2024-25 Reporting on the Calls for Justice: 3.1 - 3.7: Health & Wellness

In 2024–25, based on significant feedback from Indigenous partners, ISC received authorities to proceed on separate, distinctions-based tracks with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to co-develop policy and/or legislative options. This approach allows for continued transparency, ongoing engagement, and responsiveness to each partner’s readiness, priorities, and direction.

ISC continues to meet with interested partners to discuss the current status and next steps; however, there is no available funding at this time.

The co-development of distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation responds to Call for Justice 3.1 by creating opportunities to support systemic transformation in Indigenous health through the recognition and advancement of Indigenous health and wellness priorities. The initiative enables distinctions-based policy and/or legislative development that centres Indigenous perspectives and participation in the design and delivery of health systems. Through ongoing engagement, the initiative promotes Indigenous-led solutions in health and wellness that reflect the distinct realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities impacted by systemic inequities in health care benefit from this initiative through the development of policy and/or legislative options that promote accessible, culturally grounded, and community-driven health systems. By enabling Indigenous Peoples to define and lead their own health priorities, the initiative has the potential to strengthen accountability, transparency, and long-term investment in Indigenous wellness.

• Advances self-determination: Supports the co-development of distinctions-based policy and/or legislative options.
• Promotes health equity: Works towards the co-development of culturally relevant policy and/or legislative options that address systemic health disparities.
• Centers diverse voices: Ensures participation of Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and other intersectional partners in policy and/or legislative co-development.
• Improves access to care: Strengthens the foundation for distinctions-based health systems that are responsive to needs.
• Supports long-term reform: Establishes a collaborative process for transformative change in Indigenous health policy and/or legislative co-development.

$15.6 million over two years starting 2021-22 was provided to support capacity for engagement, policy, and experts. Funding for this initiative sunset in 2022-23. There is no available funding at this time.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 3.1 by ensuring that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have equitable access to sports, recreational, and physical activities that align with their self-identified health and wellness goals. By investing in culturally relevant and community-led programming, SSDIC – Stream Three supports holistic approaches to wellness and addresses the systemic barriers that limit participation in sports. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it fosters health and wellness through Indigenous-led sport-based initiatives.

• Improved access to sport and recreation:  Reduces financial and systemic barriers that prevent Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples from participating in sports and recreational activities. Supports initiatives that ensure Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have access to projects that improve health and wellness outcomes.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $130,000 was allocated to Squamish Indian Band 555 to create a safe and inclusive environment for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ members by offering support through an Inclusion Navigator, organizing tailored community activities, and providing non-gender biased cultural programs. The initiative also focuses on increasing accessibility and participation by offering childcare, one-on-one support, specialized training, and promoting mental health awareness within the community.
• Enhanced social development outcomes: Addresses key social issues, including suicide prevention, sexual trafficking awareness, sexual positivity, physical and mental health, and safe relationships.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $85,000 was allocated to Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle's project to support Indigenous female-identifying soccer players through workshops and training that blend cultural teachings, sports psychology, and holistic coaching.
• Strengthened Indigenous leadership and self-determination: Builds capacity within Indigenous communities to sustain and expand wellness-focused programming. Invests in Indigenous-led organizations designing initiatives that reflect Indigenous cultural values, traditions, and community priorities.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $99,574 was allocated to Canoe Culture Society to provide a six-month program combining cultural grounding with hands-on paddle-making workshops, traditional paddling techniques, and on-water practice, fostering both physical fitness and cultural connection.

With an annual budget of $2.5 million, SSDIC - Stream Three ensures that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have meaningful opportunities to engage in activities that promote well-being. Budget 2021 allocated $14.3 million over five years, with $2.9 million in ongoing funding to sustain and expand program access. To date, $3.75 million has been allocated, and an additional $1.25 million has been reprofiled to support the program for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Between June 2023's release of the UNDA Action Plan, and March 2024, 145 engagement sessions were held. In fiscal year 2024-25, a total of 285 engagement sessions occurred, including 142 with First Nations, 10 with Métis, 18 with Inuit, 5 with Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, 19 with urban Indigenous organizations, 81 with Indigenous diversity organizations and 10 with sectoral organizations.

