Open
Source verified August 14, 2026
Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians
Supports Inuit-led land stewardship initiatives
Latest source updateLast Update: September 30, 2026Latest change: The Indigenous Guardians page now says Inuit funding is expected to open in fall 2026, while First Nations and Métis funding is closed and the eligible activities list has expanded.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 30, 2026
Latest change: The Indigenous Guardians page now says Inuit funding is expected to open in fall 2026, while First Nations and Métis funding is closed and the eligible activities list has expanded.
Indigenous Guardians update: Inuit intake timing and activity scope
The Indigenous Guardians page now says Inuit Guardians applications are expected to open in fall 2026, and it also notes renewed funding announced on March 31, 2026. The page states that First Nations Guardians and Métis Guardians funding is closed and adds application-process information for those streams. Eligible activities now explicitly include maintenance of relationships with lands, waters, ice, animals and plants, governance and networking activities, and technical support from professionals and consultants.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nunavut, Canada
Overview
This program supports Inuit communities in exercising their rights and responsibilities over traditional lands, waters, and ice. It funds on-the-ground community stewardship initiatives, including economic opportunities, cultural revitalization, land protection, and biodiversity conservation.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nunavut
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Gathering and the application of Indigenous laws, teachings and Knowledge
- Maintenance and support of Indigenous relationships with lands, waters, ice, animals and plants
- Capacity building, outreach, education and training of Indigenous youth, tourists, and community members
- Data collection and monitoring related to the use of lands, waters and other earthly gifts on traditional territories, including cultural sites
- Species and habitat identification, monitoring and protection
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Inuit organizations
- Inuit communities
- Treaty-based Inuit organizations
Eligible geographic areas
- Inuvialuit region
- Nunavut
- Nunavik
- Nunatsiavut
Selection criteria
- Economic opportunities and training for Inuit
- Cultural revitalization and management
- Inuit participation in protecting traditional territory
- Community capacity building and engagement
- Biodiversity conservation
How to apply
- Applications for the Inuit portion of Indigenous Guardians funding are received through a directed call for proposals made to each of the four Inuit Treaty Organizations.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are submitted through a directed call for proposals.
- Applications are reviewed under criteria set by the Inuit Guardians Committee.
- The committee establishes the evaluation and selection process.
- Applicants are informed through the program process managed by the governing Inuit organizations.
Additional information
- The Inuit Guardians Committee governs the Inuit stream.
- Applications are received through a directed call for proposals.
- Check the program page regularly for updates.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- First Nations GuardiansCommunity-led stewardship and conservation support
- Indigenous Guardians — Métis GuardiansSupports Métis-led land stewardship initiatives
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians Program
What is the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians?
This program supports Inuit communities in exercising their rights and responsibilities over traditional lands, waters, and ice. It funds on-the-ground community stewardship initiatives, including economic opportunities, cultural revitalization, land protection, and biodiversity conservation.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians program, you must:
Inuit-led or Inuit-serving applicant
Traditional land, water, and ice stewardship
Aligned with Inuit priorities
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians?
Gathering and the application of Indigenous laws, teachings and Knowledge
Maintenance and support of Indigenous relationships with lands, waters, ice, animals and plants
Capacity building, outreach, education and training of Indigenous youth, tourists, and community members
Data collection and monitoring related to the use of lands, waters and other earthly gifts on traditional territories, including cultural sites
Species and habitat identification, monitoring and protection
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians?
You can contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by email at gardiensautochtones-indigenousguardians@ec.gc.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians available?
The Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians program is available the province of Nunavut.
Is the Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Guardians — Inuit Guardians is a Grant and Funding