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Part of Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative

Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream

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

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Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative

Important dates

We are accepting applications through 2 intake periods:

  • April 30 to June 30, 2024
  • July 1 to October 31, 2024

Applications received before June 30, 2024, will be processed first.

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

  • Eligible applicants

    Eligible applicants for the IRI-CS are Indigenous communities and organizations located in Alberta including:

    • First Nations
    • Metis Settlements General Council and Metis Settlements
    • Métis Nation of Alberta
    • Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
    • Tribal Councils and Treaty Organizations
    • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
    • Friendship Centres

    Applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding. 

    An Indigenous not-for-profit must include 51% Indigenous board membership at the time of application. The majority of staff must be Indigenous and the outcomes of the organization must support Indigenous initiatives. 

    Non-Indigenous organizations working in partnership with Indigenous people and communities where the initiative primarily benefits Indigenous people may be considered.

  • Eligible projects

    The intent of the IRI-CS program is to enhance, protect, or revitalize Indigenous languages, cultures and arts, including (but not limited to):

    • community or organizational engagement on government reconciliation initiatives
    • community-led reconciliation activities
    • cultural protocol items
    • Elders’ honoraria
    • programs offered within the community such as beading, sewing, drumming, drum making and reclamation of traditional cultural activities
    • community language initiatives
    • community research, such as gathering oral histories or archival research.

    The project must strengthen cultural outcomes in Indigenous communities.

  • Ineligible costs

    The following costs are ineligible:

    • payments for services that would normally be provided without charge
    • operating costs such as salaries, utilities, or rent
    • prize money
    • capital expenditures
    • expenditures not related to the approved project
    • costs incurred before the program was announced

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 [email protected].

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: [email protected]

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Next Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Economic Stream

Related

Reconciliation in Alberta