2024-25 Reporting on the Calls for Justice 1.1 to 1.11: Human and Indigenous Rights and Governmental Obligations

In 2024-25, the Secretariat:

• Continued to facilitate ongoing engagement with Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group;
• Coordinated the third annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on MMIWG2S+;
• Met routinely with the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc, and other Indigenous partners to engage them in the design, development and implementation of policies and programs working to address systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people;
• Delivered funding through the Indigenous-led Data Research Projects Program and the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program;
• Continued to lead the work on Calls for Justice 1.7 and 1.10;
• Under the leadership and guidance of Giganawenimaanaanig, collaborated with the Government of Manitoba on the Red Dress Alert Pilot Project; and,
• Launched a new Calls for Justice online reporting tool to improve the accessibility of the Annual Progress Report.

By acting as a centralized mechanism for coordination, engagement, and accountability, the Secretariat works on sustained progress to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The establishment of the Secretariat responds to part of Call for Justice 1.1 through its coordination role in the co-development of the National Action Plan and oversight of the implementation of the Federal Pathway, which outlines the federal government’s commitments and measures progress. Additionally, the Secretariat produces the Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report, ensuring public accountability. Through these coordinated efforts, Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from an approach that prioritizes long-term systemic change, collaboration, and sustained government commitment to addressing the root causes of violence.

• Coordination and relationships: The Secretariat centralizes federal efforts, and coordinates productive working relationships across jurisdictions, with Indigenous partners and provincial/territorial governments.
• Increased accountability: The Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report provides transparency on federal government commitments and whole-of-government progress on the Calls for Justice.
• Sustained commitment: By embedding coordination within a dedicated Secretariat, the government ensures ongoing, sustainable, long-term action rather than temporary or reactive measures.

Budget 2021 allocated $16.6 million over six years to support the establishment and implementation of the Secretariat.

Throughout 2024–25, ISC delivered 60 information sessions with 1200 participants across Canada. Key milestones included the public launch of the Indigenous Advisory Process and the release of the Rights-Holders Kit in April 2024. A knowledge-sharing circle in May 2024 enabled IAP members to provide recommendations on the design and implementation of the consultation process.

Phase 2 began with a national call-out for Indigenous-led solutions launched in December 2024. As of April 2025, 90 proposals for Indigenous-led options for solutions have been submitted.

ISC is currently preparing for the publication of the consultation guide and a call-out for Indigenous-led consultation events. The formal consultation phase will begin later in 2025.

The Collaborative Process responds to Call for Justice 1.2v by implementing Measure 2.8 of the UNDA Action Plan, which calls for the co-development of a consultation process regarding registration and band membership. Through co-development and consultation, the initiative advances collective and individual rights, including self-determination and equality.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this initiative through increased participation in the transformation of discriminatory legal frameworks. By centering the voices of those most impacted, the process supports culturally grounded solutions that affirm the rights of First Nations women, children, and future generations.

• Addresses legislative discrimination: Supports solutions to the second-generation cut-off and voting thresholds that have excluded First Nations individuals from status and membership.
• Centers First Nations leadership: Enables First Nation-led design of consultation and engagement processes.
• Advances cultural inclusion: Promotes community-based and culturally informed remedies to colonial policies.
• Improves participation: Provides accessible engagement opportunities and resources to diverse participants across the country.
• Supports systemic change: Lays the foundation for legislative reform that respects Indigenous jurisdiction over citizenship and community belonging.

The initiative, through reallocation of existing funding, has funded a range of First Nations and Indigenous organizations as part of Phase 1’s Indigenous Advisory Process, and Phase 2’s call-out for First Nation-led solutions.

The appointment of the Chief Advisor responds to part of Call for Justice 1.3 by prioritizing resources and advancing recommendations to address the marginalization of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people through anti-human trafficking efforts. It demonstrates a commitment to survivor voices and Indigenous partnerships influencing the development of government policies and initiatives to address human trafficking.

• Prioritization and resourcing: Ensures advice and recommendations are made for the Government of Canada to prioritize areas that will eliminate the marginalization and targeting of Indigenous women girls and 2SLGBTQI+ communities in relation to human trafficking.
• Survivor-informed policy: Incorporates the perspectives of survivors to develop culturally relevant and effective interventions.
• Partnership with Indigenous leaders: Includes Indigenous voices in decision-making to enhance government accountability and responsiveness.

The work of the Chief Advisor is supported by the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, led by Public Safety Canada.

For updates on the 2024-25 fiscal year, progress by activity area can be found here when it becomes available: Government of Canada’s progress by priority area - Canada.ca. With regard to supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples, please also visit: Support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples - Canada.ca.

The Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan responds to part of Call for Justice 1.3 by allocating up to $75 million through the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund and the 2SLGBTQI+ Projects Fund, with some direct investments in Indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen community services, advocacy, and resilience. Additionally, the Action Plan aims to enhance federal policymaking by incorporating 2SLGBTQI+ considerations across government departments. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program by gaining access to sustained funding for Indigenous-led organizations, increased representation in federal policy discussions, and stronger community-based services that address systemic inequities.

• Strengthened legal protections: Enhanced anti-discrimination laws, human rights protections, and funding to combat hate crimes.
• Inclusive policy and systemic reform: Embedding 2SLGBTQI+ considerations into federal policies, ensuring long-term structural change and whole-of-government collaboration.
• Sustainable community investment: Up to $40 million in capacity-building grants for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, including Indigenous-led initiatives, to expand services and advocacy.
• Targeted Indigenous support: Prioritized funding for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities, ensuring culturally relevant and accessible services.
• Building community resilience: Strengthening Indigenous-led 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to enhance service delivery, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed up to $40 million to the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund and up to $35 million for the 2SLGBTQI+ Projects Fund. As of January 2024, 19 projects supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities were approved for funding.

While the final figures will be confirmed in the Government of Canada’s 2024-25 Public Accounts, ISC estimates that it provided more than $3.5 billion in support through the FNCFS program in 2024-25, continuing a comprehensive suite of reforms.

Key developments for the FNCFS program in 2024-25 include:

• Continued delivery of culturally grounded prevention and protection services, post-majority support services, First Nations Representative Services;
• Continuing to provide funding to First Nations to support building housing for families to address a structural driver of child welfare system involvement;
• On July 11, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Canada reached a Final Agreement on the long-term reform of the FNCFS program. This agreement was rejected by the First Nations-in-Assembly in October 2024.
• In February 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Government of Canada signed a landmark $8.5 billion agreement to reform the FNCFS program in Ontario. In March 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation filed a joint motion with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to seek its approval of the agreement and the end of its oversight over the program in Ontario.
• Continued collaboration with partners to uphold and integrate the principles of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

The FNCFS program responds to part of Call for Justice 1.3 by working to reduce systemic inequalities and structural barriers that disproportionately impact First Nations children, families, and caregivers—particularly Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. By funding culturally grounded prevention services that address poverty, housing insecurity, intergenerational trauma, and violence, the program helps reduce child welfare involvement and supports family preservation. It also supports post-majority services that assist youth transitioning out of care with access to housing, mental health support, and wellness resources—key to breaking cycles of marginalization. While not explicitly targeted to women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, these holistic, community-designed services create safer and more supportive environments that uphold dignity, strengthen families, and reduce vulnerability to violence and discrimination. First Nations children and families benefit from care that prioritizes safety and healing, while communities gain capacity to provide inclusive, equitable supports reflective of their lived realities.

• Prevents family separation: Prioritizes prevention and early intervention services with the aim of helping families remain together safely. Supports kinship care, culturally grounded parenting programs, and early responses to family stressors with the objective of reducing the risk of child apprehension.
• Supports intergenerational healing: Seeks to break cycles of intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and the legacy of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, through culturally rooted services designed and delivered by First Nations. Provides supports that aim to help families and communities reconnect with cultural teachings, language, and traditional caregiving practices.
• Provides holistic, wraparound supports: Funds a wide range of wraparound services that address the underlying drivers of child and family vulnerability, including poverty, food insecurity, inadequate housing, substance use, and mental health challenges. Funds post-majority supports for youth aging out of care, such as access to housing, employment, and mental health resources, reducing the risk of homelessness and exploitation.
• Promotes cultural continuity and identity: Works to ensure that children remain connected to their cultures, communities, and languages through services delivered by their own Nations. This cultural grounding builds identity and belonging, critical protective factors that reduce risk and promote healing, particularly for those who have experienced or are at risk of gender-based violence.
• Centers the best interests of the child: All services funded through the program are guided by the principles of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, including the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and substantive equality. This ensures that interventions prioritize safety, healing, and the long-term well-being of First Nations children within the context of their families and Nations.
• Supports First Nation self-determination: As part of the ongoing reform of the FNCFS program and alignment with An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, places greater emphasis on the design and delivery of prevention services and supports (e.g., First Nations Representative Services, Post-Majority Support Services) by First Nations in a flexible, community-led, needs-based manner.
• Builds community capacity: Invests in the infrastructure, staff, and leadership development needed for First Nations to design, implement, and oversee their own child and family service systems. Funding for First Nations Representative Services enables Nations to respond to their unique realities and support families with dignity and care.
• Addresses systemic inequities: Continues to address the legacy of discriminatory funding and policy frameworks by transitioning to needs-based models and implementing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal-ordered reforms. Enables equitable access to services that are responsive to the actual conditions in First Nations communities, contributing to broader reconciliation, justice, and safety for First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Budget 2021 allocated $1 billion over five years, starting in 2021, with $118.7 million ongoing to support the FNCFS program. In 2023-24, $3.57 billion was allocated through the FNCFS program to fund prevention and protection services, post-majority supports, and First Nations Representative Services, ensuring that communities are resourced to meet the needs of children and families in culturally grounded and holistic ways.

