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

• Canadian Heritage can fund up to 100% of eligible project-related expenses.
• Total financial assistance from this program and all levels of government cannot exceed 100% of total eligible project-related costs.
• Approved applications of $150,000 per year and under may be funded through a grant agreement.
• Approved applications over $150,000 per year will be funded through a contribution agreement.
• Administrative costs are eligible but cannot exceed 15% of the total approved funding.

• The applicant must be a First Nations organization or group within Canada, in good standing.
• The applicant must be owned and controlled by First Nations persons and deliver or support First Nations language revitalization services.
• The applicant must be a First Nations government or equivalent, a First Nations-led institution (including accredited programs), or a First Nations-led not-for-profit organization.
• For the annual and multi-year stream: eligibility extends to First Nations ad hoc groups formed for a specific language work plan or First Nations for-profit organizations (provided activities do not result in income generation for their sole benefit).
• For the ongoing programmatic funding stream: the applicant must have a long-term language plan or work plan and a minimum of two years’ experience providing First Nations language revitalization services.

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

• Demonstration that the project supports the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model.
• Clarity and detail in the description of proposed activities to be funded.
• Clear articulation of the expected results from the proposed activities.
• A budget that is clearly linked to the proposed activities.
• Disclosure of partners, if applicable, and the role they will play in the project.

• Step 1: Review Application Guidelines
  • Read the official application guidelines for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model in their entirety.
  • Ensure you understand funding streams and requirements for your region.
• Step 2: Identify the Correct Application Channel
  • If you are located in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec (except Crees), or Nova Scotia, contact your regional First Nations Regionally Designated Organization for region-specific forms and instructions.
  • If you are in regions without a Regionally Designated Organization (such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories), apply directly to the Department of Canadian Heritage.
  • Self-governing Cree Nations in Quebec and self-governing First Nations in Yukon should contact their respective First Nation government.
• Step 3: Request the Application Package
  • Contact the Indigenous Languages Program at autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca or by phone to request the appropriate application forms and checklists.
• Step 4: Prepare Complete Application Package
  • Complete all required forms, including:
  • Annex B: General Application Form
  • Annex C: Organization Overview
  • Annex D: Summary
  • Annex F: Budget Template
  • Appendix 1 (for language plan development), Appendix 2 (project/ongoing program activities), or Appendix 3 (ongoing programmatic funding), as applicable
  • Annex E: Declaration and Attestation
  • Gather and attach all supporting documents listed in Annex A, including proof of community or leadership support (e.g., band council resolutions, letters, or emails), or an explanation if unavailable.
• Step 5: Submit the Application
  • Submit the complete application package electronically to autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca or as instructed by your regional organization.
  • Ensure the application is submitted by November 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT) for the 2026–2027 cycle.
• Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
  • Canadian Heritage will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks.
  • Prepare to respond to possible requests for additional information.

• 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.