Creating, Knowing and Sharing — Indigenous Organizations

Indigenous-led arts and cultural organizations across Canada often need flexible, sustained funding to support creation, knowledge sharing, and community-driven cultural expression. The Creating, Knowing and Sharing — Indigenous Organizations program offers that kind of support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations working in the arts and cultural sector. Delivered by the Canada Council for the Arts, this funding stream is designed to strengthen Indigenous creative ecosystems while respecting cultural sovereignty and self-determination.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for nonprofit Indigenous organizations developing innovative approaches to artistic and cultural expression. Support can be used for a wide range of activities, from visual and media arts to multidisciplinary and community-based cultural initiatives, including collaborations with non-Indigenous partners where appropriate. Unlike short-term project grants, this stream focuses on multi-year support, allowing organizations to plan more confidently, invest in capacity, and pursue longer-term artistic visions. Funding amounts vary depending on the scope and nature of the work, but are intended to meaningfully offset core artistic and program-related costs.

With hundreds of Indigenous artists and organizations supported each year through the broader Creating, Knowing and Sharing program, this stream plays a key role in sustaining Indigenous arts nationwide. Organizations considering this funding may want to explore the full details to see how it aligns with their cultural mandate and long-term goals.