In 2024–25, ISC continued its work with Indigenous governing bodies to support the implementation of the Act. While the final figures can only be confirmed once the Government of Canada’s 2024-25 Public Accounts become available, ISC estimates that, since the Act came into force on January 1, 2020 and up until March 31, 2025, the Department has provided over $750 million to more than 14 Indigenous governing bodies to exercise their jurisdiction under the Act. In 2024-25, ISC estimates that more than $90 million was provided to Indigenous groups for capacity building and participation in coordination agreement discussions.

Progress was also made on the upcoming five-year review of the provisions and operation of the Act, which will be conducted in collaboration with Indigenous partners beginning in 2025. Pre-engagement activities included the development of a collaborative workplan and identification of initial themes and priorities for engagement. The Act’s implementation continues to be guided by Indigenous communities and partners, ensuring that it remains responsive to community-identified needs and priorities.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.3 by providing funding to Indigenous governing bodies to support their efforts to develop and implement Indigenous child and family services laws and service models. It provides national principles of the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and substantive equality, along with minimum standards, which must be followed by all service providers in the delivery of child and family services to Indigenous children and families. By enabling culturally appropriate alternatives to provincial child welfare services, the Act addresses systemic barriers and promotes culturally safe care.

Families and children affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis are more likely to access services grounded in their own legal traditions and community supports. This shift helps prevent further displacement, trauma, and disconnection from kinship and culture.

• Strengthens Indigenous jurisdiction: Enables Indigenous communities to reclaim authority over child and family services and enact their own laws.
• Reduces overrepresentation: Supports preventive and culturally appropriate approaches to address the structural drivers of child welfare involvement.
• Protects the best interest of the child and cultural continuity: Prioritizes the preservation of Indigenous languages, traditions, kinship systems, and identity in care decisions.
• Enhances service equity: Mandates national standards that support substantive equality and prohibit child apprehension based on poverty.
• Promotes long-term safety and wellness: Improves conditions for Indigenous children and families through sustainable, trauma-informed, and community-led service delivery.

Since 2020, multiple federal budget allocations have supported the implementation of the Act:

• July 2020 Economic and Fiscal Snapshot: $542 million over five years (ending in 2024–25).
• Budget 2021: $73.6 million over four years (ending in 2024–25).
• Budget 2022: $428.1 million over three to ten years.
• Budget 2023: $444.2 million over three years (ending in 2026–27).
• Budget 2024: $1.8 billion over 11 years (ending in 2035).

These investments have supported capacity-building, coordination agreement discussions, and the implementation of Indigenous child and family service laws. All funding is administered through contribution and grant mechanisms, with implementation led by Indigenous Governing Bodies.

The Increasing the Capacity of Indigenous Women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations initiative responds to Call for Justice 1.3 by addressing the systemic marginalization of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals through targeted financial investments and structural support. It prioritizes resourcing Indigenous-led organizations that provide culturally relevant, community-driven solutions to gender-based violence (GBV). By allocating dedicated funding to Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, financial resources are directed toward sustainable programs that reflect the distinct needs and priorities of Indigenous communities. This approach moves beyond short-term or reactive measures and instead integrates self-determined programming that strengthens Indigenous leadership in GBV prevention and response. Through its emphasis on Indigenous-led solutions, the initiative contributes to dismantling systemic barriers, closing service gaps, and advancing reconciliation efforts in alignment with the human and Indigenous rights obligations outlined in Call for Justice 1.3.

Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit from this program as it invests with the aim to equip Indigenous communities with the necessary tools to address the root causes of violence and inequity, and have the financial resources and structural support necessary to create safer, more equitable communities.

• Increased Financial Resources for Indigenous-Led GBV Initiatives: Provides direct funding to Indigenous not-for-profit organizations to enhance their capacity to address gender-based violence. Builds capacity for Indigenous organizations to deliver essential supports, removing dependence on external institutions. Ensures long-term sustainability for culturally relevant, community-driven programming.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $112,500 was allocated to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada’s Increasing Capacity of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada initiative to address gender-based violence against Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people by reviewing and adapting HR resources to include Inuit specific GBA+ framework for culturally appropriate resources, that will support organizational stability and growth.
• Promotion of Self-Determination in Service Delivery: Empowers Indigenous organizations to design and implement solutions that reflect their cultural, social, and historical contexts. Reduces reliance on externally driven approaches by centering Indigenous leadership in GBV prevention and response.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $129,586 was allocated to Centre d'amitié autochtone de Val-d'Or’s Mokaam (CAAVD) to increase the organization’s ability to prevent gender-based violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons in the Val-d’Or Indigenous community and refer them to appropriate resources. CAAVD’s initiative includes developing administrative and practical tools and a repository of lessons learned, including consultations with women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons from the community, and key CAAVD partners, to remedy issues related to support for women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Val-d’Or Indigenous community.
• Expansion of Culturally Relevant and Distinctions-Based Services: Supports programming that aligns with the diverse needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, ensuring services are context-specific and culturally appropriate.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $112,500 was allocated to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada’s Increasing Capacity of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to address gender-based violence against Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. These areas include strategic planning and evaluating results, human resources management, and driving change though an Inuit specific GBA+ advocacy strategy that will improve ability to provide programs that prevent violence, leadership, technology, project management, financial management, employee tools and mentorship.
• Addressing Jurisdictional Barriers and Service Gaps: Provides Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals with equitable access to services, regardless of geography or legal status.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $243,020 was allocated to 2 Spirits in Motion Society’s (2SiMS) 2 Spirits in Motion Society GBV Capacity to increase the organization’s ability to prevent and address gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, or 2SLGBTQI+ people, by hiring a Two-Spirit Cultural and Prevention Coordinator to increase GBV capacity within the organization, helping to prevent further harm and increasing security within 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Budget 2021 allocated $55 million over 5 years (2021–2026), with over $45 million of the total funds allocated to date.

• Budget 2024 provides $10.6 million per year in ongoing funding to support enhanced service delivery, increased accessibility, and continued modernization of registration services.
• The program maintains 34 partnerships with urban Indigenous organizations operating across 58 sites, which deliver culturally safe registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status services to First Nations individuals living off-reserve, in addition to the 14 regional offices operated by ISC across the country.
• Legislative reform efforts continue through consultations on the proposed amendments related to expanding registration eligibility and address remaining inequities in the Indian Act.
• The department is advancing the Collaborative Process on the second-generation cut-off and section 10 voting thresholds, engaging Indigenous partners in developing long-term solutions to ongoing legislative and administrative challenges.
• Training for First Nations Administrators has been expanded, enhancing local capacity to support community members with registration and membership-related requests.
• ISC continues to invest in communications and outreach to address issues related to registration, clarify eligibility, and encourage uptake among eligible individuals.

This program responds to Call for Justice 1.3 by supporting the recognition and exercise of First Nations individuals’ legal entitlement to registration, which is fundamental to upholding their constitutional and human rights. This program ensures that individuals entitled under the Indian Act can access the rights, benefits, and services that flow from registration—including access to health care, education, and tax exemptions. These entitlements are critical to supporting First Nations individuals' well-being and ensuring their equitable participation in Canadian society. Further, the recognition of registration is an important step toward addressing past injustices and ensuring Indigenous Peoples can fully exercise their rights.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this initiative by securing access to critical services and benefits, and gaining recognition of their entitlement under the law, and the affiliation or membership within their respective First Nations. By confirming legal entitlement and expanding access to culturally safe registration services, particularly in urban areas where many survivors and family members live, the program directly supports their ability to access services needed for healing, safety, and stability. Ongoing legislative reform and collaborative engagement also aim to address past and current inequities, preventing further denial of rights and services to those impacted by systemic exclusion.

• Restoration of rights: Enables individuals to access rights, services, and benefits associated with registration.
• Prevention of marginalization: Reduces social, economic, and political exclusion by affirming status.
• Pathway to First Nation membership: Supports individuals in obtaining affiliation or membership within their nations.
• Supports devolution of services: Providing in-person registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status services through 34 urban Indigenous organizations at 58 service points across Canada, increasing accessibility for off-reserve individuals.

