Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program

The objectives of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Programs are to support:

• the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures; and
• to strengthen Indigenous cultural identities and participation in Canadian society.

What’s new!

Multi-distinction and Indigenous Urban Organizations Languages projects

• The Indigenous Languages Component call remains closed in 2024-2025 for multi-distinctions and Indigenous urban organizations, as the Department already received multiyear applications in 2023-2024. This will allow continuity for some organizations implementing projects already in place.

New: Indigenous Languages Component – First Nations Languages Funding Model

• The 2024-2025 Indigenous Languages Component call for applications led by Canadian Heritage is now closed and was limited to First Nations language projects only.

Indigenous Languages Component

The Indigenous Languages Component supports the efforts of Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages.

With the distinction-based funding approach in place, First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation are working with the Department in implementing their own language revitalization strategies to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous Languages.

Expected results include the following:

• Communities conduct language planning
• Communities develop resources to support language revitalization
• Language instructors are trained
• Indigenous Peoples access long-term funding
• Language revitalization activities are occurring
• Indigenous Peoples make decisions regarding funding for the revitalization of Indigenous languages
• Indigenous languages are documented
• Increase in the use of Indigenous languages
• Intergenerational transmission of Indigenous languages is increased
• Vitality of Indigenous languages is improved

For more information about the new distinctions-based funding approaches, including who can apply for funding, consult the following:

• First Nations Languages Funding Model
• Inuit Language Funding Model
• Métis Nation Language Funding Model

Multi-distinction projects include language activities from more than one Indigenous distinction (First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation languages).

Interim applications for time-limited funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act

The 2023-2025 application period is now closed since October 25, 2023. Since 2022-2023, Canadian Heritage has supported selected First Nations communities and organizations with their language initiative and work plan objectives with the available three-year funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act.

Expected results include the following:

• partnerships with governments, non-government organizations and the private sector are supported by encouraging cooperation and innovative ways of working across regions, Treaty areas, provincial/territorial borders, and federal and provincial program areas;
• economies of scale where possible are supported by facilitating the establishment of networks and resource-sharing to support systemic language needs and ensure as many people as possible are able to benefit from First Nations language revitalization efforts;
• complementary services, such as services which fill gaps that enable First Nations communities to implement their language plans and strategies are supported; and
• innovations in First Nations languages revitalization work are supported.

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting

The Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component supports the production and distribution of Indigenous audio and video content.

The objectives of the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component are to:

• support the production of culturally relevant Indigenous programming
• facilitate establishment and maintenance of production facilities
• ensure availability of a significant amount of radio and television programming
• contribute to the protection and enhancement of Indigenous languages and cultures
• provide venues to articulate issues of relevance to Indigenous audiences and communities

Read more about who can apply for funding through the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program.