developing partnerships and establishing an outreach point to increase access to culturally adapted health services and support for Indigenous people living in urban areas of Quebec.
• Thay K'I Anint'I (TKA) is building capacity for aftercare by developing a hub model for substance use recovery and support programming in Yukon First Nation communities.

The HSIF responds to part of Call for Justice 7.1 by supporting collaborative, cross-jurisdictional initiatives that enhance First Nations and Inuit access to equitable and culturally appropriate health services. The initiative advances Indigenous-led health-care solutions by funding projects that integrate traditional healing practices into mainstream health systems and by enabling Indigenous communities to collaborate in the design, delivery, and management of health services. Through partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, the HSIF helps dismantle jurisdictional barriers, promotes culturally safe care, and supports systemic changes that align health service delivery with Indigenous worldviews and rights to self-determination in health and wellness. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program by gaining improved access to integrated, culturally grounded health services that reflect their unique needs, traditions, and rights.

• Cross-jurisdictional integration: The HSIF facilitates collaboration between Indigenous, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to improve continuity and access to care
• Inclusion of traditional healing: Projects support the inclusion of Indigenous healing practices and cultural approaches in mainstream healthcare systems
• Community leadership in health planning: Indigenous communities and organizations are increasingly engaged in the design and delivery of health services
• Systemic change in health delivery: The fund helps drive changes that make health systems more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of First Nations and Inuit communities

The HSIF is a regionally managed proposal-based program that allocates $17.1 million annually to First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations, as well as to provincial and territorial governments and health organizations working in partnership with Indigenous communities. Funding amounts vary based on the scope and duration of approved projects.

HSIF funding is also being leveraged to align with the broader objectives of ISC's Health Transformation initiative, which supports capacity and governance development for Indigenous organizations working towards assuming full control over the design, delivery and management of federally administered health services.

In 2025-2026, continued investments were made to support the planning and implementation of Health Transformation projects. ISC collaborated closely with First Nations partners to build organizational capacity, support the design of governance models, undertake health systems planning, and draft Health Transformation-related agreements, and facilitate community engagement. Funding was directed toward the co-development of health service delivery models that reflect the specific needs, cultural frameworks, and priorities of participating First Nations.

Five of the six active Health Transformation initiatives are covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (totaling 355 communities across Canada) and are working through the process. The sixth, Battleford Agency Tribal Council, has drafted an MOU, which they expect to conclude in Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

There are currently six Health Transformation initiatives continuing to progress covering 362 communities across Canada: Battleford Agency Tribal Council in Saskatchewan, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. and the Southern Chiefs' Organization in Manitoba, Tajikeimɨk in Nova Scotia, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) in Ontario, and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission. Each group is working with Indigenous Services Canada and the provincial government on the development and implementation of governance agreements that will lead to Framework Agreements and transfer. The first Tripartite Framework Agreements are expected to be approved as early as 2027-2028.

ISC has continued to provide oversight and support on the BC Tripartite First Nations health governance structure with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and BC Ministry of Health. Next year, 2026-2027, ISC will seek to implement a renewed Canada Consolidated Contribution Agreement (CCCA) with FNHA which addresses lessons learned over twelve years since transfer and reflects the evolution of the partnership. Partners will also work to advance the 10-Year Strategy on the Social Determinants of Health; a tripartite strategy designed to improve the health of BC First Nations through a more holistic approach.

The Health Transformation initiative fully responds to Call for Justice 7.1 by supporting service transfer and the establishment of First Nation-led governance over health service delivery. These structures enable communities to assume control over the development and administration of health programs that are designed in accordance with local knowledge, priorities, and cultural values.

For Indigenous survivors, families, and communities affected by the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, this initiative marks an important step toward more accountable and culturally safe care. It provides a framework for addressing the intergenerational effects of trauma and for creating health systems that respond to the lived experiences and safety needs of those most impacted by systemic violence. The shift toward Indigenous-led service delivery supports the design of responsive, community-specific health solutions and improves trust in health institutions.

• Advances Indigenous self-determination: Supports the development of First Nation-controlled health systems
• Enhances health equity: Aligns service delivery with community-identified health priorities
• Strengthens cultural safety: Integrates Indigenous knowledge, languages, and practices into care models
• Supports reconciliation commitments: Reflects a distinctions-based, rights-based approach to service transformation
• Improves health system responsiveness: Addresses the safety and healing needs of those affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis

Funding is allocated to support the development of governance structures, strategic planning, and community engagement processes associated with the establishment of First Nation-led health authorities. ISC continues to work collaboratively with First Nations and provincial governments to support readiness activities and ensure long-term sustainability of each transformation initiative. Investments in 2024 provided $104.9 million over five years, starting in 2024-2025, for Health Transformation initiatives, which has been allocated to the six Health Transformation processes for 2024-2025 to 2025-2026. Funding for 2026-2027 will be based on progress.

