Indigenous Languages Program - Indigenous Languages Component - First Nations Languages Funding Model

Who is eligible?

• First Nations governments or equivalent organizations and their delegated authorities
• First Nations-led institutions, including accredited programs
• First Nations-led not-for-profit organizations
• First Nations ad hoc groups formed for specific language work plans (for annual and multi-year streams)
• First Nations for-profit organizations (for annual and multi-year streams, provided no income generation for sole benefit)

Who is not eligible

• Organizations that are not owned and controlled by First Nations persons.
• Companies whose primary purpose is commercial enterprise or income generation for their sole benefit.
• Organizations focused on broadcasting or media production as their main operation.
• Businesses seeking funding for core educational programming (Pre-school to Post-Secondary), major construction, or large-scale renovations.
• Entities with compliance or standing issues with the Department of Canadian Heritage (such as unresolved past funding or late reports).

Eligible expenses

• Start-up costs for organizations supporting First Nations language reclamation and revitalization.
• Salaries and employee benefits for roles directly related to the project.
• Stipends, allowances, or honoraria for participation in courses or activities (in exceptional circumstances).
• Travel expenses (within government-permitted rates) related to project activities.
• Professional development and training program costs.
• Meeting expenses connected to funded activities.
• Rent and utilities related to program activities.
• Photocopying and printing services associated with project delivery.
• Translation and communications expenses for program needs.
• Professional, consulting, and Elder fees for services rendered.
• Equipment rental, service, and purchase.
• Information technology costs, including hardware and software purchase or upgrades.
• Minor renovation expenses tied to promotional language activities.
• Project supplies and resource materials directly related to the funded activities.
• General liability insurance necessary for project implementation.
• Administrative costs such as bookkeeping, office supplies, telephone, utilities, postage and courier fees, rent for office space, audit, legal, and translation (administrative costs may not exceed 15% of total approved funding).

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia
• Ontario
• Quebec (note: for Cree Nations in Quebec, contact Cree Nation Government; other applicants contact Regional Committee on First Nations Languages)
• Nova Scotia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Yukon (for self-governing First Nations, contact respective First Nation government)
• Northwest Territories

• Recipients must publicly acknowledge the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications and promotional materials.
• Canadian Heritage reserves the right to audit recipients and require them to retain relevant records for five years.
• Applicants are required to comply with conflict of interest guidelines, including having a publicly available policy if managing regional adjudication or administration of funding.
• Funding decisions are final, and evaluations can result in feedback from the review committee for unsuccessful applications.