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.

  • Fostering Healing and Reconciliation at the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall

    The Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is dedicated to promoting healing and reconciliation within the diocesan community. Their mission is to ensure that the voices of Indigenous people are heard and that everyone feels welcome to participate in community activities.

  • 2024 Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation

    The Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is held annually on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. It brings together community members to honour residential school Survivors, foster a shared understanding of Canada’s true history, and build relationships among Indigenous people, non-Indigenous Canadians and newcomers to Canada.

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.

  • Cree Language Revival at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples

    In the journey of reconciliation, preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages is a vital pillar. Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, has made strides in this direction by offering Cree language classes since early 2023. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 20 participants engaging in the lessons.

  • Reviving Tradition: Bannock-Making Workshops

    In many Indigenous communities, the loss of traditional teachings and ways of life has been deeply felt across generations. Indigenous peoples have experienced a disconnection from their heritage and traditions. One such tradition, the making of Bannock (or fry bread), holds significant cultural meaning among Indigenous families.

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.

  • Walking Forward with the Niigin Mosewak Program

    The Niigan Mosewalk Program follows the teachings of the Medicine Wheel to teach First Nation youth about physical, emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing, as well as tackling difficult subjects such as addiction, self-esteem and life promotion.

  • Mkwa Doodem Indigenous Studies Program

    The Indigenous Studies Program is an educational initiative led by the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board in collaboration with Indigenous communities in the local territory.

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.