Indigenous Languages Program (ILP)

The NAFC will support and encourage Indigenous language revitalization efforts of FCs and PTAs. Through the ILP funding, we aim to:

• Reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen Indigenous languages.

• Mitigate the impact of the decline of speakers of Indigenous languages in urban Indigenous communities.

• Create an urban Indigenous languages framework highlighting best practices in the development of ILPs.

• Support FCs and PTAs in the delivery of Indigenous languages programs.

• Produce new Indigenous language speakers, increase immersion opportunities and increase the use of Indigenous languages in urban Indigenous communities.

All NAFC-member local FCs and PTAs are eligible to apply for ILP funds. To be eligible for the ILP, FCs, and PTAs must demonstrate that:

• They have or intend to deliver an Indigenous language program.

• They have or plan to build the capacity and expertise to deliver an Indigenous language program.

• Through the proposed project, the FC or PTA plans to produce new language speakers, thereby strengthening and revitalizing Indigenous languages.

• The FC or PTA has identified language programs needed in urban areas, including the resources that are required to enhance participation and learning.

• The proposed project will promote Indigenous languages and cultures.

Application for the ILP opens on Friday, June 16, 2023, and closes on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:59PM EST.

Applicants should expect to receive a decision two weeks after the application deadline.

FCs and PTAs can be in the early or late stages of development and anywhere in between, in the delivery of their Indigenous languages programs, however, their application must demonstrate that they have carried out research geared towards the delivery of Indigenous language programs and have a clear understanding and expectation of the result and impact of their intended language program.

There are three (3) funding streams for the ILP, and FCs and PTAs can apply for up to $90,000 per year for a 2-year period with a total of $180,000 for their language programs. Please refer to the following funding streams to see where your organization fits:

Grow/Sustain

Existing and sustainable language programs – Funds will be used to grow and sustain the existing language programs. If the program has not been launched prior to this application, you must apply for the Start/Develop stream.

Start/Develop

Language needs identified, with the program plan fully developed and ready to be launched immediately, if approved for funding.

Technology/Innovation

Utilizing technology in delivering Indigenous languages programs; whether through website creation or the development of applications and software. This stream is open to new and existing technological language programs.

Projects should start no later than August 1st, 2023, and should be complete by March 31^st, 2025.

The ILP provides funding in the form of a grant to cover the following expenses:

• Specialized support service by a qualified Indigenous language professional who acts as an external resource and who is selected by the organization based on a detailed service offer to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance, and strengthening of Indigenous languages;

• In some circumstances, stipends, allowances, or honoraria for attendance in the language course or activity;

• Travel, administrative costs, and other expenses deemed essential to the completion of the project;

• Professional development and training programs for indigenous language instructors;

• Meetings;

• Photocopying and printing services related to the program;

• Translation and communications;

• Professional, consulting, and elder fees;

• Equipment rental, service, and purchase;

• Project supplies and resource materials related to the program;

• General liability insurance;

• Research and development (R&D) related expenses;

• Expenses related to the development of the organization’s program: expenses related to rent and utilities, costs associated with information technology, including purchase and upgrade of hardware and software; telecommunications cost, supplies and other operating expenses;

• Viability study;

• Impact measurement;

• Minor asset purchases (must be related to Indigenous language development); and

• Minor renovations (must be related to Indigenous language development).

Other expenses may be considered. To receive guidance, please contact the NAFC ILP Coordinator, Omovigho Abiri at oabiri@nafc.ca.

What the ILP fund cannot be used for?

Recipients cannot use the funding of this contribution for expenses related to capital construction and renovation, salaries and honoraria for Board members, pre-school, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education core funding, start-up and operational costs for commercial enterprises, and support for the development of cultural/professional industries, contingency/miscellaneous fees, deficit recovery, and costs incurred before the application is received by the NAFC and/or before the approved project’s start date.

ILP fund cannot be used for Friendship Centre or PTA regular operating (“core”) costs. This includes ongoing administration costs, funding for additional permanent staff, rent, or procuring real estate.

To be considered for a non-repayable grant from ILP, applicants must meet all ILP eligibility criteria, provide the required supporting documentation and describe their language program’s impact or desired impact. FCs or PTAs must demonstrate sound practices and planning. As well as:

• Friendship Centres or PTAs must have, or plan to launch an Indigenous language program.

• The proposed project must demonstrate the impact of the program on Indigenous language revitalization.

FCs and PTAs must demonstrate they have a detailed and appropriate budget for their project.

At the end of the program, each FC or PTA must submit a final report showing the following results which apply:

1. Number of participants (students, trainers, mentors, instructors, tutors)

2. Testing and development of new technologies or strategies for the revitalization of languages

3. Type of language program

4. Percentage of students who completed the program

5. Status of the Program as of 31^st March 2025

6. Disability/Special Instruction Needs

7. Type of Indigenous language material produced (What the resource consists of)

8. Level of Indigenous language proficiency at the start and end of the project

9. Number of partnerships across communities