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Important dates

Application status: Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream is open for applications.

Applications will remain open until the annual grant budget has been allocated. Once the annual IRI-CS budget has been awarded, application intake will pause and resume the following fiscal year. Check back for updates.

Overview

The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Cultural Stream (IRI-CS) supports Indigenous-led initiatives that enhance, protect, or revitalize Indigenous languages, heritage, culture and arts.

The IRI-CS was designed to offer flexible funding that supports Indigenous communities and organizations in pursuing priorities based on their unique needs. The funding program focuses on Indigenous-led initiatives that will promote reconciliation, healing and cultural revitalization for Indigenous peoples and communities.

If you are looking for funding for capacity and opportunity 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 program 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 (including federal, provincial and 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, including Friendship Centres
    • Inuit Organizations

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

  • Eligible projects

    The intent of the IRI-CS program is to enhance, protect, or revitalize Indigenous languages, heritage, culture and arts initiatives, including (but 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.

    The project must strengthen cultural outcomes in Indigenous communities.

    Multiple projects

    Applicants can submit multiple projects for IRI-CS funding. Project funding must not overlap and budget line items can only be paid on one project.

  • Ineligible costs

    The following costs are ineligible:

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

How to apply

  • Step 1. Read the guidelines

    Download the IRI-CS Application Guidelines

  • Step 2. Fill out and sign the application form

    IRI Grant Application Form (PDF, 90 KB)

    Applications must include:

    • a date and signature
    • description of proposed activities
    • expected outcomes, results, and community reconciliation benefit(s)
    • detailed timeline of the project activities and qualification of professionals (where applicable)
    • detailed budget

  • Step 3. Demonstrate community support

    You must demonstrate organizational 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/development corporation
    • Board Resolution from a not-for-profit Indigenous organization
    • letter of support from a Indigenous community or organization

  • Step 4. Submit your application package

    Email your application package to [email protected].

After you apply

Once your application is received, the following will happen:

  1. We will do a preliminary assessment to ensure that your application provides enough information to undertake a full assessment.
  2. We will do a full assessment to confirm your eligibility and suitability with the IRI-ES.
  3. We may ask for more information if your application is incomplete.
  4. We may provide recommendations on how your proposal could be improved to better align with the funding stream.
  5. A grant manager will communicate the status of your application and a final decision will be sent through email.

Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.

Reporting and deliverables

  • 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. 

Contact

Staff are available to discuss economic and cultural development opportunities with Indigenous community representatives.

Connect with the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative program:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected].

Related

Reconciliation in Alberta

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