Partners, including federal government departments, provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, and suicide prevention stakeholders all play a role in advancing shared suicide prevention/life promotion priorities. In relation to the recognition of Indigenous expertise, PHAC is leading a key commitment in the Action Plan under Pillar 4: Governance, to establish a Suicide Prevention Science Advisory Table to provide expert advice to the Agency on matters related to suicide prevention and life promotion. In recognition of the importance of distinction-based representation, the upcoming Suicide Prevention Science Advisory Table will be comprised of diverse expertise including First Nations, Inuit and Métis experts. This inclusive approach will help ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis perspectives meaningfully inform and strengthen suicide prevention and life promotion efforts.

The National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (the Action Plan) responds to part of Call for Justice 7.1 by explicitly recognizing Indigenous rights to self-determination and positioning Indigenous-led suicide prevention and life promotion strategies as foundational. The Action Plan is intended to complement (not replace) distinctions-based approaches, with an emphasis on increased collaboration, meaningful engagement, and governance mechanisms to sustain progress to advance collective suicide prevention and life promotion efforts.

• Stronger collaboration on suicide prevention and life promotion: Establishes a national action plan, with a shared vision, that increases collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors, improving alignment on priorities and reducing fragmentation in prevention efforts
• Indigenous self-determination and distinctions-based leadership reinforced: Positions First Nations, Inuit, and Métis-led strategies as foundational and complements (rather than replaces) Indigenous-led approaches, strengthening conditions for Indigenous-defined priorities
• Improved evidence for prevention where needs are highest: Advances more complete and timely data, strengthens evidence through research and evaluation, and the development and dissemination of prevention resources, supporting better-informed actions for communities and populations most impacted by suicide

Funded through existing resources.

In 2025-2026, NCIME developed, piloted and/or provided a range of workshops, modules, programs and courses.

Workshop development: Developing multiple workshops that address cultural safety, anti-racism, and assessment. These workshops are outcome based on respectful engagement, addressing power imbalances inherent in the health care system, allyship, anti-indigenous racism policy, and ensuring appropriate methods of assessment. These workshops will be delivered through NCIME's learning module system.

Indigenous Physician Wellness and Joy Modules: NCIME is working with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada to develop Indigenous Physician Wellness and Joy Modules that will be delivered in 2027. These modules promote Indigenous physician well-being, Indigenous consultation, Indigenous-specific student and resident wellness practices in accreditation standards, culturally specific programing and services, and more.

Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program (IFDLP): In 2025, NCIME piloted the first Early to Mid-Career IFDLP. This is a blended, eight-month leadership training program designed to support Indigenous physicians as they navigate and shape academic medicine in Canada. Developed by the Indigenous Faculty Recruitment and Retention Working Group as part of NCIME Phase I, the program responds to the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders in academia and practice; and provides culturally grounded training that reflects Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being. Each module builds on participants' self-location in Indigenous identity, fostering continuous reflection while developing practical leadership skills. Areas of focus include professional identity formation, managing imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, academic governance, coaching, media engagement, and integrating ceremony and culture into professional practice.

Anti-Indigenous Racism (AIR101) course: The NCIME has developed the AIR101 course to provide foundational knowledge that will enable the participants to increase competencies to be able to identify instances of anti-Indigenous racism; understand the concept of anti-racism and ways on how to implement anti-racism in policy or practice.

NCIME responds to Call for Justice 7.1 by strengthening Indigenous capacity and leadership within health education and health systems through Indigenous-led professional development that supports Indigenous physicians to advance and shape academic medicine in Canada. In 2025, NCIME piloted the Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program, a blended eight-month program developed by the Indigenous Faculty Recruitment and Retention Working Group as part of NCIME Phase I to address the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders in academia and practice. The program provides culturally grounded training that reflects Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being and supports participants to navigate institutional environments while building practical leadership skills. Each module builds on self-location in Indigenous identity and continuous reflection and includes professional identity formation, managing imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, academic governance, coaching, media engagement, and integrating ceremony and culture into professional practice.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from a strengthened Indigenous physician leadership pipeline that can influence medical education, health services, and institutional culture toward culturally safe care that is more responsive and free of racism.

• Expanded Indigenous leadership within academic medicine: NCIME piloted the Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program, a blended eight-month leadership program that responds to the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders and builds practical skills grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being

The NCIME is funded by Health Canada's Health Care Policies and Strategic Fund and the Canadian Medical Association. NCIME has entered a $4.6 million dollar funding agreement with Health Canada over a three-year period.

In support of the Science Strategy, PHAC continues to participate in the interdepartmental I-STEM Cluster meetings alongside a number of other federal organizations and Indigenous partners to further progress towards bridging Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. In 2025-2026 PHAC contributed to the I-STEM Training and Cultural Competency (TACC) sub working group by sharing its expertise and advice with member departments, advancing consistent and evidence-informed approaches to building federal STEM workforce competency across the government.

