The Alberta government is opening applications for more than $16 million in combined grant funding aimed at supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, community safety and local economic growth.
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The funding, distributed through three distinct Indigenous Relations grant programs, is designed to help First Nations and Métis communities develop projects tailored to their specific local priorities.
“When communities have access to funding that respects their priorities, real progress follows,” Indigenous relations minister Rajan Sawhney said in a statement on May 15.
Sawhney noted the money will help communities strengthen their internal capacity, enhance local services and build programs dedicated to the next generation.
The financial package is divided into three targeted streams:
- The Community Support Fund: Allocating $4 million annually to prevent violence and improve safety and economic security for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus individuals.
- The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative: Providing nearly $4 million annually for cultural and economic development, including language revitalization, arts and culture.
- The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund: Delivering $8.3 million to support Indigenous community-owned businesses to help create jobs and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Among the organizations utilizing the province’s safety-focused funding is Nitawahsin Ltd., a group dedicated to addressing violence against Indigenous women and youth.
Janet Delorme, executive director of Nitawahsin Ltd., said the funding allows the group to respond directly to community safety needs through culturally grounded programming.
“Cultural revitalization and capacity building are fundamental to emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual well-being,” Delorme said. “These programs build on existing community strengths and support a way of life that strengthens resilience.”
Application windows for the grant programs are now open to eligible Indigenous communities and organizations across the province.
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