In line with section 7 of UNDA, the 2024-25 annual report on implementation will be submitted to Parliament by June 30, 2025. Ongoing engagement is focused on supporting implementation of the UNDA Action Plan, monitoring progress, and ensuring opportunities for periodic renewal and co-development of new priorities.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act responds to Call for Justice 3.1 by establishing a legislative framework to support the full and effective implementation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canadian law, in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. UNDA mandates that the Government of Canada, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, take all necessary measures to ensure federal laws are consistent with the Declaration. It further requires the co-development of a national UNDA Action Plan that identifies concrete measures to achieve the objectives of the Declaration and establishes annual reporting requirements to promote transparency and accountability. This framework reflects a commitment to transforming the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples by embedding principles of shared governance, legal recognition of inherent rights, and the co-creation of solutions. Implementation of UNDA contributes to the structural and legislative changes necessary to address the root causes of systemic inequality, colonialism, and discrimination, and aligns with the federal government's broader commitments to reconciliation and justice.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities impacted by the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people benefit from the structural reforms enabled by the UN Declaration Act. By requiring meaningful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples in the development and monitoring of the UNDA Action Plan, UNDA ensures that the priorities of those most affected by violence inform the Government of Canada's approach to systemic change. The initiative supports Indigenous-led processes that advance culturally grounded, distinctions-based solutions in areas such as safety, justice, healing, and governance. Targeted capacity funding further enables the participation of Indigenous women's organizations, 2SLGBTQI+ groups, and other community-based partners in UNDA's implementation. Collectively, these measures contribute to long-term institutional transformation and reinforce the rights of Indigenous Peoples to participate fully and equitably in the design of laws, policies, and systems that affect their lives.

• Reduces systemic barriers: Supports review and amendment of Canadian laws to align with Indigenous rights, reducing legislative and policy barriers rooted in colonialism.
• Centers Indigenous rights and priorities: Affirms Indigenous Peoples' right to self-determination and ensures Indigenous leadership in the development and implementation of the UNDA Action Plan.
• Supports gender and identity inclusion: Provides capacity funding for Indigenous women's organizations, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and urban Indigenous organizations to participate in implementation.
• Advances legal and policy transformation: Initiates broad legal and policy shifts through the implementation of the UN Declaration across all federal departments and agencies.
• Provides accountability mechanisms: Requires annual reports to Parliament and supports transparency and progress tracking through indicators and engagement.

Budget 2021 committed $26 million over two years to support Indigenous participation in co-developing the UNDA Action Plan. In addition, Budget 2022 committed $37 million over five years starting in 2023-2024, with $4 million ongoing, to support Indigenous partners participation in UNDA implementation. In 2024-25, $11.5 million was provided to a range of Indigenous partners, including:

• National and regional Indigenous governments and organizations (First Nations, Inuit, Métis);
• Tribal Councils and individual First Nations;
• Urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations;
• Indigenous women's, youth, and 2SLGBTQI+ groups; and
• Indigenous advocacy and diversity groups.

The UNDA Action Plan is evergreen and will be regularly updated in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to ensure continued progress on the implementation of the UN Declaration in Canadian law.

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 3.2 by funding Indigenous communities and organizations to expand Indigenous midwifery and doula education pathways, create new services and infrastructure, representing an increase in access to culturally safe reproductive care. By supporting culturally grounded education pathways, the initiative is helping to grow a workforce of Indigenous birth workers and expand access to culturally safe prenatal, birthing, and postpartum care.

Indigenous families and survivors benefit from reproductive services that affirm Indigenous birthing practices, restore cultural continuity, and reduce risk factors associated with colonization, isolation, and systemic neglect in the healthcare system.

• 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 wrap-around 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.

In 2024–25, based on significant feedback from Indigenous partners, ISC received authorities to proceed on separate, distinctions-based tracks with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to co-develop policy and/or legislative options. This approach allows for continued transparency, ongoing engagement, and responsiveness to each partner's readiness, priorities, and direction.

ISC continues to meet with interested partners to discuss the current status and next steps; however, there is no available funding at this time.

The co-development of distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation responds to Call for Justice 3.2 by supporting over 200 separate engagement activities with Indigenous partners, in addition to partner-led engagement in the identification of health and wellness priorities. Through inclusive consultation processes, partners have informed the development of future policy and investment directions that reflect Indigenous perspectives on culturally relevant and trauma-informed health services. This work will inform the co-development of distinctions-based policy and/or legislative options that recognize and respect Indigenous self-determination in health.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this initiative through the opportunity to shape policies and/or legislative options that directly impact health outcomes. By prioritizing Indigenous input into system design and delivery, the initiative creates opportunities to improve access to health services that are equitable and responsive to the needs of Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and their broader communities.