Budget 2024 provides $10.6 million per year in ongoing funding to support enhanced service delivery, increased accessibility, and continued modernization of registration services. This is part of the total $33.5 million in Operating Budget for the program for the fiscal year.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.3 by explicitly funding and prioritizing activities that reduce marginalization experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Dedicated funding through multi-year, stable support helps these organizations effectively engage at the grassroots level, identify community-led priorities, and in turn, make recommendations that shape budgets and government activities aimed at addressing marginalization.

• Empowerment of grassroots priorities: Creates opportunities for Indigenous-led grassroots engagement that amplifies community needs and empowers Indigenous partners. Funds projects that advance grassroots voices and the priorities of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people within all levels of government.
• Reduction of marginalization: Addresses systemic barriers by ensuring Indigenous voices influence policies and legislation specifically aimed at reducing social, economic, cultural, and political exclusion. Funds projects that increase the capacity of Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations working to prevent or address Gender-Based Violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, including their capacity to collaborate effectively with all levels of government in Canada.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $174,800 was allocated to Wabanaki Two Spirit Society’s Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ through Connection project. This four-year $545,100 project beginning in 2022-23, focuses on collaborating with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations to promote and enhance wellness for2SLGBTQI+ individuals by creating spaces for networking, idea exchange, and mutual learning, while honoring the unique experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ people. The project is working to addressing gender-based violence by developing a template for healthy alliances that will contribute to the broader efforts of other organizations to support 2SLGBTQI+ individuals through safe and supportive guidelines.
• Stable financial support: Promotes and supports continuous and sustainable grassroots Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ advocacy and change. Funds activities that enhance Indigenous organizational capacity, financial self-determination, and long-term resilience.
  • Example: In fiscal year 2024-25, $150,000 was allocated the British Columbia Native Women’s Association’s project, BCNWA Strategic Plan Implementation Initiative. This four-year $525,000 project beginning in 2022-23, is an initiative that includes the finalization of the organization’s strategic plan informed by engagement with Indigenous women across the province. This engagement will identify any gaps that currently exist in programs and services. This project also includes the development of a communications plan and data and results framework. All of this work will allow the organization to influence the development of policy and programs that will support Indigenous women in their healing and allow them to thrive.

Budget 2021 allocated $36.3 million over five years starting in 2021-22, with $8.6 million ongoing, for longer-term stable project funding. In fiscal year 2024-25 a total of $7,366,000 was invested in 33 active projects.

Engagement and negotiations in 2024–25 have continued across multiple regions, with First Nations partners seeking to advance tailored justice systems that integrate traditional legal practices. Discussions have focused on articulating pathways for the revitalization, enforcement, and recognition of Indigenous laws. Key areas of work identified through these negotiations include legal coexistence, capacity building, law enforcement, and the development of community-based justice mechanisms.

Justice Canada engaged with the following First Nations partners in 2024–25:

• Ontario Collaborative Table
• British Columbia Treaty Enforcement of Laws Group
• Labrador Innu
• Teslin Tlingit Council
• Peskotomuhkati
• Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated
• Elsipogtog First Nation
• New Brunswick Common Table on Justice and Community Safety
• Wolastoqey Nation
• Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 2 Territory
• Meadow Lake Tribal Council
• Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
• Red Earth Cree Nation
• Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)
• Six Nations of the Grand River
• Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO)
• Manitoba Tripartite Table

The Administration of Justice Agreements respond to Call for Justice 1.4 by creating formal mechanisms for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people to be represented in the design and governance of their own justice systems. These agreements support the restoration of Indigenous legal institutions in ways that promote gender equity, inclusion, and culturally informed responses to justice. The negotiation processes are designed to reflect community priorities and incorporate the voices of Indigenous women, youth, elders, and 2SLGBTQI+ people in shaping justice solutions that are responsive to their experiences.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities impacted by the crisis of MMIWG2S+ benefit from AJAs through increased safety and community-based responses that reflect Indigenous values and legal traditions. By enabling Indigenous communities to design justice systems grounded in cultural knowledge and community priorities, these agreements contribute to safer, more accountable, and more responsive justice systems.

• Supports legal revitalization: Enables Indigenous communities to restore and implement their own legal systems and laws.
• Promotes community safety: Advances culturally grounded justice systems that reflect the safety needs and priorities of Indigenous communities.
• Enhances self-governance: Recognizes Indigenous authority and jurisdiction in the administration of justice.
• Increases representation: Creates space for Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, youth, and elders to shape justice reforms.
• Advances systemic change: Contributes to the transformation of colonial legal structures by integrating Indigenous laws into broader justice frameworks.

Budget 2021 committed $8.1 million over five years (through 2026–27) to support the negotiation and implementation of Administration of Justice Agreements. The budget allocation for 2024-25 was approximately $1.7 million. Ongoing funding of $1.7 million has also been secured to support future work. To date, $6.4 million has been allocated toward advancing this initiative.

Engagements under Waves 1 and 2 reached more than 1,430 participants through regional dialogue sessions. An additional 38 Indigenous partners received funding to conduct their own engagement processes. Over 230 individuals with lived experience participated in a dedicated engagement stream across 14 locations.

Building on earlier rounds of national engagement (Waves 1 and 2), Justice Canada released the Indigenous Justice Strategy Key Elements Consultation Draft (KECD) in spring 2024, identifying 24 shared priority actions. This draft was shared publicly for online validation and targeted consultation with Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories. A concurrent co-development process was launched with national Indigenous organizations and modern treaty partners to develop distinction-based chapters. This phase concluded in December 2024, bringing the IJS to its final stages of development.

In 2024-25, engagement focused on public validation of the KECD and co-development of the final IJS. Key milestones included:

• Targeted consultations with Indigenous partners, and provincial and territorial governments;
• Online public validation of the KECD;
• Completion of co-developed distinction-based chapters with national Indigenous organizations and two modern treaty governments.

Justice Canada engaged with National Indigenous Organizations (Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council), Métis governing members (Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of British Columbia, Manitoba Métis Federation), and Modern Treaty Self-Governing Nations (Grand Council of the Crees [Eeyou Istchee], Délĩnę Got’ĩnę Government). The Indigenous Justice Strategy and its three distinctions- based chapters were released on March 10, 2025, setting a vision and priority areas for work going forward by Canada with Indigenous Peoples, provinces, and territories.

The Indigenous Justice Strategy responds to part of Call for Justice 1.4 by ensuring that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people are meaningfully included in the co-development, design, and implementation of justice system reforms. Engagement processes have intentionally included representation from women’s organizations, 2SLGBTQI+ groups, youth, elders, and people with lived experience in the justice system, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and decision-making. The strategy supports equitable participation in justice policy development and addresses the intersecting forms of discrimination that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face within legal and political institutions. Through targeted consultations and capacity funding, the initiative promotes culturally safe and gender-responsive reforms while affirming the leadership of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people in shaping justice solutions that reflect their rights, experiences, and priorities.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities impacted by the national crisis of MMIWG2S+ benefit from the Indigenous Justice Strategy through its focus on systemic reform and the recognition of Indigenous rights and legal traditions. The strategy includes targeted engagement with those most affected by violence, including Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and individuals with lived experience in the justice system. It advances measures to address the root causes of overrepresentation and barriers to justice, including racism, colonialism, and gender-based violence. By supporting Indigenous-led, community-based justice initiatives and promoting alternatives to incarceration, the strategy contributes to more responsive, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed justice services. These efforts strengthen the capacity of Indigenous communities to develop and implement justice approaches that reflect their distinct needs, and support greater safety, accountability, and access to justice for families and survivors.

• Reduces overrepresentation: Identifies concrete measures to address the systemic factors contributing to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system.
• Supports legal revitalization: Advances the recognition and application of Indigenous laws, legal systems, and traditions within the broader justice landscape.
• Promotes inclusive governance: Ensures representation of Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and other historically underrepresented groups in justice policy development and decision-making.
• Strengthens community justice: Enables the development and implementation of Indigenous-led, community-based, and restorative justice programs.
• Builds long-term accountability: Establishes shared priorities and monitoring mechanisms to support sustained and transparent justice system transformation.

Budget 2021 committed $11 million over three years (ending 2023-24) to support the engagement and co-development of the IJS. Budget 2024 provided an additional $25.1 million over three years (2024-25 to 2026-27) to support implementation.

Distinctions-based funding allocations in 2024-25 included:

• First Nations: $1,145,886
• Inuit: $521,000
• Métis: $1,245,770

Funding supported national engagement, regional dialogue sessions, participation of those with lived experience, and co-development with national Indigenous organizations and self-governing Indigenous governments.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.4 by increasing the capacity of Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to provide training and workshops to Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people that are interested in participating in all levels political life. It also supports gatherings of Indigenous leaders, representatives, and membership to share best practices, and to cultivate supportive networks.

