Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream

Funds Indigenous-led initiatives that enhance, protect, or revitalize Indigenous languages, cultures and arts.

Important dates

The call for applications is now closed.

Overview

The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream (IRI-CS) supports Indigenous-led initiatives that enhance, protect, or revitalize Indigenous languages, heritage, cultures and arts.

The IRI-CS was designed to offer flexible funding that supports Indigenous communities and organizations in pursuing priorities based on their unique needs. The funding program focuses on Indigenous-led initiatives that will promote reconciliation, healing and cultural revitalization for Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Note: If you are looking for funding for economic development projects, see the Economic Stream.

Funding

IRI-CS applicants can receive a maximum of $100,000 to support a cultural project.

Funding for successful projects is determined by the requested amount, eligible costs, and program budget.

There is no requirement for the applicant to contribute financially; however, all sources of funding should be disclosed in the proposal.

The IRI-CS may be stacked with other government sources (including federal, provincial and municipal). For the purpose of this grant, the grant stack funding level to a recipient can be up to 100% of eligible costs.

Eligibility

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guidelines

Download the IRI-CS Application Guidelines.

Step 2. Fill out and sign the application form

IRI-CS Grant Application Form

Applications must include:

  • a date and signature
  • description of proposed activities
  • expected outcomes, results, and community reconciliation benefit(s)
  • detailed timeline of the project activities and qualification of professionals (where applicable)
  • detailed budget

Step 3. Demonstrate community support

You must demonstrate organizational support for your project by providing at least one of the following:

  • Band Council Resolution for a First Nation
  • Council Resolution for a Metis Settlement
  • Board Resolution from a community-owned company/development corporation
  • Board Resolution from a not-for-profit Indigenous organization
  • letter of support from an Indigenous community or organization

Step 4. Submit your application package

Email your application package to ir.reconciliation@gov.ab.ca.

After you apply

Once your application is received, the following will happen:

  1. We will do a preliminary assessment to ensure that your application provides enough information to undertake a full assessment.
  2. We will do a full assessment to confirm your eligibility and suitability with the IRI-CS.
  3. We may provide recommendations on how your proposal could be improved to better align with the funding stream.
  4. A grant manager will communicate the status of your application and a final decision will be sent through email.

Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.

Reporting and deliverables

  • If your project is approved, we will enter into a funding agreement with you. 
  • You are expected to report on the activities and results of the projects as detailed in the funding agreement and provide financial statements.

Grant recipients

See the list of recent IRI grant recipients.

Contact

Connect with the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative program:

Email: ir.reconciliation@gov.ab.ca