• Advances self-determination: Supports the co-development of distinctions-based policy and/or legislative options.
• Promotes health equity: Works towards the co-development of culturally relevant policy and/or legislative options that address systemic health disparities.
• Centers diverse voices: Ensures participation of Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and other intersectional partners in policy and/or legislative co-development.
• Improves access to care: Strengthens the foundation for distinctions-based health systems that are responsive to needs.
• Supports long-term reform: Establishes a collaborative process for transformative change in Indigenous health policy and/or legislative co-development.

$15.6 million over 2 years starting 2021-22 was provided to support capacity for engagement, policy, and experts. Funding for this initiative sunset in 2022-23. There is no available funding at this time.

In 2024–25, the Mental Wellness Program continued to flexibly fund a suite of mental wellness services, with most services delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. The Program funds access to trauma-informed mental health supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, family members, and others impacted by Indian Residential Schools; Federal Indian Day Schools; and other colonial sources of trauma. This program funds access to mental health counselling (such as psychologists and social workers) and emotional (such as community-based health workers, peer counselling) and cultural (such as Elders, Traditional Healers) support services. The program also supports Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion and crisis response programs and services – including crisis line intervention services and enhancing the delivery of culturally-appropriate substance use treatment and prevention services throughout Indigenous communities.

Some examples of organizations funded in 2024-25 through the Mental Wellness Program include:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN)
• Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWSC)
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
• First Light St. John's Friendship Centre
• Regroupement Des Centres D'Amitie Autochtones Du Québec (RCAAQ)
• Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
• Qavvivik
• Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
• Indigiqueer
• 2-Spirited People of The 1st Nations
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Métis Nation British Columba (MNBC)
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN)
• Métis Settlement General Council (MSGC)
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
• Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S)
• Metis National Council (MNC)
• Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
• Two Spirits in Motion Society (2SIMS)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• First Peoples' Wellness Circle
• We Matter
• Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

The Mental Wellness Program engages at national and regional levels with Indigenous organizations to identify mental wellness priorities, gather feedback on existing programs, share funding opportunities, and discuss ongoing funding arrangements.

The Mental Wellness Program respond to part of Call for Justice 3.2 by funding and supporting culturally appropriate, accessible, and trauma-informed mental health and substance use services for Indigenous Peoples. Through investments in Indigenous-led suicide prevention and life promotion initiatives, 24/7 crisis intervention services, and mobile Mental Wellness Teams, the program enhances immediate and culturally grounded responses to mental health needs. The program strengthens the delivery of substance use prevention and treatment services in Indigenous communities, incorporating traditional healing practices and wraparound supports that reflect Indigenous knowledge systems. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it provides safe, culturally rooted pathways to healing and wellness, reduces barriers to care, and empowers communities to lead and define their own approaches to mental health and well-being.

The Mental Wellness Program continues to be supported by investments from Budget 2021, Budget 2022, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and Budget 2024. Specifically, Budget 2024 provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies.

The CSHF responds to part of Call for Justice 3.3 by making available project funding for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to design and deliver culturally grounded, community-based support systems that assist families and survivors in coping with grief and trauma. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program through increased access to safe spaces that promote emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, and to culturally relevant support needed to heal from the trauma of loss.

• Increased access to culturally grounded supports: The initiative funds community-based healing services that integrate Indigenous cultural and spiritual practices.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $150,000 was allocated to Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre Society's Natsamat 3.0 to provide training in cultural land-based tools designed to aid survivors of direct and complex inter-generational trauma, specifically the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGTBQI+ people.
• Strengthening family and community healing: By offering healing circles, ceremonies, and family-centered supports, the initiative fosters collective healing.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $150,000 was allocated to Nishnawbe Aski Nation Corporate Services' Supporting Nishnawbe Aski Nation MMIP Survivors and Families to organize healing events and activities for survivors and families from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory, including through outreach to Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities, ongoing engagement, an annual gathering, culturally relevant public education material, and community engagement events.
• Culturally specific trauma-informed approach: Services are designed to create safe spaces for families, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and Western therapeutic practices.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $150,000 was allocated to the Inuit Association of Manitoba's The Kativiik Program to provide culturally responsive, community-based, Inuit-specific, trauma-informed counselling. Trained and practicing Inuit traditional culture outreach workers will work directly with the Inuit community and other allied health and social service agencies who provide services to Inuit families affected by the loss of a missing or murdered loved one.

Budget 2023 allocated $20 million over five years, with $4.15 million annually to sustain and expand the initiative. This funding has allowed for the growth in the number of projects funded each year, and since the funding is ongoing, multi-year workplans and activities can be funded. In 2024-25, 33 multi-year projects were approved following the October 2023 call for proposals, for a total investment of over $22.2 million over five years and over $4.85 million in 2024-25.

