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CMF — Indigenous Program - Canada
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CMF — Indigenous Program

Indigenous Program supports Canada's Indigenous production growth
Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 750,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : April 16, 2024
  • Closing date : May 2, 2024
Location
Canada

Overview

The Indigenous Program supports the growth of Indigenous audiovisual production, emphasizing the sovereignty and narrative rights of Indigenous producers in Canada. The program offers maximum funding of up to 60% of eligible project expenses, with maximum contributions of $750,000 for dramas and animations and $550,000 for documentaries and other genres.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 750,000 $
  • Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : April 16, 2024
  • Closing date : May 2, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Information and cultural industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

The CMF — Indigenous Program supports projects that aim to enhance the production and development of audiovisual content by Indigenous producers. Eligible projects are crafted to uphold Indigenous sovereignty in storytelling and include various aspects of creative production.

  • Productions developed and controlled by Indigenous producers with a focus on creative, artistic, and administrative aspects.
  • Projects that emphasize the use of Indigenous languages in at least 20% of their dialogues or narration, if feasible, to promote cultural representation.
  • Series projects that, if in their second season or beyond, submit previous episodes for continuation under the program.
  • Content creation initiatives actively involving Inuit, Métis, or First Nations screenwriters or directors.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Indigenous Program must be audiovisual production companies that are majority-owned and controlled by Inuit, Métis, or First Nations producers. At least 51% of the applicant company's rights and the project's copyrights must be held by Indigenous producers. Additionally, control over creative, administrative, artistic, technical, and financial aspects of the project must be retained by an Indigenous owner.

Who is not eligible

This grant does not specifically list ineligible companies or industries. Without explicit restrictions outlined, any guess would be speculative.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers expenses directly associated with the involvement of Indigenous apprentices and certain other specified costs.

  • Attribution of one or more apprentice positions to members of Indigenous communities in Canada.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically targeted towards companies established in the northern regions of Canada, as outlined in the eligibility criteria. This focus ensures the inclusion and support of indigenous communities within these geographic areas.

  • Nunavut
  • Nunavik
  • Yukon
  • Northwest Territories

Additional information

Here is additional relevant information for this grant:

  • Applicants should ensure that the organizational narrative sovereignty and rights to self-narrate are central to their proposals.
  • For second or subsequent seasons of series, applicants must submit a rough cut or final version of at least one episode from the previous season.
  • A maximum of 25% of the program's funds will be allocated to internally produced projects or those affiliated with a broadcaster.
  • Canadian distributors may qualify as eligible broadcasters in a pilot project for applicants based in Canada's North, enhancing local engagement.
  • The maximum duration for all broadcast windows, including exclusive and non-exclusive periods, is six years.
  • The CMF may waive broadcast or accessibility requirements for pilot shows if mutually agreed by both the broadcaster and the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CMF — Indigenous Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CMF — Indigenous Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the CMF — Indigenous Program?

The Indigenous Program supports the growth of Indigenous audiovisual production, emphasizing the sovereignty and narrative rights of Indigenous producers in Canada. The program offers maximum funding of up to 60% of eligible project expenses, with maximum contributions of $750,000 for dramas and animations and $550,000 for documentaries and other genres.

How much funding can be received?

CMF — Indigenous Program Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $750,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was May 2, 2024.

Who is eligible for the CMF — Indigenous Program program?

To be eligible for the CMF — Indigenous Program program, you must: The applicant must have final control and at least 51% ownership of the company and project rights by an Indigenous producer, such as Inuit, Métis, or First Nations. No single Indigenous owner should have less than 15% control if the company is not 100% Indigenous-owned.

What expenses are eligible under CMF — Indigenous Program?

The CMF — Indigenous Program supports projects that aim to enhance the production and development of audiovisual content by Indigenous producers. Eligible projects are crafted to uphold Indigenous sovereignty in storytelling and include various aspects of creative production. Productions developed and controlled by Indigenous producers with a focus on creative, artistic, and administrative aspects. Projects that emphasize the use of Indigenous languages in at least 20% of their dialogues or narration, if feasible, to promote cultural representation. Series projects that, if in their second season or beyond, submit previous episodes for continuation under the program. Content creation initiatives actively involving Inuit, Métis, or First Nations screenwriters or directors.

Who can I contact for more information about the CMF — Indigenous Program?

You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF).

Where is the CMF — Indigenous Program available?

The CMF — Indigenous Program program is available across Canada.

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