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.
Building Bridges to Reconciliation
Newcomers to Canada arrive at its coasts seeking opportunities, safety and fresh hope for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, their view of Canada is often formed through media and romanticized assumptions, which typically leave out the country’s history of Indigenous Peoples and ongoing reconciliation efforts. Today, there are still no systematic approaches to educating new Canadians about reconciliation or how to encourage their active participation in these significant dialogues.
Talking Together
In the decade since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Report in 2015, many Canadians have taken steps to understand and support tangible actions working towards reconciliation. However, racism and contempt towards Indigenous Peoples still exists, with some choosing to blame them as architects of their own misfortune. This is simply not good enough. Indigenous Peoples deserve to be heard and supported on their healing journeys.
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.
The St’at’imc Northern Tribe Powwow Arbour
A Powwow is an opportunity for all people - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - to gather and celebrate Indigenous languages, cultures, and practices. Most importantly, Powwows are a place for Indigenous people to reconnect to each other and find their way home, to their people, language, culture and self-identify.
Language Classes at Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation
Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, located at the head of tide of the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, is taking steps to address the steady decline in Mi’kmaq language speakers. The majority of youth in the community struggle with basic greetings and conversations in Mi’kmaq, prompting the Nation to begin offering language classes for youth and other learners.
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.
St. Albert Catholic Schools’ Commitment to Indigenous Education
In the spirit of reconciliation and acknowledging the historical role of the Church in the residential school system, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools in St. Albert, Alberta, are committed to fostering healing and growth within their school communities. A key priority in the organization’s three-year plan is to incorporate the teaching and learning of knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in educational plans.
Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Sports
Sport has the power to build a sense of belonging, enhance mental health, foster friendships, and boost school attendance and resilience. Recognizing this, Ever Active Schools (EAS), in collaboration with Jasper Place High School's Indigenous Leading Spirits Club in Edmonton, Alberta, is embarking on a journey to create an Indigenous Sports Program.
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.
