Aboriginal Languages Initiative – Aboriginal Peoples’ Program

The Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI), a component of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Program, supports the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages through community-based projects and activities.

Also, learn more on submitting a request for expression of interest for third party delivery organizations as part of the Aboriginal Language Initiative. 

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include the following not-for-profit, democratically controlled:

• Indigenous organizations incorporated under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act or under corresponding provincial or territorial legislation;
• independent Indigenous community groups that include ad-hoc committees defined as a temporary committee set up to do a specific task and are not a permanent standing committee;
• Indigenous service delivery and voluntary organizations;
• Indigenous academic institutions;
• Indigenous cultural, educational and recreational organizations/centres;
• Indigenous youth and women’s organizations; and
• non-Indigenous organizations working in partnership with Indigenous organizations or Indigenous advisory committees in situations where incorporated Indigenous organizations or Indigenous community groups do not exist.

Third party delivery organizations are not eligible for project funding.

Eligible projects

Eligible projects must include activities designed to achieve measurable objectives and positive community outcomes. Activities must take place between July 1 and March 31 of the year immediately following the application date.

Examples of eligible projects include community-based activities such as:

• recording, documenting and preserving endangered Indigenous languages;
• developing materials to increase Indigenous language use and proficiency;
• developing programs for training and certifying Indigenous language teachers and resource people in the community;
• developing systems for facilitating communications in Indigenous languages;
• promoting traditional approaches to learning, such as language camps and immersion programs; and
• developing digital tools to share information, materials and resources among Indigenous languages groups.

Application deadline

December 5

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

• read the Application Guidelines – Aboriginal Languages Initiative; and
• contact the Aboriginal Peoples’ Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage to request an application package and to submit the required documentation.

First Nation organizations in British Columbia must apply through the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.

Contact us

Guides and help

• Application Guidelines – Aboriginal Languages Initiative
• Guide on the public acknowledgement of financial support - Canadian Heritage
• Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs

Related services and information

• Aboriginal Peoples' Program
• Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting – Aboriginal Peoples’ Program
• Request for Expression of Interest - Third Party Delivery Organization