IRF Project Collections
Projects Supported by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund
(New projects added every month)
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund supports initiatives that address the historical trauma, intergenerational impacts and systemic injustices faced by Indigenous people.
Grants are provided for programs and projects that promote emotional, mental and physical healing for communities and families, ultimately contributing to a path of reconciliation and restoration of
well-being.
Our Journey Continues
History was made in 2024 after the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops came together to put pen to paper and create the Sacred Covenant. The Covenant’s purpose is to meet the demand for communities looking for answers about the fates of children who attended residential schools. This moment marked a milestone in the journey towards reconciliation, truth and healing between three groups that have a complex and contentious past.
The Indigenous Experience
Since the introduction of colonialism in Canada, Indigenous experiences have been rooted in systemic policies that sought cultural erasure, leading to lasting intergenerational trauma. The Peepeekisis First Nation in Saskatchewan have resisted colonial efforts to assimilate their people for generations.
Preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultures and languages allows Indigenous communities to reconnect with their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Through grants provided for language revitalization programs, traditional arts and crafts or cultural education initiatives, Indigenous traditions and identities are celebrated and can be passed down to future generations.
Creating Community
Stepping through the doors of university for the first time is a daunting experience. Trying to create community in a new environment, with new faces, while navigating post-secondary education is difficult for any young adult. Indigenous students, some of whom come from rural or remote communities, face additional challenges such as struggling to find fellow Indigenous peers, feeling misrepresented through coursework, being misunderstood in class and disconnection from their non-Indigenous classmates.
To Teach Strong
Many Indigenous youth have been in crisis for far too long, facing mental health challenges, instability at home and substance abuse, which has led to the heartbreaking loss of too many young lives. Indigenous communities have decided that enough is enough, deciding to not just survive, but thrive, reconnecting and healing in a way that touches both the heart and the spirit.
Education and community building are key drivers of reconciliation efforts. Funds provided for educational programs, workshops and community-building activities can help bridge knowledge gaps, strengthen ties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and promote a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, experiences and knowledge.
The Sum of Our Parts
Language, storytelling, traditional foods and shared culture connect Indigenous Peoples to their ancestors. Passed down from generation to generation, Indigenous traditions have persevered despite the systemic challenges their peoples have faced. For many, the path to healing begins by creating spaces where trauma can be acknowledged, resilience can be celebrated and knowledge can be shared.
Amplifying the Cost of Silence
Once again, the educational documentary “The Cost of Silence – #USTOO” is returning to make an even greater impact. This documentary features two editions and amplifies the voices of childhood sexual abuse survivors, particularly male survivors, who have suffered from inaction, silence and isolation for too long.
Grants are available to support programs, gatherings and events that facilitate the reconnection with and celebration of Indigenous spirituality and cultural practices.
These initiatives are an opportunity to foster awareness and appreciation of Indigenous worldviews, values and spiritual beliefs and contribute to a more inclusive society where Indigenous voices and traditions are honored and respected.
One-of-a-Kind
Indigenous feet have been dancing on the land for generations. A way to honour Indigenous culture and spirituality, dance is a vital part of tradition, connection and social structure within communities. In Atlantic Canada, while there are increasing opportunities for youth to learn traditional Indigenous dances, those seeking contemporary dance instruction from Indigenous teachers in jazz, hip-hop or tap are out of luck.
Aging with Dignity
Canada’s aging population is putting growing strain on healthcare systems, but for Indigenous seniors, the challenges run much deeper. While new programs are emerging to support seniors across the country, many fail to reflect the cultural realities and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples.