• Increased representation: Strengthens the presence and influence of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in governance at community, regional, and national levels. Funds Indigenous-led engagement and consultation that centers and amplifies Indigenous perspectives.
• Network and leadership development: Provides mentorship, training, and peer support networks for aspiring Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ leaders. Funds gatherings, workshops, training sessions, workshops, mentorship programs, and advocacy campaigns to Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people that are interested in participating in political life.
  • Example: In fiscal year 2024-25, $259,628 was allocated to Femmes Autochtones du Québec’s project Cellule de recherche. This three-year $439,407 project beginning in 2023-24 supported an historic gathering of 160 Indigenous women from every Indigenous Nation in Quebec to discuss the future of Indigenous women and fostered an inclusive platform for collaboration, supporting research and development of priorities and an action plan for the organization based on their own objectives and values.
• Systemic changes in government: Works to mitigate sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and racism within political environments. Funds engagement facilitated by Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to ensure effective and culturally relevant programming, and to ensure that their Indigenous identified recommendations related to systemic changes are amplified in and across government policy, programs, legislation, and decisions.
  • Example: In 2024-25, year three of this five-year project ($360,000), Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak received $72,000 to support the Gender Based Analysis Plus Capacity Funding for Continuing the Journey: Métis-First, Gendered, Intersectional Lens project. This project supports the development and implementation of a Métis-specific gender and intersectional responsive tracking and assessment tool to advance equity and equality for use by government partners.

Budget 2021 allocated $36.3 million over five years starting in 2021-22, with $8.6 million ongoing, for longer-term stable project funding. In fiscal year 2024-25, a total of $7,366,000 was invested in 33 active projects.

For updates on the 2024-25 fiscal year, progress by activity area can be found here when it becomes available: Government of Canada’s progress by priority area - Canada.ca. With regard to supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples, please also visit: Support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples - Canada.ca.

The Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan responds to part of Call for Justice 1.5 by advocating for implementing measures that protect the dignity and rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people, including Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, through legal reforms, funding community-based initiatives, and enhancing data collection to inform future policy changes. Indigenous families, survivors and communities may benefit from this program as it works towards reducing and preventing Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals’ vulnerability to violence in many ways.

• Strengthened legal protections: Enhanced anti-discrimination laws, human rights protections, and funding to combat hate crimes.
• Inclusive policy and systemic reform: Embedding 2SLGBTQI+ considerations into federal policies, ensuring long-term structural change and whole-of-government collaboration.
• Sustainable community investment: Up to $40 million in capacity-building grants for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, including Indigenous-led initiatives, to expand services and advocacy.
• Targeted Indigenous support: Prioritized funding for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities, ensuring culturally relevant and accessible services.
• Building community resilience: Strengthening Indigenous-led 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to enhance service delivery, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed up to $40 million to the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund and up to $35 million for the 2SLGBTQI+ Projects Fund. As of January 2024, 19 projects supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities were approved for funding.

The Increasing the Capacity of Indigenous Women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations initiative responds to Call for Justice 1.5 by actively funding the leadership, representation, and political participation of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. This initiative addresses the systemic barriers that have historically excluded these groups from governance and decision-making spaces by providing targeted financial investments and structural support to Indigenous-led organizations. By prioritizing the role of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in governance, the initiative ensures that their voices are central to shaping policies and programs that address gender-based violence (GBV) and broader social injustices in their communities.

By allocating dedicated funding to Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, the initiative ensures that financial resources are directed toward sustainable programs that enhance leadership capacity and policy advocacy. This approach moves beyond short-term or isolated measures and instead integrates self-determined programming that strengthens Indigenous governance structures. By empowering Indigenous organizations to lead GBV prevention and response efforts, the initiative supports systemic change that fosters meaningful and equitable inclusion in decision-making processes.

The initiative reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing substantive equality and political inclusion by ensuring that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals have equitable access to governance roles, policy development opportunities, and institutional decision-making. Through its emphasis on Indigenous-led leadership and advocacy, the initiative contributes to dismantling discrimination in governance structures, creating safer and more inclusive political spaces, and supporting long-term systemic change in alignment with the legal and human rights obligations outlined in Call for Justice 1.5.

Families, survivors and Indigenous communities have greater access to culturally appropriate support services, advocacy resources, and in turn, face reduced systemic barriers to justice, legal representation, and survivor-centered responses.

• Empowered Indigenous Leadership: The initiative builds sustainable Indigenous organizations that can lead and shape the response to GBV. Organizations develop community-driven strategies to address the root causes of GBV and provide culturally safe services.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $129,586 was allocated to Centre d'amitié autochtone de Val-d'Or’s Mokaam (CAAVD) to increase the organization’s ability to prevent gender-based violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons in the Val-d’Or Indigenous community and refer them to appropriate resources. CAAVD’s initiative includes developing administrative and practical tools and a repository of lessons learned, including consultations with women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons from the community, and key CAAVD partners, to remedy issues related to support for women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Val-d’Or Indigenous community.
• Enhanced Community-Based Support Systems: Expands survivor-centered programming that includes culturally safe healing, trauma-informed care, and peer support networks. Invests in specialized advocacy and legal support services that help navigate institutional barriers.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $243,020 was allocated to 2 Spirits in Motion Society’s (2SiMS) 2 Spirits in Motion Society GBV Capacity to increase the organization’s ability to prevent and address gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, or 2SLGBTQI+ people, by hiring a Two-Spirit Cultural and Prevention Coordinator to increase GBV capacity within the organization, helping to prevent further harm and increasing security within 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
• Empowerment Through Leadership and Capacity-Building: Creates opportunities for survivors and family members to develop leadership skills and participate in governance roles within Indigenous-led organizations. Funding supports training programs, survivor-led advocacy initiatives, and leadership development efforts.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $241,733 was allocated to Carrier Sekani Family Services Society’s Destiny’s Project to address gender-based violence with a focus on individuals leaving domestic violence in Northern British Columbia. This initiative includes completing an organizational review of programming; an environmental scan of Indigenous specific programs nationally; setting up a steering committee and focus groups with various Nations along Highway 16; engaging a university partner in research, results analysis, and model design; and sharing project results, including a train the trainer capacity building model, with communities along Highway 16.
• Long-Term Stability for Survivor-Led Advocacy: Invests in organizations to ensure that families and survivors continue to receive more sustainable support rather than temporary or ad hoc services. Survivor-led initiatives can advocate more effectively for systemic change, legal reforms, and improved protection measures for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

Budget 2021 allocated $55 million over 5 years (2021–2026), with over $45 million of the total funds allocated to date.

The 2025 meeting convened Indigenous leaders and representatives, provincial and territorial ministers, federal officials, and families and survivors to engage in discussions and share updates on cross-jurisdictional priorities. Key areas of focus included continued engagement on the Red Dress Alert pilot, addressing gaps in MMIWG2S+-related data, and exploring improvements to accountability mechanisms and local implementation strategies. Indigenous partners engaged through the IFPT meeting in 2024–25 include national and regional Indigenous organizations, service providers, community leaders, and family members affected by violence. A full list of engaged partners is available in the forthcoming 2025 Summary Report.

The outcomes of the 2024–25 IFPT included enhanced federal-provincial-territorial alignment, identification of shared implementation challenges, and agreement to strengthen oversight on key priorities related to the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The IFPT meeting responds to Call for Justice 1.5 by facilitating collaboration among Indigenous, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to share best practices, monitor progress, and address shared challenges. The roundtable structure supports increased engagement, transparency, and alignment across jurisdictions. Through its annual meetings, the forum enhances public awareness of ongoing efforts and helps ensure that partners are accountable to one another and to Indigenous communities.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from the IFPT Meeting on MMIWG2s+ through improved oversight and visibility of initiatives intended to address the root causes of violence. The opportunity to highlight community progress and influence decision-making at senior government levels strengthens the role of Indigenous voices in shaping systemic change.

• Improves intergovernmental coordination: Establishes a standing mechanism for multi-jurisdictional collaboration on MMIWG2S+ priorities.
• Centers Indigenous leadership: Elevates the voices of Indigenous leaders, families, and survivors in policy development and implementation.
• Supports accountability: Provides a regular forum to track progress, identify gaps, and hold partners accountable.
• Strengthens community visibility: Showcases community-led efforts and ensures that grassroots priorities inform government responses.
• Enhances strategic alignment: Encourages policy coherence and shared ownership of MMIWG2S+ implementation across jurisdictions.

Budget 2023 committed a total of $2.5 million over five years (2023–24 to 2027–28) to support the coordination and delivery of the Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on MMIWG2S+. The funds enable critical meeting planning activities such as internal services, facilitation, and hospitality, and Indigenous partner participation.

The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence responds to part of Call for Justice 1.5 by working with provinces and territories to address the root causes of violence and create a Canada free of gender-based violence, including for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The NAP to End GBV supports cross-jurisdictional work to prevent, investigate, and address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through partnerships with provinces and territories, the plan strengthens protection services, funds culturally relevant supports, and implements Indigenous-led approaches to address the root causes of violence. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit from increased access to culturally appropriate safety measures, trauma-informed services, and long-term policy commitments that aim to end GBV.

