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Part of Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative

Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream

Funds Indigenous-led initiatives that enhance, protect or revitalize Indigenous languages, cultures and arts.

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Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative

Important dates

Grant applications will open on May 1, 2025 and close on September 15, 2025.

Overview

The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream (IRI-CS) supports Indigenous-led initiatives that enhance, protect or revitalize Indigenous languages, heritage, cultures and arts. The initiative is designed to provide flexible funding that supports Indigenous communities and organizations in pursuing priorities that promote reconciliation, healing and cultural revitalization.

Note: If you are looking for funding for economic development projects, see the Economic Stream.

Funding

IRI-CS applicants can receive a maximum of $100,000 to support a cultural project.

Funding for successful projects is determined by the requested amount, eligible costs and initiative budget.

There is no requirement for the applicant to contribute financially; however, all sources of funding should be disclosed in the proposal.

The IRI-CS may be stacked with other government sources (federal, provincial, municipal). For the purpose of this grant, the grant stack funding level to a recipient can be up to 100% of eligible costs.

Eligibility

  • Eligible applicants

    Eligible applicants for the IRI-CS are Indigenous communities and organizations located in Alberta including:

    • First Nations
    • Metis Settlements General Council and Metis Settlements
    • Métis Nation of Alberta
    • Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
    • Tribal Councils and Treaty Organizations
    • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
    • Friendship Centres

    Applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding at the time of application.

    An Indigenous not-for-profit must include 51% Indigenous board membership at the time of application. The majority of staff must be Indigenous and the outcomes of the organization must support Indigenous initiatives.

    Non-Indigenous organizations can work in partnership with Indigenous communities or organizations as the joint applicant – the Indigenous organization would be the applicant – on initiatives. 

  • Eligible projects

    The intent of the IRI-CS program is to enhance, protect or revitalize Indigenous languages, cultures and arts. Successful projects must strengthen cultural outcomes. Projects may include (but are not limited to):

    • community or organizational engagement on government reconciliation initiatives
    • community-led reconciliation activities
    • cultural protocol items
    • Elders’ honoraria
    • programs offered within the community such as beading, sewing, drumming, drum making and reclamation of traditional cultural activities
    • community language initiatives
    • community research, such as gathering oral histories or archival research

  • Ineligible costs

    The following costs are ineligible:

    • payments for services that would normally be provided without charge
    • operating costs including rent, salaries or utilities
    • prize money
    • capital expenditures
    • expenditures not related to the approved project
    • costs incurred before the program was announced

How to apply

Before you submit your application, read the IRI-CS Application Guidelines.

Step 1. Fill out and sign the application form

IRI-CS Grant Application Form

Make sure your form is:

  • fully completed
  • signed and dated

Incomplete applications can lead to delays, as they often require additional follow-up and clarification. 

Step 2. Create a project proposal

For your proposal, you must provide the following:

  • project overview including a description of the proposed activities
  • specific outcomes, results and community reconciliation benefit(s)
  • detailed timeline of the project activities
  • qualifications and experience of the executive managers or key people leading the project
  • detailed budget
  • appendices including additional information, such as these examples:
    • business plan
    • organizational chart
    • one or more cost estimates showing a breakdown from professional services

Step 3. Document community support

You must demonstrate support for your project by providing at least one of the following:

  • Band Council Resolution for a First Nation
  • Council Resolution for a Metis Settlement
  • Board Resolution from a community-owned company or development corporation
  • Board Motion from a not-for-profit Indigenous organization

Additional letters of support from Indigenous communities or organizations may accompany the above supporting document.

Step 4. Submit your application package

Email your application package to [email protected].

After you apply

Once an application is received, we will do the following:

  1. A preliminary assessment will be conducted to ensure that each application provides sufficient information to undertake a full assessment.
  2. A full assessment will confirm applicant eligibility and suitability with the IRI-CS.
  3. Additional information may be requested.
  4. A grant manager will communicate the status of the application.
  5. A final decision will be sent through email.

Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.

Alberta signature use

Successful grant recipients may use the Alberta signature (logo) to recognize the Alberta government’s funding contribution. The Alberta signature should be clearly displayed in a way that indicates the Government of Alberta is a sponsor – and not a partner that is running the event, program, initiative or involved with the organization.

To request permission and for further information, contact: [email protected]. 

Reporting

  • If your project is approved, we will enter into a funding agreement with you.
  • You are expected to report on the activities and results of the projects as detailed in the funding agreement and provide financial statements.

Grant recipients

See the list of recent IRI grant recipients.

Contact

Connect with the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative program:

Email: [email protected]

Related

Back to Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative
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