IRF Project Collections

Projects Supported by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

(New projects added every month)

Pillar One

Healing and Reconciliation for Communities and Families

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.

  • Life is Beautiful

    Indigenous cultures, traditions, languages, and arts are vibrant, diverse, and rooted in deep history. Yet colonization has long distorted how Indigenous Peoples are seen, often reducing them to stereotypes or symbols of tragedy. As Dr. Cindy Blackstock has famously said, “Indigenous Peoples are only thought about when they are drumming, dancing, drunk, or dead.” This is not the story Indigenous communities have chosen for themselves.

  • How a Program Became Home

    Asking for help can be a daunting and difficult task. Knowing how to start, who to turn to and finding an authentic, judgment-free space can feel impossible. For the Dr. Peter Centre in downtown Vancouver, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere as soon as an individual walks through the door is what sets it apart.

Pillar Two

Culture and Language Revitalization

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.

  • Reviving Tradition Through Song and Performance in Akwesasne

    Indigenous activism is growing, and young leaders in First Nations communities are stepping up to ensure the next generation carries forward traditional practices and cultural celebrations. The Mohawks of Akwesasne are among those championing efforts to bring back Akwesasronon culture and language, starting with their youngest members in the classroom. However, the community currently doesn’t have youth groups dedicated to preserving traditional Mohawk social and ceremonial singing or teaching culture through performance and drama.

  • Safeguarding and Revitalizing the Heiltsuk Language

    For 14,000 years, the Heiltsuk language (Haíɫzaqvḷa) has been a cornerstone of Indigenous identity, culture, and way of life in Heiltsuk territory on the Central Coast of British Columbia. Despite its deep roots, like many Indigenous languages, it has seen a sharp decline in fluent speakers.

Pillar Three

Education and Community Building

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.

  • Carlton Comprehensive High School Celebrates Indigenous Day

    At Carlton Comprehensive High School on Treaty 6 Territory in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, over 60% of the student population is Indigenous. For these students, cultural identity and pride are key to building self-esteem and a strong sense of community. That’s why Carlton’s annual Indigenous Day Celebration has become such an important tradition at the school, bringing together students, staff, and community members to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

  • The Fight Against Fentanyl Symposium

    In Regina, Sasketchewan’s North Central neighborhood, the fentanyl crisis has hit Indigenous communities particularly hard. The impact of the opioid has been devastating, leading to a significant increase in overdose deaths, especially among Indigenous youth.

Pillar Four

Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture

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.

  • Empowering Urban Indigenous Youth – “Rise Up: Braided Perspectives”

    Growing up in urban centers, Indigenous youth often experience a disconnection from their cultural roots and a lack of access to culturally safe resources and services. Since 2019, the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) has worked with youth from Friendship Centres across Alberta to address and support the unique needs of urban Indigenous youth.

  • Empowering Indigenous Women Through Positive Narratives

    Indigenous women in Western narratives often face negative stereotypes, perpetuating harmful misconceptions and contributing to real-world challenges – from being more likely to be victims of violence and experiencing racism and prejudice to being denied employment or adequate healthcare. Nokee Kwe, based in London, Ontario, has been addressing this issue through its Positive Voice Program since 2016.