• Indigenous-Led Approaches: Ensures Indigenous perspectives, traditions, and governance are central to the GBV response.
• Coordinated Government Action: Addresses jurisdictional gaps and provinces and territories fund shelters, transitional housing, and victim services for Indigenous GBV survivors, including those in remote areas.
• Strengthened Prevention and Protection: Prioritizes culturally appropriate interventions and early response mechanisms for Indigenous communities.
• Addressing Root Causes: Tackles socioeconomic inequalities contributing to GBV, including housing, education, and justice reforms.

Budget 2022 allocated $539.3 million over five years, including $525 million over four years to enable provinces and territories to enhance services and supports within their jurisdiction. In 2024-25 (Year 2 of funding), total federal funding available to provinces and territories was $150 million.

Engagement and negotiations in 2024–25 have continued across multiple regions, with First Nations partners seeking to advance tailored justice systems that integrate traditional legal practices. Discussions have focused on articulating pathways for the revitalization, enforcement, and recognition of Indigenous laws. Key areas of work identified through these negotiations include legal coexistence, capacity building, law enforcement, and the development of community-based justice mechanisms.

Justice Canada engaged with the following First Nations partners in 2024–25:

• Ontario Collaborative Table
• British Columbia Treaty Enforcement of Laws Group
• Labrador Innu
• Teslin Tlingit Council
• Peskotomuhkati
• Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated
• Elsipogtog First Nation
• New Brunswick Common Table on Justice and Community Safety
• Wolastoqey Nation
• Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 2 Territory
• Meadow Lake Tribal Council
• Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
• Red Earth Cree Nation
• Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)
• Six Nations of the Grand River
• Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO)
• Manitoba Tripartite Table

The Administration of Justice Agreements respond to Call for Justice 1.6 by supporting efforts to address long-standing challenges related to the enforcement of Indigenous laws and bylaws. The negotiation of AJAs provides a pathway for Indigenous governments to assert jurisdiction and develop legal systems that are respected by other levels of government. These efforts empower communities to uphold the rights and roles of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people within legal and political institutions.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from these agreements through strengthened legal systems that uphold political and cultural rights, address systemic barriers to justice, and enhance community capacity to deliver safety and accountability through Indigenous-led legal mechanisms.

• Supports legal revitalization: Enables Indigenous communities to restore and implement their own legal systems and laws.
• Promotes community safety: Advances culturally grounded justice systems that reflect the safety needs and priorities of Indigenous communities.
• Enhances self-governance: Recognizes Indigenous authority and jurisdiction in the administration of justice.
• Increases representation: Creates space for Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, youth, and Elders to shape justice reforms.
• Advances systemic change: Contributes to the transformation of colonial legal structures by integrating Indigenous laws into broader justice frameworks.

Budget 2021 committed $8.1 million over five years (through 2026–27) to support the negotiation and implementation of Administration of Justice Agreements. Ongoing funding of $1.7 million has also been secured to support future work. To date, $6.4 million has been allocated toward advancing this initiative.

In fiscal year 2024–25, the initiative continued to build on the expanded mandate introduced in Budget 2023 including:

• Enhanced inter-jurisdictional information sharing to inform renewed models and activities within the FILU framework;
• Increased funding to support the strategic review and design of the FILU in each jurisdiction to support continuity of service, training, and the next five-year strategic plan;
• Realignment by some jurisdictions to ensure that the appropriate provincial or territorial department/ministry is delivering and monitoring the FILUs; and
• Approval of new funding agreements for the continued delivery of FILU operations in each province and territory for the 2025-26 to 2029-30 timeframe.

The FILU initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.6 by addressing the jurisdictional barriers that often prevent Indigenous families from accessing the information and services they need when a loved one goes missing or is murdered. By coordinating across federal, provincial, territorial, and sectoral boundaries—including policing, prosecutions, corrections, health, and social services—FILUs help ensure that families are not denied services due to jurisdictional disputes or institutional gaps. At the same time, through the FILU National Network, FILU teams work closely to support and assist family members who live in other regions of the country, reducing inter-jurisdictional barriers for family members who may live in one province or territory but who have a loved one who went missing, or was a victim of homicide, in another.

While Call for Justice 1.6 calls for the complete elimination of such gaps across all systems, the FILU initiative contributes to this goal by providing a dedicated, culturally grounded team that works across sectors to support families, improve service navigation, and reduce fragmentation in the justice system’s response to Indigenous people and communities.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program by receiving coordinated, timely, and culturally appropriate support that acknowledges their right to information.

• Elimination of jurisdictional barriers: FILUs assist families in accessing information across federal, provincial, and territorial systems, as well as across sectors with a province or territory (i.e., justice, corrections, health, social services). FILUs also provide coordinated, inter-jurisdictional support for families through the National Network, creating opportunities to support family members who live in one province or territory to access information about their loved one held in another.
• Culturally responsive support: Services endeavour to be trauma-informed and grounded in Indigenous cultural practices.
• Enhanced interagency collaboration: FILUs work across justice and social sectors and between provinces and territories to ensure a coordinated response.

FILUs are funded through the Federal Victims Strategy’s Victims Fund, with a 2023 commitment of $37.3 million over five years and $7.5 million annually on an ongoing basis. In 2024-25, almost $6 million was accessed by provinces and territories for the delivery of FILUs.

For updates on the 2024-25 fiscal year, progress by activity area can be found here when it becomes available: Government of Canada’s progress by priority area - Canada.ca. With regard to supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples, please also visit: Support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples - Canada.ca.

The 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund and the 2SLGBTQI+ Projects Fund responds to part of Call for Justice 1.6 by providing resources to Indigenous-led organizations that support 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. These funds enhance the sustainability of a range of programs that deliver culturally appropriate services, advocacy, and peer support networks for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from the accessible, well-resourced, community-led initiatives that provide direct services and advocacy serving Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people.

• Strengthened legal protections: Enhanced anti-discrimination laws, human rights protections, and funding to combat hate crimes.
• Inclusive policy and systemic reform: Embedding 2SLGBTQI+ considerations into federal policies, ensuring long-term structural change and whole-of-government collaboration.
• Sustainable community investment: Up to $40 million in capacity-building grants for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, including Indigenous-led initiatives, to expand services and advocacy.
• Targeted Indigenous support: Prioritized funding for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities, ensuring culturally relevant and accessible services.
• Building community resilience: Strengthening Indigenous-led 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to enhance service delivery, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed up to $40 million to the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund and up to $35 million for the 2SLGBTQI+ Projects Fund. As of January 2024, 19 projects supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities were approved for funding.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 1.6 by working to eliminate jurisdictional gaps that prevent Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals from accessing essential services. By investing in Indigenous-led prevention programming, the initiative provides direct support to organizations that bridge jurisdictional divides so that Indigenous people receive the care and support they need without discrimination or systemic obstacles. Through the allocation of sustainable funding, the initiative enhances the ability of Indigenous organizations to lead education, policy reform, and legal advocacy efforts that contribute to more effective responses to violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. It reinforces systemic change by supporting organizations that challenge barriers to justice, hold institutions accountable, and ensure that survivors and their families have access to appropriate compensation, healing programs, and long-term safety measures.

Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit from this program as it expands access to life-saving services, enhances Indigenous self-determination, and ensures that GBV prevention efforts are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and community leadership.

• Addressing Jurisdictional Gaps: Supports Indigenous organizations in providing services where government and institutional failures have created barriers. Strengthens delivery culturally relevant prevention programming and services that address systemic jurisdictional barriers to care for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
• Expanding Prevention Programming: Enables Indigenous-led organizations to offer more accessible, culturally informed GBV prevention initiatives.
• Strengthening Indigenous Service Providers: Provides direct funding to Indigenous not-for-profit organizations to enhance their capacity to address gender-based violence. Builds capacity for Indigenous organizations to deliver essential supports, removing dependence on external institutions. Ensures sustainability for culturally relevant, community-driven programming.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $243,020 was allocated to 2 Spirits in Motion Society’s (2SiMS) 2 Spirits in Motion Society GBV Capacity to increase the organization’s ability to prevent and address gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, or 2SLGBTQI+ people, by hiring a Two-Spirit Cultural and Prevention Coordinator to increase GBV capacity within the organization, helping to prevent further harm and increasing security within 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Budget 2021 allocated $55 million over 5 years (2021–2026), with over $45 million of the total funds allocated to date.

Planning for the 2025 IFPT meeting of MMIWG2S+ occurred from September through January, with CIRNAC coordinating logistics and agenda development, and in late January 2025, the meeting took place in Ottawa. The roundtable convened Indigenous leaders and representatives, provincial and territorial ministers, federal officials, and families and survivors to engage in discussions and share updates on cross-jurisdictional priorities. Key areas of focus included continued engagement on the Red Dress Alert pilot, addressing gaps in MMIWG2S+-related data, and exploring improvements to accountability mechanisms and local implementation strategies. Indigenous partners engaged through the IFPT meeting in 2024–25 include national and regional Indigenous organizations, service providers, community leaders, and family members affected by violence. A full list of engaged partners is available upon request or in the forthcoming 2025 Summary Report.

