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.
Bilijk First Nation Honours Residential School Survivors
Bilijk First Nation, located along the Saint John River in New Brunswick, is home to nearly 700 on-reserve members. The community is looking to create a special space to honour its residential school Survivors - a place where Survivors, their families and visitors can come together to remember, reflect and heal.
Learning and Healing with Ojibwe Spirit Horses (2023 and 2024)
Mādahòkì Farm, located in Ottawa’s Green Belt, is Canada’s only Indigenous Agri-Tourism destination and working farm. With a mission to preserve Indigenous culture and heritage, the farm offers projects, training programs and cultural events that connect visitors to the land and Indigenous traditions.
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.
Peskotomuhkati Nation Advances Cultural Preservation with Lodge Renovations and Artefact Display
The Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick has long been committed to preserving its history, language, and culture. In 2018, the Canadian federal government transferred ownership of Camp Chiputneticook to the Nation. The property includes a historic lodge that is deeply tied to Passamaquoddy heritage and home to over 100 artefacts such as tools, beaded clothing, jewelry, woven baskets, and canoes, making it the first known collection of Passamaquoddy artefacts.
Reconciliation Through Art for Kooshkopayiw Métis Artist Collective
The Kooshkopayiw (Awakening) Arts Collective, a vibrant community of Métis artists, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Métis culture through the power of art. Their mission is rooted in the belief that art is not only a way to express identity but also a means to keep traditions alive for future generations.
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.
EmpowerRoots – Resources for educators to help Indigenous youth thrive
Indigenous communities face significant mental health challenges, many of which are deeply tied to the lasting effects of colonialism. Intergenerational trauma, poverty, unemployment, and housing insecurity have created an environment where mental health struggles are prevalent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 5 Indigenous adults reported mental health issues - double the rate of non-Indigenous adults.
Summer Success Literacy Camps Support Indigenous Students
High school graduation is a critical milestone that helps youth transition successfully into adulthood and contribute to their communities. In Canada, there are significant gaps between non-Indigenous and Indigenous students' literacy skills, reflecting the intergenerational harm of residential schools.
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 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.
Nurturing well-being with land-based Culture Camps
Designed to address the disconnect between urban Indigenous youth and their cultural roots, the Culture Camps have hosted young campers every year in July and August for over 30 years. Camps are taking place in Clarendon Station on the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki, Treaty 27, and have become communal gathering spaces for learning, traditional ceremonies, and recreational activities.