PHAC's Science Strategy advances Call for Justice 7.1 by explicitly committing the Agency to bridge Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing alongside its public health science, and to work closely with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners through ongoing dialogue to collaborate on priorities and approaches that reflect Indigenous rights and self-determination. The Strategy provides a structure through which Indigenous science and knowledges are recognized, and which fosters dialogue with Indigenous Peoples about how to best meaningfully bridge them alongside the Agency's current science activities, centering Indigenous perspectives in evidence-informed decision-making. This includes critical reflection on the intersection between Indigenous science, Western science, and anti-racism in science to support decolonization of public health science. By centering Indigenous science in PHAC's programs, guidance, and practice, the Strategy supports a shift toward public health evidence and decision-making that is culturally humble and responsive to distinctions-based realities.

Participation in the I-STEM Cluster, supports the Science Strategy and strengthens PHAC's progress towards bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

• More culturally safe public health conditions for families and survivors: By supporting decolonized, inclusive science that can better reflect Indigenous community-identified needs, the Strategy contributes to public health approaches that are more responsive to the realities of families, survivors, and communities impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis
• Indigenous knowledges inform PHAC public health science: Establishes a clearer pathway for Indigenous science and ways of knowing to meaningfully guide PHAC's evidence base, strengthening the relevance of programs, guidance, and practice for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities
• Stronger self-determination through co-development and ongoing dialogue: Commits PHAC to sustained engagement with Indigenous governments and communities to co-develop priorities and approaches, supporting Indigenous rights and distinctions-based public health decision-making
• Progress toward culturally humble, anti-racist public health science systems: Embeds critical reflection on colonialism, racism, and sexism within Western scientific paradigms, helping reduce harms caused by biased evidence practices and improving cultural safety in public health science
• Improved internal capability to apply Indigenous-defined evidence: Participation in the I-STEM Cluster strengthens relationship-based collaboration and public servant learning, increasing PHAC's capacity to work respectfully across knowledge systems in day-to-day science and policy functions

Funding for this initiative was through existing PHAC resources.

In 2025-26, 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 7.2 by funding access to trauma-informed cultural support and emotional support services for Survivors, and Intergenerational Survivors and Indigenous people affected by colonial sources of trauma, and mental health counselling services for Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, Federal Indian Day Schools, and Survivors, family members and Indigenous people affected by the loss of missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Access to cultural supports (Elders, Knowledge Holders, Traditional Healers, ceremony) and emotional supports (community-based health workers, peer supports) is delivered through approximately 250 funding agreements with community-based Indigenous organizations that offer cultural and emotional support that is trauma-informed and respectful of Indigenous cultures. The Mental Wellness Program also invests in Indigenous-led suicide prevention and life promotion initiatives, crisis response services, and culturally grounded substance use prevention and treatment programs that reflect Indigenous knowledge systems and healing practices. The program directly addresses mental wellness as a fundamental component of safety and healing, and ensures that services are accessible to those at heightened risk of violence and trauma. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program as it improves access to culturally safe care and strengthens supports for those who have experienced intergenerational trauma.

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.

In 2025-2026, 9-8-8 continued to offer crisis support to individuals in distress. Since its launch in November 2023 to March 2026, 9-8-8 has answered more than 900,000 calls and texts.

The 9-8-8 initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 7.3 by offering suicide prevention support accessible to Indigenous individuals, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The initiative acknowledges the distinct mental health needs of Indigenous Peoples and has taken steps to enhance cultural safety by working with Indigenous organizations through advisory and working groups. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this service by gaining immediate access to life-saving crisis support that is culturally safe and tailored to their unique needs.

• Accessible suicide prevention support: 9-8-8 provides immediate, no-cost crisis intervention available nationwide.
• Referral pathways: Hope for Wellness Helpline, which is funded by Indigenous Services Canada, is part of the 9-8-8 network.
• Cultural adaptation efforts: Indigenous partners/organizations advise on ensuring that 9-8-8 meets the needs of Indigenous Peoples, including through the potential involvement of local Indigenous crisis lines and by enhancing cultural competency in the 9-8-8 service network.

On January 16, 2026, the federal government announced an additional $120.2 million over two years (2026-2027 and 2027-2028) to support continued operations of 9-8-8. This amount builds on $177 million over three years (2023-2024 to 2025-2026) to CAMH to coordinate and deliver 9-8-8.

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 7.3 by funding Indigenous-led prevention initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and addressing the root causes of family violence. While additional long-term resources are needed to expand and strengthen prevention strategies, this initiative enhances Indigenous self-determination in addressing violence prevention. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program through increased access to community-based, culturally grounded healing, awareness and educational programs that work to prevent violence before it occurs.

• 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.

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.

• 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 7.3 by funding community-driven proposals for family violence prevention initiatives. These initiatives integrate cultural safety, healing practices, and trauma-informed services, strengthening Indigenous-led violence prevention programming. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit by accessing Indigenous-led prevention programs that promote safety and healing.