In 2024–25, the Mental Wellness Program continued to flexibly fund a suite of mental wellness services, with most services delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. The Program funds access to trauma-informed mental health supports Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people; for Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, family members, and others impacted by Indian Residential Schools; Federal Indian Day Schools; and other colonial sources of trauma. This program funds access to mental health counselling (such as psychologists and social workers) and emotional (such as community-based health workers, peer counselling) and cultural (such as Elders, Traditional Healers) support services. The program also supports Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion and crisis response programs and services – including crisis line intervention services and enhancing the delivery of culturally-appropriate substance use treatment and prevention services throughout Indigenous communities.

Some examples of organizations funded in 2024-25 through the Mental Wellness Program include:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN)
• Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWSC)
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
• First Light St. John's Friendship Centre
• Regroupement Des Centres D'Amitie Autochtones Du Québec (RCAAQ)
• Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
• Qavvivik
• Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
• Indigiqueer
• 2-Spirited People of The 1st Nations
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Métis Nation British Columba (MNBC)
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN)
• Métis Settlement General Council (MSGC)
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
• Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S)
• Metis National Council (MNC)
• Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
• Two Spirits in Motion Society (2SIMS)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• First Peoples' Wellness Circle
• We Matter
• Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

The Mental Wellness Program engages at national and regional levels with Indigenous organizations to identify mental wellness priorities, gather feedback on existing programs, share funding opportunities, and discuss ongoing funding arrangements.

The Mental Wellness Program responds to part of Call for Justice 3.3 by expanding access to trauma-informed, culturally grounded health and wellness services for survivors of intergenerational trauma, including those impacted by the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The program funds a national network community-based health and cultural support workers who provide emotional support, traditional healing, and access to Elders, Knowledge Holders, and other culturally relevant resources. These services are delivered in ways that reflect Indigenous worldviews and respond to the intergenerational impacts of trauma.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it restores pathways to healing, affirms cultural identity, and provides safe, community-based supports that honour and respond to lived experiences of trauma.

The Mental Wellness Program continues to be supported by investments from Budget 2021, Budget 2022, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and Budget 2024. Specifically, Budget 2024 provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies.

The ACSPI responds to part of Call for Justice 3.4 by supporting Indigenous communities in developing Community Safety Plans, in which communities identify their safety priorities, which could include Indigenous-led no-barrier, accessible, and wraparound services. Through direct support and funding, ACSPI can help communities to identify trauma-informed, culturally relevant safety and wellness goals and solutions to address root causes of community safety issues and promote long-term resilience and healing. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from ACSPI by gaining access to culturally grounded safety planning processes that empower them to shape and implement their own wellness and security initiatives.

• Holistic, community-driven, self-determined safety planning: Indigenous communities develop Community Safety Plans that integrate cultural, social, safety and mental health needs and perspectives into safety and wellness strategies. Indigenous communities lead the development of their safety plans and any associated initiatives, reinforcing self-governance.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $180,458 was allocated to Maskwacis Cree Tribal Council's Maskwacis Cree Four Nations Pathways to Healthy Lifestyles Program to address the significant issues and root causes of the safety issues facing the four Maskwacis Nations by creating a "Pathways to Healthy Lifestyles" Program that focuses on holistic health and wellness.
• Sustainable and community-led initiatives: Once a community has a Community Safety Plan, they are able to apply for funding to implement safety projects tailored to their distinct needs. Funding can be for projects designed to build capacity or increase readiness, as well as for longer term (5 year) project implementation.

The 2020 Fall Economic Statement allocated $6.27 million over five years (starting in 2021). Budget 2021 allocated $40.5 million over five years (starting in 2021), with $11.6 million ongoing.

For 2024-25, the ACSPI was budgeted $10.8 million, including $6 million in contribution funding.

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 3.4 through the establishment and support of Indigenous health system navigators and patient advocates. These professionals assist Indigenous individuals in navigating complex health systems, addressing discriminatory treatment, and accessing care with dignity and cultural safety.

For Indigenous families, survivors, and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis, this support strengthens access to trauma-informed and respectful care. Navigators play an important role in addressing immediate safety concerns and ensuring that the voices and needs of patients are heard and respected.

• 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 wrap-around 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.

The FVPP responds to part of Call for Justice 3.4 by ensuring Indigenous communities receive critical funding for accessible, holistic, and no-barrier shelters and transition homes. While additional resources are needed to expand mobile trauma teams and integrate wraparound services fully, this program contributes to Indigenous-led solutions for survivors of violence. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by having increased access to trauma-informed and culturally safe housing and support services.

