Back
June 21, 2026 is the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Today we recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, artistic traditions, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.
Arts and culture play a vital role in preserving Indigenous knowledge, sharing stories across generations, strengthening community identity, and fostering understanding and reconciliation.
Through all artistic disciplines and ceremony, Indigenous artists and cultural leaders continue to inspire, educate, and build bridges between communities.
National Indigenous Peoples Day reminds us that supporting and celebrating Indigenous arts and culture is essential to honouring the past, enriching the present, and shaping a more inclusive future.
In honour of NIPD2026, we are featuring some key funding opportunities that support Indigenous arts & culture across the country:
BC Arts Council: The BC Arts Council supports the artistic development of Indigenous artists and organizations across British Columbia. Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) are welcome to apply to programs delivered by the BC Arts Council. Indigenous arts and cultural practitioners are within the BC Arts Council’s Designated Priority Groups policy.
Canada Council for the Arts – Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples: This program supports Indigenous individuals and groups, Indigenous-led arts organizations and arts/cultural sector development organizations that foster a vital and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem. Creating, Knowing and Sharing acknowledges the cultural sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and respects the concept of First Nations, Inuit and Métis self-determination.
Canada Post Community Foundation: The Canada Post Community Foundation provides grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations that make a difference in the lives of children and youth (up to age 21). The Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant is available to Indigenous regional, local or national organizations offering programming anchored in the principles of Indigenous truth and reconciliation that supports Indigenous children and youth across the country.
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business: CCIB helps keep Indigenous businesses at the forefront of the Canadian economy, fostering relationships between Indigenous entrepreneurs and Canada’s institutional enterprises to cultivate shared prosperity.
Creative BC: From development support to international trade fair presence, Creative BC programs and activities aim to: optimize funding opportunities for projects and companies; grow B.C.’s ecosystem of support in which creative entrepreneurs can thrive; and give B.C.’s creative industries access to the national supports and international markets that will increase our province’s success in the sector. Creative BC and the sector we support have a crucial role to play in uplifting Indigenous people and specifically, Indigenous voices, creators, companies, and creative content. We prioritize actions that foster relationships and lasting partnerships, contribute to long-term value, ensure greater access, and deepen cultural understanding.
First Peoples’ Cultural Council: The mandate of FPCC is to assist B.C. First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their languages, arts, cultures and heritage. FPCC is committed to providing communities with a high level of support and quality resources. Our cultural heritage and the living expression of our identities, is integral to the health of all members of our Indigenous communities, as well as to the well-being of all British Columbians.
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
Government of Canada: funding for Indigenous Peoples & Cultures: The government of Canada provides funding to Indigenous peoples through a wide variety of programs. Click this link to learn more about funding programs designed to celebrate and strengthen the cultural distinctiveness of Indigenous peoples as an integral part of Canadian society.
Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program: Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, Indigenous-led organization dedicated to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry in British Columbia. Mandated by the First Nations Leadership Council, it acts as a central resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities operating or starting tourism businesses.
Indigenous Screen Office: ISO supports Indigenous talent, communities and companies in the development, production and marketing of screen content. We support partners in building a robust Indigenous screen sector and workforce. Our priority is to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis storytellers from across Canada including representation from diverse regions, women, 2SLGBQTIA+, emerging creators, and Indigenous language groups.
Inspirit Foundation: We provide funding to Canadian organizations that are dedicated to building narrative power. We fund those that are challenging systemic barriers that dictate whose voices is heard. Our support enables these organizations to amplify diverse voices and advocate for equity and justice in Canada.
New Relationship Trust: New Relationship Trust is a BC First Nations nonprofit that delivers funding programs to support First Nations across BC. These grants strengthen nation-building, education, cultural revitalization, and long-term community wellbeing.
SOCAN Foundation: SOCAN Foundation provides grants and awards to Canadian music creators and publishers promoting appreciation of Canadian music in today’s society. Our grants support Canadian music in Canada and abroad helping our voices be heard all over the world. Grant programs of specific note include: SOCAN Indigenous Songwriter Awards.
TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund: The Fund provides flexible grant funding to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada across all provinces and territories. Funding is available for projects focused on, but not limited to: Health, mental health and well-being; Access to education and resources; Preservation of the land and water; Community building and enhancement; Intergenerational language and cultural revitalization. Preference may be given to programs where technology is being used to advance reconciliation.
Vancouver Foundation: Vancouver Foundation is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact in communities through shifting and sharing power, and centering justice and equity in our work. We achieve this mission by partnering with many individuals and organizations province-wide. Grant programs of specific note include: Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund (TISF).
YVR Foundation: YVR Art Foundation programs support BC and Yukon First Nations artists through scholarship, grant and award programs, and research and exhibition opportunities.