• 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.

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 7.3 by supporting the development and delivery of Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed mental health services that are responsive to the specific needs of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through investments in crisis intervention, life promotion, and substance use prevention and treatment, the program ensures that wellness supports are grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and community leadership. Initiatives such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People Health and Cultural Support Program and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line are designed to directly support individuals impacted by gender-based violence and the loss of missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. These services are rooted in the recognition that safety and healing are inseparable from culturally safe mental wellness supports. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program as it strengthens access to care that supports trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approaches.

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.

PHAC's Preventing Family Violence Program is contributing:

• $1,378,870 over four years (2025 to 2029) to support Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's work of creating and testing culturally relevant resources that support Métis families and health care providers, social workers and service providers involved in reproductive care
  • The project aims to support and engage Métis families who are either at risk or currently experiencing child welfare involvement while accessing reproductive care
• $1,111,176 over five years (2024 to 2029) to the University of Toronto to partner with two Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies and one Children's Aid Society to evaluate four culturally-based health promotion interventions in Ontario
  • The project will reach 1,200 children and families receiving these interventions and will also work with the service providers to support their unique needs
• $1,186,339 over four years (2022 to 2026) to support the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) to develop, deliver and test a violence prevention program in the Yukon by and for Yukon First Nations.
• $786,287 over four years (2022 to 2026) to support the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi in implementing and evaluating the Kaskinomatasowin program, a sexual abuse prevention and healthy relationship promotion program for children and youth.
  • The project, which is an extension of the Lantern|Awacic prevention program tailored to the needs of the Atikamekw culture, is developing a culturally adapted, parent specific module to increase parental skills and prevent child sexual violence
  • The program is targeting over 200 parents from three Atikamekw Indigenous communities in Quebec

In addition, PHAC's Preventing Family Violence Program is funding five Indigenous-focused projects aimed at preventing child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects are reaching over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth, and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools to build safe, supportive relationships. These projects focus on cultural identity, healing, and promoting healthier relationships in Indigenous communities. In addition, the projects support the development, delivery, and testing of interventions that strengthen safe, supportive relationships and reduce experiences of violence among Indigenous children and youth; are led by Indigenous-focused organizations and designed to reflect community realities and strengths, with prevention approaches that are culturally relevant and appropriate to local contexts; and emphasize youth engagement, culturally safe practice, multi-sector collaboration, and intervention research approaches that can include Indigenous knowledge systems. The projects are designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families, while also addressing the intergenerational trauma and cycles of violence caused by colonization, racism, and the Residential School System.

To prevent and address youth dating violence:

• Infinity Women Secretariat Inc. is receiving $601,959 over four years (2024 to 2028) to explore and promote the use of Red River Métis culture in building healthy relationships among youth.
  • This project will reach 210 Métis youth in Manitoba, helping them feel a sense of belonging and improving their confidence
• Legacy of Hope Foundation is receiving $555,015 over three years (2024 to 2027) to develop an online toolkit aimed at preventing dating violence.
  • The toolkit will include Indigenous voices and perspectives and will feature online workshops for 300 Indigenous youth across Canada, creating safe spaces for conversations about healthy relationships
• Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society is receiving $1,350,000 over five years (2024 to 2029) to develop a dating violence prevention program for 320 Inuit youth with disabilities across Nunavut.
  • The project will focus on teaching these youth about healthy relationships and how to prevent dating violence in a way that is culturally and developmentally appropriate

To prevent and address child maltreatment:

• ILITAQSINIQ is receiving $1,864,320 over five years (2024 to 2029) to deliver two family strengthening programs in six communities across Nunavut.
  • These programs will provide knowledge and skills on topics such as parenting, communication, and handling family dynamics, with the goal of helping 192 children and their caregivers
• Martin Family Initiative is receiving $999,310 over five years (2024 to 2029) to adapt, deliver and evaluate their health and family well-being resources across Canada to better support over 250 early childhood professionals aimed at promoting positive parenting and contributing to the reduction of child maltreatment in the Indigenous communities they serve

The Preventing Family Violence Program responds to Call for Justice 7.3 by funding the delivery and testing of culturally grounded health promotion interventions that prevent family violence and reduce its health impacts for survivors, including approaches tailored to Indigenous communities. The Program supports projects that provide culturally relevant, community-based prevention and early intervention approaches that engage Indigenous Peoples and strengthen access to crisis and wellness supports, including pathways to seek help before violence escalates. It funds culturally adapted prevention and healthy relationship promotion programming for children and youth. In addition, Métis-specific resources are being developed and tested to support Métis families and to equip health care providers, social workers, and other service providers involved in reproductive care with culturally relevant tools, including for families who are at risk of or experiencing child welfare involvement. Evaluation and learning activities are also supported to strengthen the evidence base for culturally based interventions and improve future program design and delivery. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from strengthened access to culturally relevant prevention and early intervention supports that can reduce violence, improve health outcomes, and support safer pathways to wellbeing.

