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Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage

Supports Indigenous cultural heritage preservation

Offered by
Canadian Heritage
Official source: canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 200,000
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Applicants must meet the criteria in one of three categories: Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage. OR Museums associations and incorporated non-profit Canadian service organizations, whose membership relates to the museum sector, which: - Provide services to the public year-round; - Employ the equivalent of one full-time paid professional staff; - Have a current three to five-year strategic/business plan. OR Incorporated non-profit Canadian museumsFootnote 1 which: - Provide services to the public year-round; - Employ the equivalent of one full-time paid professional staff; - Have policies for key museum functions; - Have a current three to five-year strategic/business plan.Funding priority is given to projects submitted by Indigenous organizations and conducted for the benefit of Indigenous communities. Applications submitted by other heritage organizations are considered when a partnership with an Indigenous heritage group is demonstrated.
See full eligibility

Overview

The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. It supports research, documentation, exhibitions, rematriation or repatriation, training, and capacity-building activities.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$200,000
Maximum share of project costs
100%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
1 employees minimum
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Culture and Arts, Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
Indigenous peoples
Scope
Regional, Provincial, National

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 3

Latest changes

Indigenous Heritage intake and guidelines updated

The Indigenous Heritage component now shows a 2026 intake window, a 4:00 p.m. Eastern submission cutoff in the guidelines, and revised eligibility and funding rules for exhibitions and minor capital assets.

See more

The Indigenous Heritage component now shows an application intake period of September 8, 2026, at 8 a.m. ET to November 2, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET, and the guidelines add a 4:00 p.m. Eastern submission cutoff on the deadline date. The guidelines also tighten and clarify program rules: art exhibitions are only eligible when they present a historical or cultural heritage perspective, and the maximum share of project funding that may be used for minor capital assets increases from 25% to 50%. The review process for the 2027–2028 intake is also described as involving an external committee of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis advisors.

Official source: canada.ca
September 23, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Applicants must meet the criteria in one of three categories: Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage. OR Museums associations and incorporated non-profit Canadian service organizations, whose membership relates to the museum sector, which: - Provide services to the public year-round; - Employ the equivalent of one full-time paid professional staff; - Have a current three to five-year strategic/business plan. OR Incorporated non-profit Canadian museumsFootnote 1 which: - Provide services to the public year-round; - Employ the equivalent of one full-time paid professional staff; - Have policies for key museum functions; - Have a current three to five-year strategic/business plan.Funding priority is given to projects submitted by Indigenous organizations and conducted for the benefit of Indigenous communities. Applications submitted by other heritage organizations are considered when a partnership with an Indigenous heritage group is demonstrated.

Who is not eligible

  • Federal departments, Crown corporations and agencies

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects dedicated to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. Activities must align with the goal of benefiting Indigenous communities through enhanced heritage initiatives.

  • Projects focused on the preservation and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage.
  • Initiatives aimed at managing Indigenous heritage resources effectively.
  • Exhibitions or presentations designed to showcase Indigenous cultural heritage.
  • Collaborative projects between Indigenous organizations and other heritage organizations.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • ongoing operations
  • collection acquisition costs, except when directly related to the rematriation/repatriation of Indigenous belongings
  • costs related to the conservation/restoration of artefacts or artworks, except when directly related to an exhibition development project or the rematration/repatriation of Indigenous belongings
  • costs to develop project proposals or applications under the MAP or other federal programs
  • capital projects (construction/renovation projects and acquisition of land and/or buildings) and feasibility studies to create or expand an institution or facility; hospitality, with the exception of costs associated with traditional ceremonies and protocol; salaries from federal departments, Crown corporations and agencies; expenses incurred before the application deadline

Activities funded

  • Research, documentation, interpretation of and/or enhancing access to Indigenous cultural heritage, including educational programming, roundtables, workshops, or oral history projects.
  • Rematriation/repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings and/or ancestral remains.
  • Learning activities and mentorship programs for career development and to enhance knowledge and skills in the heritage sector.
  • Capacity building activities to develop and strengthen the skills, knowledge and processes for the management of core heritage functions, including development of policies and procedures to improve the management of core heritage functions.
  • Design, production, promotion, and presentation of heritage exhibitions and associated interpretive material.