The outcomes of the 2024–25 IFPT meeting included enhanced federal-provincial-territorial alignment, identification of shared implementation challenges, and agreement to strengthen oversight on key priorities related to the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The IFPT Roundtable responds to Call for Justice 1.6 by creating a permanent cross-jurisdictional space to coordinate responses to the national MMIWG2S+ crisis. The roundtable structure provides a mechanism for Indigenous governments and organizations to work directly with federal, provincial, and territorial partners on identifying barriers, proposing solutions, and aligning priorities for implementation of the National Action Plan. These discussions are grounded in shared commitments to reduce violence and improve outcomes for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from the IFPT Roundtable by participating in a coordinated process that advances transparency, accountability, and intergovernmental collaboration. Through direct involvement in roundtable discussions and the inclusion of intersectional and grassroots perspectives, the initiative ensures that solutions reflect lived experience and community-defined priorities.

• Improves intergovernmental coordination: Establishes a standing mechanism for multi-jurisdictional collaboration on MMIWG2S+ priorities.
• Centers Indigenous leadership: Elevates the voices of Indigenous leaders, families, and survivors in policy development and implementation.
• Supports accountability: Provides a regular forum to track progress, identify gaps, and hold partners accountable.
• Strengthens community visibility: Showcases community-led efforts and ensures that grassroots priorities inform government responses.
• Enhances strategic alignment: Encourages policy coherence and shared ownership of MMIWG2S+ implementation across jurisdictions.

Budget 2023 committed a total of $2.5 million over five years (2023–24 to 2027–28) to support the coordination and delivery of the Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on MMIWG2S+. The funds enable critical meeting planning activities such as internal services, facilitation, and hospitality, and Indigenous partner participation.

The NAP to End GBV responds to part of Call for Justice 1.6 by addressing jurisdictional gaps and ensuring that Indigenous communities, regardless of location, have access to critical support services. The plan promotes federal-provincial-territorial coordination, ensuring that GBV services are equitably distributed and accessible, including in rural, remote, and Northern Indigenous communities. The alignment with the MMIWG2S+ National Action Plan strengthens accountability mechanisms. Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities benefit from enhanced service delivery, increased funding for Indigenous-led initiatives, and strengthened policies to prevent and address violence.

• Indigenous-Led Approaches: Ensures Indigenous perspectives, traditions, and governance are central to the GBV response.
• Coordinated Government Action: Addresses jurisdictional gaps and provinces and territories fund shelters, transitional housing, and victim services for Indigenous GBV survivors, including those in remote areas.
• Strengthened Prevention and Protection: Prioritizes culturally appropriate interventions and early response mechanisms for Indigenous communities.
• Addressing Root Causes: Tackles socioeconomic inequalities contributing to GBV, including housing, education, and justice reforms.

Budget 2022 allocated $539.3 million over five years, including $525 million over four years to enable provinces and territories to enhance services and supports within their jurisdiction. In 2024-25 (Year 2 of funding), total federal funding available to provinces and territories was $150 million.

• Budget 2024 provides $10.6 million per year in ongoing funding to support enhanced service delivery, increased accessibility, and continued modernization of registration services.
• The program maintains 34 partnerships with urban Indigenous organizations operating across 58 sites, which deliver culturally safe registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status services to First Nations individuals living off-reserve, in addition to the 15 regional offices operated by ISC across the country.
• Legislative reform efforts continue through consultations on the proposed amendments related to expanding registration eligibility and address remaining inequities in the Indian Act.
• The department is advancing the Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-Off and Section 10 Voting Thresholds, engaging Indigenous partners in developing long-term solutions to ongoing legislative and administrative challenges.
• Training for First Nations Administrators has been expanded, enhancing local capacity to support community members with registration and membership-related requests.
• ISC continues to invest in communications and outreach to address issues related to registration, clarify eligibility, and encourage uptake among eligible individuals.

This program responds to part of Call for Justice 1.6 by confirming legal entitlement to registration under the Indian Act and ensuring that First Nations individuals can access essential services and benefits that would otherwise be denied without proof of status. Call for Justice 1.6 urges all governments to eliminate jurisdictional gaps and neglect that result in the denial of services—including health, education, and social supports—to First Nations people. While the Indian Act registration process itself is not a direct service delivery mechanism, it serves as a gateway to many essential services and benefits that are often contingent on registration status. Without registration, many First Nations individuals face barriers to accessing these rights and entitlements.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this initiative by helping to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing critical services, supports, and entitlements tied to registration status. By confirming legal entitlement and expanding access to culturally safe registration services, particularly in urban areas where many survivors and family members live, the program directly supports their ability to access services needed for healing, safety, and stability. Ongoing legislative reform and collaborative engagement also aim to address past and current inequities, preventing further denial of rights and services to those impacted by systemic exclusion

• Ensures access to services: Registration supports access to federal programs, financial benefits, and social supports.
• Addresses denial of services: Helps prevent individuals from being excluded due to lack of formal recognition.
• Strengthens self-identification: Provides a means for individuals to establish formal recognition of their Indigenous identity.
• Supports devolution of services: Providing in-person registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status services through 34 urban Indigenous organizations at 58 service points across Canada, increasing accessibility for off-reserve individuals.

Budget 2024 provides $10.6 million per year in ongoing funding to support enhanced service delivery, increased accessibility, and continued modernization of registration services.

In 2024-25, the MSR’s Call for Justice 1.7 Final Report (the Report) was shared with Indigenous partners, along with Federal, Provincial and Territorial working groups and steering committees to gather their feedback. In March 2024, the Final Report was provided to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. In May 2024, the Final Report was published on the departmental website and made it available in in Western Ojibway and Michif, as well as French and English.

In 2024-25, CIRNAC continued assessing options to fulfill the needs of Indigenous families and survivors that were identified by the Final Report. CIRNAC shared the Final Report with the Indigenous organizations that the MSR met with, along with other government departments, provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners who participated in the Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting. Their feedback has been tracked to ensure that future policy decisions are informed by these critical perspectives.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.7 by taking concrete steps toward establishing a National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson through an Indigenous-led and rights-based engagement process, and by supporting the work and mandate of the appointed MSR. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this work through the creation of trusted, Indigenous-led mechanisms to address human rights violations and systemic injustices.

• Empowers Indigenous-led oversight: Positions are grounded in Indigenous governance, ensuring rights protection is led by First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous voices.
• Improves accountability and redress: Ombudspersons offer culturally safe, accessible pathways to seek to seek accountability and redress, grounded in Indigenous legal traditions and governance.
• Addresses systemic gaps: Enables proactive investigations, monitoring, and recommendations to change laws, policies, and practices that harm Indigenous people.
• Supports healing and trust: Supports healing, empowerment, and the restoration of trust by ensuring that Indigenous voices guide the protection and promotion of their rights.
• Strengthens regional and national capacity: The creation of four national and thirteen regional ombudsperson offices ensures broad, coordinated coverage across jurisdictions.

Budget 2023 allocated $1.6 million over two years, starting in 2023-24, to support the MSR appointed to provide advice and recommendations on the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson.

Budget 2024 provided $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in health care through continued support for: patient advocates, health system navigators, midwives, and birth support workers, and initiatives to increase Indigenous representation in the health professions.

In 2024–25, ISC continued funding national and regional Indigenous organizations to lead initiatives addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems. These included: various Indigenous health system navigator and patient advocate initiatives; the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations’ First Nations Ombudsperson Office; the Métis Nation of British Columbia’s Métis Health Experience Program; Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc’s information sessions on informed consent and rights awareness; and midwifery and birth support initiatives across Canada, including in Yukon, Inuvialuit, Nunavut, and Kuujjuaq.

The AAIR initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.8 by investing in measures that help prevent violence, abuse, and neglect in health systems and provide redress for Indigenous patients. Through culturally grounded education and advocacy efforts, the initiative equips both patients and providers with tools to recognize and respond to racism in care environments. Funded projects include the development of a toolkit to raise awareness of patient rights, resources for navigating complaints processes, and materials to guide healthcare providers in delivering safe and respectful care.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from improved knowledge of their rights and the availability of culturally safe services, contributing to greater confidence in seeking care and stronger accountability within health systems.

• Strengthens cultural safety: Supports culturally appropriate services across the health system.
• Supports system navigation: Supports the training and employment of Indigenous health navigators and patient advocates.
• Increases representation: Creates pathways for increasing Indigenous representation in health professions.
• Prevents violence in care: Improves awareness and accountability through culturally safe training.
• Supports reproductive justice: Expands access to midwifery, doula, and wraparound supports.