• Culturally grounded prevention and early intervention: Supports community-based approaches to prevent family violence and strengthen access to crisis and wellness supports, including earlier pathways to seek help before violence escalates
• Improved health outcomes for survivors and families: Funds trauma-informed and culturally adapted health promotion interventions for children, youth, older adults, and families affected by violence, supporting improved wellbeing and healthier relationships
• Stronger evidence base for effective violence prevention: Builds evaluation and learning mechanisms to identify what works in preventing family violence and reducing health impacts, strengthening the availability of proven, culturally relevant interventions that can be scaled or adapted across communities

PHAC is investing up to $18 million in 2025-2026, and over $14 million per year ongoing, to support projects that promote safe relationships, prevent family violence, and equip health professionals and service providers to recognize and respond safely to family violence. The Program supports several projects that reach Indigenous populations, such as the projects referenced in the above sections.

There are no updates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The Community Action Fund responds to Call for Justice 7.3, in relation to prevention initiatives relating to sexual health and linking key populations to testing, prevention, treatment and care.

• Increases prevention knowledge:Builds awareness of effective, evidence-based HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention measures among First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and target audiences
• Strengthens prevention capacity: Enhances the skills and abilities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to prevent infection and improve STBBI-related health outcomes
• Improves culturally safe service delivery: Strengthens the capacity of target audiences to provide culturally safe, stigma-free STBBI prevention, testing, treatment and caree
• Expands uptake of prevention measures: Increases use of effective HIV, hepatitis C, and STI prevention approaches among First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
• Improves access to care and support: Enhances access to comprehensive STBBI prevention, testing, treatment, ongoing care, and support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people
• Reduces stigma in systems of care: Improves the cultural safety and stigma-free nature of STBBI services delivered across community and health settings

$26.4 million through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund and $7 million through the Harm Reduction Fund in 2025-2026 as part of a combined investment of $165 million over five years (2022 to 2027). Funding aims to ensure that:

• Community-based efforts reach key populations, including people unaware of their HIV or hepatitis C status, and link them to testing, prevention, treatment and care
• Communities design and implement evidence-based front-line projects to prevent new and reoccurring infections
• High impact interventions are brought to scale so that more people can benefit from them
• Community-based efforts reduce stigma toward populations disproportionately affected by STBBI, including people living with HIV or hepatitis C

Stream Three of the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities operates on a two-year intake cycle. Final reports and the data extracted from them (such as the number of participants and the number of communities reached) will be available after June 2026.

For the 2025-2026 fiscal $2,500,000 in funding was allocated to 42 projects that are being delivered across Canada. The 42 projects are multi-year and a continuation from the 2024-2025 fiscal year. They will conclude on March 31, 2026.

The following are some examples of funded projects.

• The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan was allocated $40,000 in funding to have a Coaches Mentorship Program that pairs mentee coaches with professional mentors for a 16-week program, offering coaching education, workshops, and cultural sessions to support physical, mental, and spiritual development. Additionally, the project hosts Female and Gender Diverse Camps, providing all-girls and 2SLGBTQI+ athletes with basketball, wellness workshops, cultural education, and travel support.
• Minwaashin Lodge: Indigenous Women's Support Centre was allocated $60,000 in funding to host a land-based healing and cultural empowerment program for Indigenous women, youth, and children, aiming to support healing from violence and trauma through seasonal traditions and land-based activities like sweat lodge ceremonies, medicine walks, and snowshoeing. The program will provide holistic health support by reconnecting participants to culture, community, and elders, while offering a culturally safe environment for healing and resilience, particularly for those in urban areas facing intersecting vulnerabilities like poverty, violence, and homelessness.
• 2Spirit Manitoba Inc. was allocated $84,614 in funding to support two-spirit individuals in remote, rural, and urban areas by providing access to land-based programs, cultural activities, and ceremonies, while fostering community connections through virtual and in-person sharing circles. The project includes equipment purchases, travel support, and the facilitation of various events such as sweat lodge ceremonies, drum groups, and seasonal camps to build capacity and strengthen ties within two-spirit communities.
• Whitefish Lake Band #128 was allocated $50,000 in funding. The Whitefish Lake Band's project focuses on promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being by offering culturally-relevant activities, such as traditional games and healing workshops, while addressing critical issues like suicide prevention, sexual trafficking, and violence prevention. It also emphasizes creating inclusive spaces and programs that support indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, fostering empowerment, safety, and community cohesion.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 7.3 by investing in Indigenous-led prevention initiatives that develop and implement programs that enhance access to sports, recreation, and physical activities. By funding Indigenous-led initiatives, SSDIC Stream Three supports culturally-relevant and community-driven programs to health, awareness, well-being and safety in relationships. Indigenous survivors, families, and communities benefit from this program as it provides opportunities that are affordable, accessible, and aligned with their community needs, providing a pathway to healing through social inclusion.