How to apply

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Indigenous Heritage — Museums Assistance Program grant:

  • Step 1: Review Guidelines
    • Consult the Application Guidelines – Indigenous Heritage thoroughly to understand requirements.
  • Step 2: Contact Regional Office
    • Reach out to the nearest regional office of the Department of Canadian Heritage to discuss your project.
  • Step 3: Prepare Application
    • Gather all necessary documents including your organization’s strategic/business plan if applicable.
    • Ensure any partnership with Indigenous heritage groups is documented if required.
  • Step 4: Submit Application
    • Access the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.
    • Complete the online application form with accurate project details and required attachments.
    • Submit all application materials by November 1, 2023, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Step 5: Follow-Up
    • Contact the Museums Assistance Program or regional office if you need assistance or clarification on the process.
    • Consider reaching out for status updates if not contacted within a reasonable timeframe.

Selection criteria

  • Applications are evaluated on merit, Program priorities and availability of funds.
  • Link between proposed activities and Program objectives, and relevance of the proposed activities.
  • Community engagement.
  • Feasibility of the proposed activities, including management and planning, the project budget, and the applicant organization’s capacity to carry out the project.
  • Priority may be given to projects that directly benefit Indigenous communities, support knowledge and capacity building within Indigenous communities, or demonstrate strong partnerships and/or close collaboration with or among Indigenous communities and/or Indigenous heritage organizations.

Processing and Agreement

  • We will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks of receiving your application.
  • Your application will be evaluated based on the criteria below by a review committee who will compare it with other applications from your region and prioritize it in relation to the funds available.
  • As part of a pilot project, some applications received under the Indigenous Heritage component may be reviewed by an external Indigenous advisory review committee.
  • Decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final, and we will determine if funding will be disbursed as a grant, as a contribution, or as a fixed contribution; a contribution agreement is signed by your organization and by the department, and at the end of your project, you must submit a final report.
  • You may be required to submit interim reports during your project, and you must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform the audit or the evaluation for five years; demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Additional information

  • The Indigenous Heritage component is highly competitive.
  • If your organization is eligible, applying does not guarantee funding.

Contacts

map-pam@pch.gc.ca
1-866-811-0055

Official sources

Indigenous Heritage - Museums Assistance Program

Program guide

Application Guidelines - Indigenous Heritage

Application form

Forms - Collections Management - Museums Assistance ProgramForms - Indigenous Heritage - Museums Assistance ProgramMuseums Assistance Program General Budget Form

Supporting document

Museums Assistance Program - Interim and Final Activity/Results Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage Program

What is the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage?

The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. It supports research, documentation, exhibitions, rematriation or repatriation, training, and capacity-building activities.

How much funding can be received?

Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage program?

To be eligible for the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage program, you must: Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage. Museums associations and incorporated non-profit Canadian service organizations related to the museum sector, providing year-round public services, employing full-time staff, and having a strategic business plan. Incorporated non-profit Canadian museums providing year-round public services, employing full-time staff, having policies for key functions, and possessing a strategic business plan.

What expenses are eligible under Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage?

This grant supports projects dedicated to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. Activities must align with the goal of benefiting Indigenous communities through enhanced heritage initiatives. Projects focused on the preservation and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage. Initiatives aimed at managing Indigenous heritage resources effectively. Exhibitions or presentations designed to showcase Indigenous cultural heritage. Collaborative projects between Indigenous organizations and other heritage organizations.

Who can I contact for more information about the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage?

You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at map-pam@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.

Where is the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage available?

The Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage program is available across Canada.

Is the Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage is a Grant and Funding