Building on the success from Budget 2021 investments, Budget 2024 reinvested $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Funding allocations are guided by distinctions-based approaches, community needs, and collaboration with Indigenous health leaders and regional tables to ensure ongoing relevance and impact. Funding has been allocated for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Throughout 2024–25, ISC delivered 60 information sessions with 1200 participants across Canada. Key milestones included the public launch of the IAP and the release of the Rights-Holders Kit in April 2024. A knowledge-sharing circle in May 2024 enabled IAP members to provide recommendations on the design and implementation of the consultation process.

Phase 2 began with a national call-out for Indigenous-led solutions launched in December 2024. As of April 2025, 90 proposals for Indigenous-led options for solutions have been submitted.

ISC is currently preparing for the publication of the consultation guide and a call-out for Indigenous-led consultation events. The formal consultation phase will begin later in 2025.

The Collaborative Process responds to Call for Justice 1.8 by providing funding and support to First Nations and national Indigenous partners to raise awareness about the harms caused by the second-generation cut-off. The Collaborative Process encourages open dialogue and collaborative exploration of legal remedies for longstanding inequities in registration.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities impacted by discriminatory registration provisions benefit from this initiative by having opportunities to influence legislative reform and propose solutions that restore entitlements and promote inclusive membership practices. The initiative supports long-term healing and reconciliation by acknowledging and addressing the generational impacts of exclusion.

• Addresses legislative discrimination: Supports solutions to the second-generation cut-off and voting thresholds that have excluded First Nations individuals from status and membership.
• Centers First Nations leadership: Enables First Nation-led design of consultation and engagement processes.
• Advances cultural inclusion: Promotes community-based and culturally informed remedies to colonial policies.
• Improves participation: Provides accessible engagement opportunities and resources to diverse participants across the country.
• Supports systemic change: Lays the foundation for legislative reform that respects Indigenous jurisdiction over citizenship and community belonging.

The initiative, through reallocation of existing funding, has funded a range of First Nations and Indigenous organizations as part of Phase 1’s Indigenous Advisory Process, and Phase 2’s call-out for First Nation-led solutions.

The FVPP responds to Call for Justice 1.8 by providing sustained and long-term funding for Indigenous communities and organizations to develop and implement culturally relevant violence prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns. The initiative ensures that national and regional Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations receive core and sustainable funding to support violence prevention efforts. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program by gaining access to consistent, culturally appropriate services and resources that create safety, cultivate healing, and break cycles of violence.

• Culturally-driven prevention programs: Community-led workshops, support groups, and outreach services focused on preventing family violence and addressing root causes of violence.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the Family Violence Prevention Program supports community workshops to raise awareness of family violence, by providing outreach to women, children, youth and self-identifying 2SLGBTQI+, while also engaging men and boys in preventing family violence in a semi-remote First Nation community.
• Educational initiatives and awareness programs: Funding for community-driven programs, including awareness campaigns; workshops and training programs; educational initiatives focused on gender-based violence prevention; and capacity-building support for Indigenous service providers.
  • Example: In 2024-25, Indigenous Women Rising, Addressing Intimate Partner and Family Violence hosts a large gathering of Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people to provide workshops on a host of issues related to family violence, including mental health, dynamics of intimate partner violence and family violence, the roots of violence in Indigenous communities, addictions and its role in family violence, cyber stalking, violence experienced by Two-Spirit people, and self-care.
• Funding support for Indigenous-led organizations: Sustainable funding for national and regional Indigenous advocacy and service organizations.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak received funding to continue engagement amongst Métis communities to assess shelter and programming tailored to their respective communities.
  • Example: In 2024-25, at the regional and grassroots level, organizations like Infinity Women’s Secretariat, Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre, and Three Eagle Wellness Society were supported to deliver community-rooted interventions.
  • Example: In 2024-25, funding was extended to groups such as 2 Spirited People of Manitoba and Circling Buffalo, whose work strengthens safety and healing for 2SLGBTQI+ communities and rural Indigenous populations.

The initiative is funded as part of the $724.1 million Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy. ISC received $304.1 million over five years starting in 2021-22, with $96.7 million ongoing to support the operation of new shelters and transitional homes, as well as to fund culturally appropriate violence prevention activities. The Family Violence Prevention Program spent its full allocation of $96.7 million in 2024-25. This includes $9.6 million to support facility operations, $21.5 million to support shelter project development, and $65.6 million to programs and services for Indigenous people facing gender-based violence.

In 2024-25, the Indigenous Courtwork Program operated in all provinces and territories except Newfoundland and Labrador and has continued to reach more than 60,000 clients annually. While some jurisdictions are still developing Family Courtwork service frameworks, the provinces and territories cost-sharing Indigenous Family Courtwork services include Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Northwest Territories.

Call for Justice 1.8 urges governments to provide long-term funding for Indigenous-led violence prevention and awareness programs. This initiative responds to part of this Call by strengthening Indigenous-led legal support services that help families navigate child protection and family law matters. By equipping Indigenous individuals with knowledge of their legal rights and options, the program contributes to preventing family breakdowns and systemic barriers that can lead to further marginalization. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from increased access to culturally appropriate legal guidance and advocacy, fostering greater stability and self-determination.

• Empowered Indigenous clients: Individuals gain knowledge of their legal rights, leading to more informed decision-making.
• Culturally competent services: Courtworkers provide support in ways that align with Indigenous values and traditions.
• Stronger family and community support: Referrals to culturally relevant services ensure families receive holistic assistance.
• Increased access to justice: By guiding Indigenous clients through the family court system, courtworkers help reduce legal system barriers.

In 2024-25, $2,066,084 has been allocated to date to support Indigenous families with ongoing legal support. Funding is provided through bilateral agreements with provincial and territorial governments, and in most jurisdictions, services are delivered by Indigenous service providers under contract with provincial or territorial governments. While some jurisdictions are still developing Family Courtwork service frameworks, the provinces and territories that are currently cost-sharing Indigenous Family Courtwork services include: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Northwest Territories. Budget 2021 allocated $6.7 million over three years (2021-24) to expand Indigenous Family Courtwork Services. Budget 2024 approved renewed funding for continued expansion and delivery of services.

The funding was delivered through a Call for Proposal which funded multiple projects across Canada. A few examples of projects that were funded include: the Manitoba Métis Federation to develop culturally responsive mediation services for Indigenous Families; Yorkton Tribal Council to develop a family circle programs to provide First Nations family mediation and cultural programming; and, the Nunatsiavut Government to develop an Inuit-specific family mediation program to support the resolution of family disputes in a culturally-safe, community-centered way.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 1.8 by providing long-term, sustainable funding for Indigenous-led community justice programs that focus on violence prevention, education, and conflict resolution. By investing in these culturally relevant services, the program strengthens Indigenous community autonomy and prevents the over-reliance on mainstream justice systems that have historically marginalized Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program by gaining access to conflict resolution mechanisms that respect their traditions, strengthen community ties, and promote healing.

• Culturally rooted support for families and youth: Ensures that custody disputes and family conflicts are resolved in a manner that prioritizes healing and reconciliation. Provides Indigenous-led mediation that incorporates traditional practices and values.
• Conflict prevention: Works to resolve disputes in a non-adversarial manner and aims to reduce the likelihood of legal escalation.
• Increased access to Indigenous-led justice: Expands alternatives to mainstream legal processes, reducing barriers to justice for Indigenous people. Provides culturally aligned mediation that respects Indigenous traditions and governance.

Through Budget 2021, the program received $6.8 million over three years for civil and family mediation supports for existing Indigenous Justice Programs. Through Budget 2024, the program received $14.5 million over five years and $2.9 million ongoing to renew Budget 2021 funding for civil and family mediation.

The IJP responds to Call for Justice 1.8 by ensuring long-term, community-led, and culturally relevant justice alternatives that prevent violence, support healing, and strengthen Indigenous legal traditions. The program’s focus on diversion and restorative justice contributes to Indigenous community self-determination in justice matters, reinforcing the need for stable, core funding to sustain these essential initiatives.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this initiative as it empowers Indigenous justice approaches, prevents incarceration, and strengthens community resilience through culturally responsive justice solutions.

• Prevention and diversion: IJP-funded programs focus on diversion, mediation, and restorative justice, helping prevent violence and conflict before they escalate to formal legal proceedings. Programs support pre-charge, post-charge, and sentencing diversion to reduce Indigenous incarceration rates.
• Cultural safety: Programs integrate Indigenous laws, traditions, and values into justice practices.
• Victim support: Trauma-informed training ensures justice programs provide culturally appropriate support to victims.
• Focus on Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ safety: While broadly serving Indigenous communities, IJP-supported initiatives can contribute to violence prevention efforts for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people by offering alternatives to incarceration and systemic criminalization.
• Family mediation: Conflict resolution services improve access to justice for Indigenous families.

Budget 2021 allocated $13.6 million over three years (2021-24). Budget 2024 announced $26.9 million over five years and $5.4 million ongoing for the Indigenous Justice Program to renew Budget 2021 funding for Program Integrity. As of April 2025, investments have supported 214 programs serving 650+ communities.

