Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program — Indigenous Languages Component

• Application Checklist supporting documents
• General Application Form
• Organization Overview
• Summary
• Budget template

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Certain companies and industries are not eligible for this grant due to their operational focus or financial strategies. These restrictions are designed to ensure the funds are utilized specifically for projects aligned with indigenous language revitalization.

• Organizations primarily focused on income generation for sole benefit, such as for-profit organizations without community-oriented projects.
• Companies involved in capital construction or major renovations.
• Entities seeking funding for core operational costs unrelated to language programming, such as broadcasting services.
• Organizations looking for deficit recovery funds.
• Businesses involved in commercial enterprises not linked to cultural support.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports activities dedicated to enhancing First Nations languages in communities across Canada. Eligible projects focus on various facets of language revitalization and development.

• Language programs and services such as language plan development, immersion activities, language nests, mentor-apprentice programming, and land-based learning.
• Capacity building and training including curriculum development, leadership development, and teacher training.
• Community engagement activities like promotion and awareness, conferences and gatherings, and planning.
• Community-led research and studies, such as language community assessments and data development.
• Resource development, including documentation and archiving, instructor resources, language templates and tools, and audiovisual and multimedia materials.
• Management and administration for language programming and services, including communication, consultation, and coordination.

Eligible geographic areas

Eligible geographical areas for the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program – Indigenous Languages Component, First Nations Languages Funding Model are based on specific regional organizations and agreements. Applicants should consult regionally designated guidelines for Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, while Yukon self-governing First Nations obtain funding through specific agreements with Canadian Heritage.

• First Nations in Nova Scotia
• First Nations in Quebec
• First Nations in Ontario
• First Nations in British Columbia
• First Nations receiving funding through Yukon self-governing agreements

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria which ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives for the reclamation and revitalization of First Nations languages.

• Demonstration that the project's implementation would support the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model.
• Detailed description of the activities to be funded.
• Clear articulation of the expected results of the proposed activities.
• A comprehensive budget that clearly links to the proposed activities.
• Disclosure of partners and their roles in the activities, if applicable.

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

• Step 1: Review Guidelines
  • Read the application guidelines for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model thoroughly to ensure understanding of requirements and eligibility.
• Step 2: Contact Canadian Heritage
  • Email Canadian Heritage at autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca to request an application package.
• Step 3: Assemble Application Package
  • Gather all supporting documents required as per the Application Checklist (Annex A).
  • Complete the General Application Form (Annex B).
  • Prepare the Organization Overview (Annex C).
  • Write the Summary (Annex D).
  • Develop a Language Plan if applicable (Appendix 1).
  • Detail Project or Ongoing Programmatic Activities & Resources (Appendix 2).
  • Fill out the Declaration and Attestation (Annex E).
  • Include a detailed budget (Annex F).
• Step 4: Prepare Specific Application Requirements
  • For ongoing programmatic funding stream, include Ongoing Programmatic Funding details (Appendix 3) and a Language plan or work plan.
• Step 5: Obtain Proof of Support
  • Gather proof of support such as band council resolutions, letters, or emails from participating First Nations communities.
• Step 6: Complete Digital Submission
  • Ensure all forms and supporting documents are signed where applicable.
  • Submit the complete application package electronically to autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca.
• Step 7: Acknowledge Receipt
  • Await an acknowledgement of receipt from Canadian Heritage within two weeks of your submission.

• Applications are first checked by Canadian Heritage for eligibility.
• Eligible applications are reviewed by the First Nations Review Committee.
• Applications are prioritized against available funding and regional priorities.
• Applicants may receive feedback if their application is rejected.
• Funding decisions and eligibility decisions are final.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Approved applications of $150,000 and under may receive funding through a grant agreement, while applications over $150,000 will be funded through a contribution agreement.
• The funding received through this grant can cover up to 100% of the total eligible project-related costs.
• First Nations Review Committee has the responsibility of prioritizing applications, aligning with available funds and regional priorities.
• Applicants need to provide proof of support from participating First Nations communities and their leadership, like band council resolutions or letters, as this support may influence the review process.
• Applicants submitting applications for ongoing programmatic funding must have been providing language revitalization services for at least two years.
• Funding recipients are required to submit an audited financial report if they receive $250,000 or more as a contribution.
• All recipients must report annually on their projects or plans, and they must complete an evaluation of their language plan or work plan before renewing ongoing programmatic funding.
• Managing conflict of interest is crucial, and recipients must have transparent policies and procedures for project selection and funding adjudication.
• Funding priorities include community-based initiatives, language plans with community support, and activities that strongly support language revitalization.