• Improved access to sport and recreation: Reduces financial and systemic barriers that prevent Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples from participating in sports and recreational activities. Supports initiatives that ensure Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have access to projects that improve health and wellness outcomes
• Enhanced social development outcomes: Addresses key social issues, including suicide prevention, sexual trafficking awareness, sexual positivity, physical and mental health, and safe relationships
• Strengthened Indigenous leadership and self-determination: Builds capacity within Indigenous communities to sustain and expand wellness-focused programming. Invests in Indigenous-led organizations designing initiatives that reflect Indigenous cultural values, traditions, and community priorities
• Increased community-led sports programming: Funds Indigenous organizations to develop and deliver culturally relevant sport and recreation initiatives
• Healing and well-being through sport: Provides families and survivors who have experienced trauma, violence, or loss access to safe and supportive recreational spaces that promote mental and physical healing
• Greater access to safe and inclusive spaces: Supports initiatives that ensure Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have safe, welcoming environments to engage in sport and recreation

With an annual budget of $2.5 million, SSDIC - Stream Three ensures that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have meaningful opportunities to engage in activities that promote well-being. 2021 investments allocated $14.3 million over five years, with $2.9 million in ongoing funding to sustain and expand program access. To date, all $2.5 million has been allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The AAIR initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 7.4 by supporting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Indigenous professionals within health systems. It strengthens access to culturally safe, Indigenous-led health, wellness, birth, and care supports grounded in Indigenous knowledge, healing practices, and community-based care models.

These actions directly support Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis by increasing access to care providers who reflect and understand their lived realities. Greater Indigenous representation contributes to safer health care environments and helps dismantle systemic racism in health institutions.

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

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

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.

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 7.4 by providing access to Indigenous health and wellness teachings, including land-based healing and knowledge systems that support holistic well-being. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities are served by the way the Centre is reclaiming traditional healing practices, restoring cultural teachings, and fostering intergenerational resilience through land-based education.

• 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.

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.

Aqqusariaq responds to Call for Justice 7.5 as it will provide a range of treatment and healing interventions that will address both problematic substance use and trauma, and will be founded and developed based on Inuit cultural practices and values. Aqqusariaq will ensure that Inuit Qaujimajatuqanngit principles – recognized as a unified system of beliefs, values, and knowledge characteristic of the Inuit culture – are prioritized in the delivery of addiction treatment services for citizens and will further the government's goal to provide crucial in-territory care. It is important to have a centre, in-territory, that will be grounded in Inuit language and culture, with strong linkages to community-based on-the-land programming for culturally safe healing. Services will be offered in Inuit languages, when possible. Families, survivors, and communities impacted by intergenerational trauma and substance use benefit from this initiative through increased access to culturally appropriate treatment services. In delivering services in Inuit languages and fostering strong links to community and land-based healing, Aqqusariaq supports long-term wellness and the reclamation of Indigenous healing practices.

• 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 2019 investments, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The AAIR initiative responds to Call for Justice 7.6 by providing funding to Indigenous organizations to develop and deliver culturally safe training for healthcare professionals. These trainings address anti-Indigenous racism, promote culturally informed care, and are tailored to reflect the specific experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Indigenous survivors, families, and communities of the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from increased provider awareness and sensitivity, which can help prevent re-traumatization and reduce instances of neglect or discrimination in clinical settings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The AAIR initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 7.7 by funding Indigenous midwifery and doula training. Support is provided for Indigenous-led programs and the delivery of culturally safe reproductive care in both urban and remote settings.

For Indigenous survivors, families, and communities of the MMIWG2S+ crisis, the presence of Indigenous midwives and birth workers creates safer pathways to care and reaffirms traditional practices that are rooted in cultural identity, autonomy, and community healing.

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

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

During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, CIHR, through Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health and in collaboration with partners across CIHR continued to support Indigenous-led, community-based, and distinctions-based health research. Notable examples include:

• CIHR-Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health completed 18 months of national engagement to inform its strategic directions, bringing together Indigenous partners, communities, researchers, trainees, and organizations to identify priorities and opportunities for Indigenous health research
  • This engagement helps ensure Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health -supported research reflects Indigenous-defined priorities, including those related to safety, wellness, healing, and culturally grounded care
• Support for the Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative cohorts, advancing Indigenous-led research focused on health and wellness across the life course, including early life, families, and future generation

CIHR responds to Call for Justice 7.7 by supporting the training and mentorship of Indigenous researchers and health practitioners. It does so through partnerships with the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research, post secondary institutions, and Indigenous organizations. Launched in 2019, the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Program establishes a network of centres focused on strengthening Indigenous research capacity and supporting Indigenous community-based health research that reflects the priorities and values of Indigenous Peoples.

CIHR funding opportunities and collaborative initiatives also strengthen Indigenous-led research capacity and support pathways for Indigenous Peoples to enter, remain, and advance in health research and practice. By increasing Indigenous leadership in the creation and application of health evidence, CIHR helps address systemic barriers in research and health systems and supports culturally grounded approaches to health and wellness.

