Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage

For Indigenous communities and heritage organizations working to safeguard cultural knowledge, artifacts, and stories, access to stable project funding can make the difference between preservation and loss. The Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage stream supports initiatives that protect, manage, and share Indigenous cultural heritage across Canada, with a strong emphasis on projects led by or developed in close partnership with Indigenous organizations.

Delivered by Canadian Heritage, this national program provides non-repayable funding of up to around $200,000 per year to help cover the costs of heritage-focused projects. Support can apply to activities such as collections care, heritage management practices, interpretation, and public presentation that reflect Indigenous perspectives and community priorities. While incorporated non-profit museums and museum service organizations can be considered, priority is clearly given to projects that directly benefit Indigenous communities and are guided by Indigenous leadership, values, and knowledge systems.

The program is well suited for non-profit organizations in the arts and culture sector that are looking to strengthen long-term stewardship of Indigenous heritage or develop collaborative projects rooted in respectful partnerships. For organizations assessing whether their project approach, governance, and partnerships align with the program’s expectations, reviewing the full details can help clarify how this funding might support meaningful and culturally grounded heritage work.