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.

  • Safety Close to Home

    The impacts of colonization and the residential school system have left many Indigenous Peoples in need of healing. Yet, systemic systems of oppression have left many without access to critical mental health services, leading to higher rates of addiction, suicide, family instability and violence.

  • Healing for All

    The impacts of colonization and the residential school system have left many Indigenous Peoples in need of healing. Yet, systemic systems of oppression have left many without access to critical mental health services, leading to higher rates of addiction, suicide, family instability and violence.

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.

  • Ribbon Skirts, Ribbon Shirts, and Bags

    There is a sacred bond between young Indigenous Peoples and community Elders that is integral to passing on traditional knowledge, practices and history. Due to the impacts of colonization, these bonds have frayed over generations.

  • The Art of Birch Bark Basketry

    Birch bark has long held important cultural significance within Indigenous communities, traditionally used for baskets, artwork, and many more practical purposes. Over the years, opportunities to learn these practices have waned and these critical cultural skills have faded from modern life.

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.

  • The Written Word

    Five years ago, Elders living in the Snuneymuxw region, also known as Nanaimo, came together with one shared purpose – to learn to read. Many who had been forced to attend residential and day schools had left receiving limited, if any, meaningful education.

  • Rivers of the Land

    As people become increasingly dependent on technology and online forms of social connection, they feel more disconnected from one another than ever. While this impacts people of all ages and backgrounds, Indigenous youth are especially affected.

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.

  • Beyond the Written Word

    Spoken around a fire, whispered during ceremony, and passed down from Elder to youth, Indigenous languages have been preserved and shared orally for thousands of years. Most have never had a written alphabet, relying solely on verbal traditions to remain alive.

  • Returning for our Rendezvous

    Indigenous communities across Canada are bringing back ceremonies that have almost been lost due to colonization. One such gathering, the Métis Rendezvous, is one of the most important events for Métis to reconnect and engage with traditional activities and demonstrations that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Métis Nation.