• Indigenous-led health research leadership: Leads a national research agenda on Indigenous health and wellness and supports innovative research that can improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
• Strengthened Indigenous self-determination in research: Advances Indigenous self-determination in health research. Supports Indigenous governance and leadership in health knowledge production through funding opportunities, partnerships, and research governance approaches
• Increased Indigenous research capacity and workforce pathways: Supports training and mentorship for Indigenous researchers and health practitioners. This includes partnerships with the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research, post secondary institutions, and Indigenous organizations
• Culturally safe and community-based health evidence: Funds research grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and community defined priorities. This research can inform culturally safe, community-based health services. It also can improve the responsiveness of health systems
• Trauma-informed and culturally grounded healing approaches: Supports Indigenous-led research that addresses intergenerational and collective healing. Advances culturally grounded healing and wellness pathways, including the development and use of community defined indicators of wellness. Supports the National Women's Health Research Initiative, which focuses on improving the health of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• Distinctions-based Inuit research capacity and infrastructure: Supports Inuit-led research capacity and infrastructure within Inuit Nunangat through relationship building and partnerships with Inuit organizations. Strengthens conditions for Inuit defined research priorities, including continued support for the Inuit Research Network as it moves towards self-determination in interdisciplinary research and capacity-building
• Inclusive research and improved evidence on 2SLGBTQI+ health realities: Strengthens the potential for more accurate representation and improved evidence on the health realities of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people to inform culturally safe services and supports. CIHR does so through inclusive and community driven approaches, where projects prioritize 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion

The Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Program represents a commitment of $105.5 million over six years by CIHR to strengthen Indigenous health research capacity in Canada.

In 2025-2026, NCIME developed, piloted and/or provided a range of workshops, modules, programs and courses.

Workshop development: Developing multiple workshops that address cultural safety, anti-racism, and assessment. These workshops are outcome based on respectful engagement, addressing power imbalances inherent in the health care system, allyship, anti-indigenous racism policy, and ensuring appropriate methods of assessment. These workshops will be delivered through NCIME's learning module system.

Indigenous Physician Wellness and Joy Modules: NCIME is working with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada to develop Indigenous Physician Wellness and Joy Modules that will be delivered in 2027. These modules promote Indigenous physician well-being, Indigenous consultation, Indigenous-specific student and resident wellness practices in accreditation standards, culturally specific programing and services, and more.

Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program (IFDLP): In 2025, NCIME piloted the first Early to Mid-Career IFDLP. This is a blended, eight-month leadership training program designed to support Indigenous physicians as they navigate and shape academic medicine in Canada. Developed by the Indigenous Faculty Recruitment and Retention Working Group as part of NCIME Phase roman numeral 1I, the program responds to the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders in academia and practice; and provides culturally grounded training that reflects Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being. Each module builds on participants' self-location in Indigenous identity, fostering continuous reflection while developing practical leadership skills. Areas of focus include professional identity formation, managing imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, academic governance, coaching, media engagement, and integrating ceremony and culture into professional practice.

Anti-Indigenous Racism (AIR101) course: The NCIME has developed the AIR101 course to provide foundational knowledge that will enable the participants to increase competencies to be able to identify instances of anti-Indigenous racism; understand the concept of anti-racism and ways on how to implement anti-racism in policy or practice.

The National Circle for Indigenous Medical Education (NCIME) responds to CFJ 7.7 by strengthening Indigenous-led training, wellness, and leadership pathways in academic medicine, while equipping medical education partners with anti-racism and cultural safety tools that help remove systemic barriers to Indigenous recruitment, retention, and advancement in the health and wellness workforce.

• Foundational anti-Indigenous racism training: NCIME developed the AIR101 course to build baseline knowledge and competencies to identify anti-Indigenous racism and apply anti-racism approaches in policy and practice, supporting safer learning and care environments

The NCIME is funded by Health Canada's Health Care Policies and Strategic Fund and the Canadian Medical Association. NCIME has entered a $4.6 million funding agreement with Health Canada over a three-year period.

During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, CIHR, through Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health and in collaboration with partners across CIHR continued to support Indigenous-led, community-based, and distinctions-based health research. Notable examples include:

• CIHR-Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health completed 18 months of national engagement to inform its strategic directions, bringing together Indigenous partners, communities, researchers, trainees, and organizations to identify priorities and opportunities for Indigenous health research
  • This engagement helps ensure Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health -supported research reflects Indigenous-defined priorities, including those related to safety, wellness, healing, and culturally grounded care
• Support for the Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative cohorts, advancing Indigenous-led research focused on health and wellness across the life course, including early life, families, and future generation

CIHR responds to Call for Justice 7.8 by collaborating with government, academic, and community partners to co-develop sustainable strategies that recruit, train, and retain Indigenous Peoples across the health research and wellness sectors. CIHR funding opportunities, partnerships, and leadership within Indigenous health research all work to promote equitable participation. They also help Indigenous professionals access training, mentorship, funding, and leadership opportunities within research and health systems. By strengthening Indigenous leadership and representation in health research and wellness fields, CIHR contributes to more culturally safe and responsive health services. This also helps reduce systemic barriers that can limit equitable access to careers and decision-making roles.

