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.

  • Nuhkmoss, Muhsoms, Naka Ni’l: Strengthening Kinship Through Generations

    In Indigenous communities, the relationship between Elders and children is a cornerstone of cultural preservation and growth. Elders, as keepers of wisdom, share teachings that nurture young minds, instill confidence, and foster a deep sense of cultural identity. These connections are not just educational - they bring joy, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose to Elders, strengthening the fabric of the entire community.

  • Kwakiutl Health Centre Supports Healing Through Culture and Connection

    The Kwakiutl Peoples are experiencing a mental health crisis and lack of short-term crisis response care in their community on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. In response, they have come together and are blending traditional Kwakiutl ways with modern approaches to create programs and services that protect and uplift their community at the Kwakiutl Health Centre.

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.

  • For Those Who Persevered

    In Indigenous cultures, Elders are community counselors, knowledge keepers, cultural advisors and spiritual leaders. They are esteemed members of the community, yet they are the most vulnerable group in Canada’s aging population crisis. Indigenous Elders are especially at risk of being taken advantage of, and many lack access to critical resources like housing, finances and food security. The lasting traumatic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made these situations much worse.

  • Cutting-Edge Culture

    As a culture at the dawn of breakthrough technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we know that preserving our history is just as important as building our future. Colonialism and the residential school system has all but erased Indigenous spoken languages in Canada. Traditionally passed down by community Elders, they are now at risk of being lost with these older generations.

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.

  • Celebrating 10 Years of Community at “Nurturing Our Roots” Pow Wow

    2024 marks a milestone for the Niagara Regional Native Centre as it prepares to host the 10th annual Nurturing Our Roots Pow Wow. Through dances, songs, ceremonies, and stories, the Pow Wow celebrates togetherness, strengthens community ties, and promotes Indigenous heritage, identity, and culture. Over the past decade, Nurturing Our Roots has become a much-loved tradition that draws people of all backgrounds to come together and share in the experience.

  • Talitha Koum Society Creates Space for Learning and Reconciliation

    The Talitha Koum Society (TK) in Coquitlam, BC has been dedicated to empowering women struggling with addiction, helping them build healthy and fulfilling lives. Through its supportive housing, 12-step programming and life-skills training, TK provides women with the tools they need to recover and thrive.