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 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

• Since 2023-2024, the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model has been transitioning to provide more flexibility for First Nations communities and First Nations organizations in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen First Nations languages.
• In that context, for 2025-2026, the call for applications launched by Canadian Heritage is to facilitate the transition of funding towards multi-year proposal-based and 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 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.

A 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 2025-2026 is February 7, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. (ET).

How to apply

Applicants may apply directly to Canadian Heritage or to First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations, as per the information below.

Regions without a First Nations Regionally Designated Organization

In regions where a First Nations Regionally Designated Organization has not yet been established (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon and Northwest Territories), with the exception of self-governing First Nations listed below, applicants shall submit their application directly to the Department of Canadian Heritage. 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 governments and equivalent organizations and its delegated authorities.

Applicants are required to:

• read the Application guidelines in their entirety
• contact the Indigenous Languages Branch (see “Contact us” section below) to request an application package and to submit the required documentation

Regions with a First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations

In British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia, applicants wishing to apply for funding may do so by contacting the First Nations Regionally Designated Organization in their respective region (see information below). Information regarding the application process can be found on each organization’s website.

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

Please note that Canadian Heritage is seeking to determine the interest of First Nations organizations from other regions who wish to become First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations that support the administration of the Indigenous Languages Component’s funding in their respective region to implement their language revitalization strategy working with First Nations communities and organizations. Information is available by accessing the following link: onboarding process for First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations — Indigenous Languages Component.

Self-governing First Nations

The following self-governing First Nations applicants may contact their respective First Nations government.

• Cree Nations in Quebec: Cree Nation Government
• Self-governing First Nations in Yukon: Contact your respective First Nation government

Please contact the Indigenous Languages Branch for questions related to current funding mechanisms for self-governing First Nations.

Contact us

Address

Indigenous Languages 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 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ET).