• Indigenous-led health research leadership: Leads a national research agenda on Indigenous health and wellness and supports innovative research that can improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
• Strengthened Indigenous self-determination in research: Advances Indigenous self-determination in health research. Supports Indigenous governance and leadership in health knowledge production through funding opportunities, partnerships, and research governance approaches
• Increased Indigenous research capacity and workforce pathways: Supports training and mentorship for Indigenous researchers and health practitioners. This includes partnerships with the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research, post secondary institutions, and Indigenous organizations
• Culturally safe and community-based health evidence: Funds research grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and community defined priorities. This research can inform culturally safe, community-based health services. It also can improve the responsiveness of health systems
• Trauma-informed and culturally grounded healing approaches: Supports Indigenous-led research that addresses intergenerational and collective healing. Advances culturally grounded healing and wellness pathways, including the development and use of community defined indicators of wellness. Supports the National Women's Health Research Initiative, which focuses on improving the health of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• Distinctions-based Inuit research capacity and infrastructure: Supports Inuit-led research capacity and infrastructure within Inuit Nunangat through relationship building and partnerships with Inuit organizations. Strengthens conditions for Inuit defined research priorities, including continued support for the Inuit Research Network as it moves towards self-determination in interdisciplinary research and capacity-building
• Inclusive research and improved evidence on 2SLGBTQI+ health realities: Strengthens the potential for more accurate representation and improved evidence on the health realities of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people to inform culturally safe services and supports. CIHR does so through inclusive and community driven approaches, where projects prioritize 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion

The Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) Program represents a commitment of $105.5 million over six years by CIHR to strengthen Indigenous health research capacity in Canada.

In 2025-2026, NCIME developed, piloted and/or provided a range of workshops, modules, programs and courses.

Workshop development: Developing multiple workshops that address cultural safety, anti-racism, and assessment. These workshops are outcome based on respectful engagement, addressing power imbalances inherent in the health care system, allyship, anti-indigenous racism policy, and ensuring appropriate methods of assessment. These workshops will be delivered through NCIME's learning module system.

Indigenous Physician Wellness and Joy Modules: NCIME is working with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada to develop Indigenous Physician Wellness and Joy Modules that will be delivered in 2027. These modules promote Indigenous physician well-being, Indigenous consultation, Indigenous-specific student and resident wellness practices in accreditation standards, culturally specific programing and services, and more.

Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program (IFDLP): In 2025, NCIME piloted the first Early to Mid-Career IFDLP. This is a blended, eight-month leadership training program designed to support Indigenous physicians as they navigate and shape academic medicine in Canada. Developed by the Indigenous Faculty Recruitment and Retention Working Group as part of NCIME Phase I, the program responds to the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders in academia and practice; and provides culturally grounded training that reflects Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being. Each module builds on participants' self-location in Indigenous identity, fostering continuous reflection while developing practical leadership skills. Areas of focus include professional identity formation, managing imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, academic governance, coaching, media engagement, and integrating ceremony and culture into professional practice.

Anti-Indigenous Racism (AIR101) course: The NCIME has developed the AIR101 course to provide foundational knowledge that will enable the participants to increase competencies to be able to identify instances of anti-Indigenous racism; understand the concept of anti-racism and ways on how to implement anti-racism in policy or practice.

NCIME responds to Call for Justice 7.8 by strengthening Indigenous capacity and leadership within health education and health systems through Indigenous-led professional development that supports Indigenous physicians to advance and shape academic medicine in Canada. In 2025, NCIME piloted the Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program, a blended eight-month program developed by the Indigenous Faculty Recruitment and Retention Working Group as part of NCIME Phase I to address the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders in academia and practice. The program provides culturally grounded training that reflects Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being and supports participants to navigate institutional environments while building practical leadership skills. Each module builds on self-location in Indigenous identity and continuous reflection and includes professional identity formation, managing imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, academic governance, coaching, media engagement, and integrating ceremony and culture into professional practice.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from a strengthened Indigenous physician leadership pipeline that can influence medical education, health services, and institutional culture toward culturally safe care that is more responsive and free of racism.

• Expanded Indigenous leadership within academic medicine: NCIME piloted the Early to Mid-Career Indigenous Faculty Leadership Development Program, a blended eight-month leadership program that responds to the under-representation of Indigenous physician leaders and builds practical skills grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being

The NCIME is funded by Health Canada's Health Care Policies and Strategic Fund and the Canadian Medical Association. NCIME has entered a $4.6 million dollar funding agreement with Health Canada over a three-year period.