The ISTHI responds to Call for Justice 1.8 by creating sustainable, long-term funding mechanisms for Indigenous communities and organizations to develop and implement violence prevention programs and culturally relevant shelters. Through an annual Call for Proposals, Indigenous-led organizations define and lead the delivery of services, ensuring community-driven solutions. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit by gaining access to safe, culturally grounded spaces for healing and protection.

• Housing expansion: Expansion of emergency and transitional housing for Indigenous survivors of gender-based violence.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $7.2 million was allocated to Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation’s Providence Shelter to build a 20-unit, 60-bed emergency shelter for Indigenous women, their children and 2SLGBTQI+ persons fleeing gender-based violence in Fort Providence, Northwest Territories.
• Culturally relevant support: Increased access to culturally appropriate, community-led support services.
• Capacity building: Strengthened capacity of Indigenous organizations to provide violence prevention programs.

Since 2021, $336.78 million has been committed towards the construction of new shelters, with construction funding managed by CMHC and flowed to Indigenous partners.

As of December 31, 2024, in fiscal year 2024-2025, CMHC funded 32 new projects through ISTHI and provided $161,706,675 in funding.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.8 by providing funding certainty through stable multi-year project agreements with Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to enhance their ability to engage with their grassroots community and governments to bring forward their unique interests and priorities. This initiative supports informing the development of Indigenous-led culturally relevant prevention and awareness programs that are informed by the unique intersectional needs of Indigenous-women and 2SLGBTQ+ people across Canada.

• Sustainable prevention programs: Enables organizations to identify the unique needs and priorities of community to inform the development of federal policies, programs, services, and legislation which in turn will enable Indigenous-led program and service delivery organizations to deliver consistent, culturally relevant violence prevention and awareness campaigns.
• Community-based solutions: Empowers grassroots initiatives tailored to the unique needs and priorities of grassroots community needs.
• Enhanced capacity: Strengthens organizations’ ability to engage with community and governments to support the development of Indigenous-led solutions that will deliver and disseminate programs effectively.
• Stable financial support: Promotes and supports continuous and sustainable grassroots Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ advocacy and change. Funds enhanced Indigenous organizational capacity, financial self-determination, and long-term resilience.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $150,000 was allocated to the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association’s Restoring Indigenous Women’s Space and Place in Nova Scotia Governance project. This five-year $664,712 project beginning in 2021-22 will support ongoing engagement efforts with community and organizations, as well as collaboration efforts with First Nations, municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Funding will create additional capacity to ensure that the voices and perspectives of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people the organization are amplified and included in the development and implementation of the policies, programs, and legislation impact their lives.

Budget 2021 allocated $36.3 million over five years starting in 2021-22, with $8.6 million ongoing, for longer-term stable project funding. In fiscal year 2024-25, a total of $7,366,000 was invested in 33 active projects. Ongoing, multi-year capacity funding for activities that support the identification of priorities to support the development of prevention, education, and awareness activities and program that are focused on combatting violence within communities.

In June 2024, the Government of Canada formally launched Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028, setting the stage for renewed federal action on systemic racism. As this is the first reporting year, foundational work began to initiate the co-development of a dedicated anti-Indigenous racism approach as committed to through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.

Throughout the year ARSEC engaged Indigenous partners in preliminary conversations to support early-stage planning, strengthen collaborative engagement and uphold principles of co-development in shaping a proposed approach. These engagements included dialogue with national Indigenous organizations and internal experts and focused on aligning the approach with Indigenous principles, values, and lived realities.

This preliminary conceptual approach was initiated in 2024–25 and sought to establish an initial structure; the full approach is still under development.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 1.9, by working to create a comprehensive, Indigenous-informed approach to dismantling anti-Indigenous racism, confronting systemic discrimination, and embedding transformative change across federal systems.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this initiative through strengthened government accountability, the amplification of Indigenous voices in systemic policy reform, and the creation of safer, more equitable public systems. By prioritizing co-development, the strategy aims to centre Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders in the federal anti-racism agenda.

• Systemic change grounded in Indigenous priorities: Establishes a comprehensive approach that centres Indigenous rights and perspectives to challenge colonial and racist systems, serving as an early step toward transformational changes in federal systems that have historically contributed to harm, discrimination, and marginalization.
• Early and ongoing Indigenous engagement: Builds a co-development process rooted in ongoing dialogue with National Indigenous Organizations, Indigenous federal employee networks, as well as other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis urban, rural and northern organizations
• Alignment with national anti-racism commitments: Through the anti-Indigenous racism approach, integrates Indigenous priorities into the broader Changing Systems, Transforming Lives strategy to ensure cohesive, whole-of-government accountability.

Funds will need to be sought in fiscal year 2025-26 to support engagement with and by Indigenous partners across the country. ESDC will continue to collaborate with other departments to ensure that this initiative’s development is relevant and effectively addresses the needs of Indigenous Peoples and partners.

In 2024–25, the Government of Canada advanced key priorities under Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028 and the Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

• Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 was officially launched in June 2024. The Strategy commits to establishing systems and exploring legislative mechanisms to strengthen accountability and inclusivity, prioritizing and resourcing communities as experts in combatting racism, and fostering collaborative relationships across all orders of government, as well as with national and international partners. Key milestones for the 2024-25 fiscal year included the initiation of the Ministerial Advisory Council selection process and the October 2024 launch of a call for proposals aligned with the updated objectives of the Strategy.
• Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate: Launched in September 2024, the Action Plan outlines a comprehensive approach to empowering communities to identify and prevent hate, supporting victims and survivors while protecting communities, and building community trust, partnerships, and institutional readiness to effectively respond to hate-fueled incidents. In October 2024, a solicited call for proposals reflecting updated objectives under the Action Plan was launched, and in November 2024, a call for proposals under the National Holocaust Remembrance Program was issued. Approximately $3.5 million will be disbursed for 13 approved projects.

Recognizing the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism and white supremacy, these initiatives focus on Indigenous, Black, racialized, and religious minority populations who experience disproportionate barriers to equality. CARS prioritizes a whole-of-government approach to dismantle systemic racism within federal institutions, focusing on economic, social, and cultural empowerment, justice system reforms, and public sector accountability. CAPCH is the first-ever national strategy to combat hate, bringing together 20 key federal initiatives to prevent hate crimes, support victims, and improve institutional responses.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.9 by challenging the acceptance and normalization of violence through the implementation of anti-racism policies and public education campaigns. By integrating anti-racist, anti-oppression, and intersectional frameworks into public services and governance, these efforts work to combat the racist ideologies that contribute to the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Public education and outreach efforts under these initiatives increase awareness of systemic discrimination and racial violence, reducing stigma and harmful stereotypes.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from these initiatives as they work to dismantle systemic racism, prevent racialized violence, and promote long-term social equity.

• Systemic reform for equity: Structural changes in federal policies, justice, healthcare, and law enforcement to enhance accountability, inclusion, and anti-racist practices.
• Community leadership and investment: Over $70 million in funding to support Indigenous, Black, racialized, and religious minority organizations leading anti-racism initiatives, recognizing communities as key agents of change through CARS. Additional funding for initiatives that prevent and address hate in Canada, including building community capacity, through CAPCH ($25 million over five years). The Changing Narratives Fund ($10 million over three years) was announced in October 2024. This three-year initiative will distribute funding through three existing Canadian Heritage grants and contributions programs. Delivery is ongoing until 2026-27.
• Increased understanding of racism and discrimination: CARS 2024-2028 and CAPCH have provided $1.7 million and $9.9 million in funding to support research and data initiatives that advance understanding of racism and discrimination in Canada. This includes efforts to increase disaggregated and intersectional data to better understand the experiences of Indigenous populations.
• National anti-racism and anti-hate education: Public education initiatives and resources to combat racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and gendered discrimination, with a focus on Indigenous communities.
• Intersectional policy integration: Embedding anti-racist, gender-inclusive principles into federal programs and institutions to create more equitable policies and services.
• Indigenous-led cultural and anti-hate initiatives: Dedicated funding for Indigenous-driven education, cultural revitalization, and programs addressing systemic discrimination and hate.

Budget 2024 allocated $273.6 million over six years for Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, with $29.3 million ongoing. Budget 2023 allocated 25.4 million over five years to Anti-Racism Strategy. Budget 2022 allocated $85 million over four years to the Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 1.10 by advancing Indigenous-led dialogue and design of an independent oversight mechanism to monitor the National Action Plan. This work is advancing through engagement and analysis of recommendations for next steps and is laying important groundwork.

• Progress monitoring: Establishes accountability in the implementation of the National Action Plan.
• Indigenous-led design: Reflects the voices of Indigenous partners in shaping the oversight mechanism.

Budget 2023 included an allocation of $2.2 million over five years to establish an oversight mechanism to monitor and report on the progress of implementation.