Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model

• The Department of Canadian Heritage continues to collaborate with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation representatives in reviewing the Indigenous Languages Component applications and assessment process.
• This page is for the First Nations Languages Funding Model. Please refer to the following links below for additional information on Inuit, Métis Nation, Multi-distinction and Indigenous Urban Organizations language funding approaches:
  • Inuit Language Funding Model
  • Métis Nation Language Funding Model
  • Multi-distinction and Indigenous Urban Organizations

What’s new

• Starting in 2023-2024, the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model has transitioned to provide more flexibility for First Nations communities and First Nations organizations in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen First Nations languages.
• The First Nations Languages Funding Model was ratified by the First Nations-in-Assembly by way of AFN Resolution 17/2022, Support for the First Nations Languages Funding Model (PDF version).
• In that context, for 2024-2025, the Call for applications launched by Canadian Heritage is to facilitate the transition of funding for First Nations language multi-year proposal-based and First Nations ongoing programmatic funding.

For further information, we invite you to read the Application guidelines in their entirety.

Objectives

The objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model are to:

• support the efforts of First Nations communities and First Nations-led organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their First Nations languages; and,
• create new First Nations language speakers, increase fluency, immersion opportunities, use of First Nations languages, and the documentation of all First Nations languages.

The Indigenous Languages Component also contributes to the broader objectives of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program with respect to First Nations languages.

Who can apply

To be eligible for all application streams, an applicant must be a First Nations organization or group within Canada, and in good standing.

First Nations organization within Canada refers to an organization that is owned and controlled by First Nation persons, including a First Nations-owned corporation or a First Nations controlled not-for-profit organization, which directly delivers language revitalization services or that otherwise supports the delivery of language revitalization services.

In addition, an applicant must also be a:

• First Nations government or an equivalent organization and its delegated authorities;
• First Nations-led institution, including accredited programs; or
• First Nations-led not-for-profit organization.

To be eligible for the annual and multi-year project stream, an applicant could also be a:

• First Nations ad hoc group that has formed to do a specific language work plan; or
• First Nations for-profit organization, provided that the activities for which they are requesting funding will not result in income generation for their sole benefit.

To be eligible for the ongoing programmatic stream, an applicant must also have a:

• Long-term language plan or work plan in place with a minimum of two years of experience in providing First Nations languages revitalization services.

Application deadline

The application deadline for fiscal year 2024-2025 is June 11, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. (ET).

How to apply

For information regarding the First Nations application process, the priorities and to request and submit your application package, please refer to the list of contact below:

First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations Providing Languages Funding

• British Columbia: First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• Ontario: First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres
• Quebec: Regional Committee on First Nations Languages
• Nova Scotia: Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey

All other regions (including questions related to current funding mechanisms for self-governing First Nations in Yukon or Cree Nation language projects in Quebec): Department of Canadian Heritage

Please note that the Department of Canadian Heritage is also seeking to determine the interest of First Nations regionally designated organizations that can manage the Indigenous Languages Component funding.

The First Nations Review Committee assesses First Nations applications in regions without a Regionally Designated Organization.

The First Nations Review Committee will prioritize First Nations government and equivalent organizations and its delegated authorities.

If you are applying to the Department of Canadian Heritage

Applicants are required to:

• read the Application guidelines in their entirety
• contact the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program to request an application package and to submit the required documentation

Applicants may also be required to:

• read the onboarding process for First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations — Indigenous Languages Component

Contact us

Address

Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program
Department of Canadian Heritage
15 Eddy St (15-8-E)
Gatineau QC  J8X 4B3

Email

autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca

Telephone

819-934-1405
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (ET).