Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Economic Stream

Eligible applicants for IRI-ES include Indigenous communities, organizations and businesses that are owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta, Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations, including:

• First Nations
• Metis Settlements General Council and Metis Settlements
• Métis Nation of Alberta
• Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
• Tribal councils and Treaty organizations
• Friendship Centres
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations *
• Indigenous community-owned businesses **

* Indigenous non-profit organizations who apply must demonstrate the following:

• at least 51% Indigenous board membership;
• majority of staff must be Indigenous; and
• the organization’s vision or mission statement must include support for Indigenous initiatives.

** Communities must own or control 51% or more of the proposed business or joint venture.

Applicants must be in compliance with all previous Indigenous Relations funding agreements at the time of application. If an applicant is a corporate entity, it must be in good standing.

The intent of the IRI-ES program is to improve economic outcomes through capacity and opportunity development projects.

Capacity projects focus on strengthening organizational effectiveness, increasing program impact and responding to emerging issues and trends. Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):

• economic development strategic planning
• governance development
• corporate or community restructuring

Opportunity projects support communities in exploring or assessing the viability of a proposed project. Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):

• impact assessments
• feasibility studies
• opportunity assessments
• business plans

Note: All projects must demonstrate positive economic impacts and community benefits, including a clear return on investment.

Eligible expenses may include (but are not limited to):

• consultant, contractor or professional services fees;
• honoraria or fees for Elders, Knowledge Keepers or cultural advisors;
• community engagement costs including meeting expenses and travel;
• evaluation or reporting costs; and
• administrative expenses (cannot exceed more than 10% of the funding request).

IRI-ES funding cannot be used for expenses related to:

• operating costs (for example: rent, salaries, utilities, phone, internet, etc.);
• studies related to labour market participation and employment;
• capital expenditures;
• start-up costs;
• technology purchases;
• contingency costs;
• expenditures not related to economic development; and
• payments for services that are normally provided without charge.

Read the IRI-ES Application Guidelines.

• Questions to consider:
  • Is your organization eligible? (Sections 3.1)
  • Is your project eligible? (Sections 3.2)
  • Are your project expenses eligible? (Sections 3.3)

Complete the mandatory package documents:

• IRI-ES Application
  • Ensure the Declaration (last page of the Application form) is signed and dated by an individual with full legal authority such as CEO, Chairperson, Chief or President.
• Evidence of community support.
  • For a First Nation, a Band Council Resolution is required.
  • For a Metis Settlement, a Council Resolution is required.
  • For a non‑profit Indigenous organization, a Board Motion is required.
  • For a community-owned company or development corporation, a Board Resolution is required.
  • Applicants are encouraged to include additional letters of community support, where available.
• If the funding request exceeds $25,000, the applicant must provide one or more cost estimates or quotes that include a detailed cost breakdown of professional services.
• Application for Electronic Payment along with the acceptable banking documents outlined in the form.
• Additional supporting documentation that helps explain the project and its community impact, resumes or bios of project leads, or other relevant documentation may also be included but is not mandatory.

Applicants must email the completed application package to [email protected] prior to September 15 at 11:59 pm.

• Applications will be reviewed after the intake deadline of September 15.
• Individuals listed on the application may be contacted if additional information is required.
• Applicants will be notified in early 2027, using the contact information provided in the application.
  • If contact information changes, notify us at [email protected].
• Funding is not guaranteed.