• Increased shelter and housing access: Funds shelters and transitional housing that provide immediate safety for those fleeing violence, which often includes individuals dealing with trauma, addictions, and mental health challenges.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the Family Violence Prevention Program is developing a coordinated response to support Inuit women coming from the north to Ottawa who are fleeing violence who become homeless, and developing the capacity of key service providers who may interact with Inuit women on the street so that they can refer them to appropriate culturally-relevant services at the first possible opportunity and do no further harm.
• Trauma-informed and culturally safe services: Funds wraparound supports such as crisis intervention, family violence education, and healing programs that are often grounded in Indigenous cultural knowledge, Elder guidance, and land-based healing.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the Healthy Relationships and Kinship program hosts weekly healthy relationship sessions in schools enhanced with cultural teachings by Elders regarding relationships and connections and organizes youth retreats with land-based teachings.
• Crisis intervention services: FVPP-funded shelters and programs often include mental health supports, peer support, and referrals to additional trauma recovery services.
  • Example: In 2024-25, Initiatives de guérison et de soutien communautaire 2ELGBTQI+ connects individuals who are experiencing a crisis situation and need housing to volunteer individuals who will offer temporary and safe accommodation. While the person is in the safe location, the project offers supports to ensure that the basic needs of the person are being met, and assists the individual in accessing external support services.

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 peoples facing gender-based violence.

The ISTHI responds to part of Call for Justice 3.4 by providing the immediate and necessary resources and funding for emergency and transitional shelters that improve safety and security for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. The initiative contributes to wraparound support services that include mental health, trauma recovery, and violence prevention. Continued investment is needed to ensure comprehensive, no-barrier, and permanent services. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit by gaining access to safe, culturally grounded spaces and shelter services for healing and protection.

• Expanded housing access: Increased emergency shelter and transitional housing availability.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $3.48 million was allocated to Métis Nation Saskatchewan government'sComing Home to build 16-unit, 48-bed transitional housing for women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ community members fleeing domestic violence.
• Holistic support services: Culturally informed trauma support and wraparound services.
• Long-term safety & stability: Enhanced long-term safety and security for Indigenous women and families.

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.

In 2024–25, the Mental Wellness Program continued to flexibly fund a suite of mental wellness services, with most services delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. The Program funds access to trauma-informed mental health supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, family members, and others impacted by Federal Indian Day Schools; Indian Residential Schools; and other colonial sources of trauma. This program funds access to mental health counselling (such as psychologists and social workers) and emotional (such as community-based health workers, peer counselling) and cultural (such as Elders, Traditional Healers) support services. The program also supports Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion and crisis response programs and services – including crisis line intervention services and enhancing the delivery of culturally-appropriate substance use treatment and prevention services throughout Indigenous communities.

Some examples of organizations funded in 2024-25 through the Mental Wellness Program include:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN)
• Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWSC)
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
• First Light St. John's Friendship Centre
• Regroupement Des Centres D'Amitie Autochtones Du Québec (RCAAQ)
• Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
• Qavvivik
• Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
• Indigiqueer
• 2-Spirited People of The 1st Nations
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Métis Nation British Columba (MNBC)
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN)
• Métis Settlement General Council (MSGC)
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
• Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S)
• Metis National Council (MNC)
• Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
• Two Spirits in Motion Society (2SIMS)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• First Peoples' Wellness Circle
• We Matter
• Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

The Mental Wellness Program engages at national and regional levels with Indigenous organizations to identify mental wellness priorities, gather feedback on existing programs, share funding opportunities, and discuss ongoing funding arrangements.

The Mental Wellness Program respond to part of Call for Justice 3.4 by investing in the immediate and long-term mental wellness needs of Indigenous communities through trauma-informed, culturally safe, and community-driven services. The program funds Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion, and crisis response initiatives that integrate traditional healing practices and culturally grounded approaches to care. It supports mobile Mental Wellness Teams, residential and community-based substance use treatment, and 24/7 crisis lines tailored to families and survivors of the MMIWG crisis. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it provides accessible, culturally meaningful mental health supports that prioritize safety, dignity, and the restoration of holistic well-being.

The Mental Wellness Program continues to be supported by investments from Budget 2021, Budget 2022, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and Budget 2024. Specifically, Budget 2024 provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies.

The NICPF responds to part of Call for Justice 3.4 by supporting the establishment of sustainable, community-led safety programs that prioritize capacity building and holistic crime prevention strategies. By addressing known risk and protective factors related to crime, NICPF contributes to breaking cycles of violence that disproportionately impact Indigenous communities.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program through increased access to community-driven safety initiatives, ensuring that culturally appropriate resources are available to support healing and resilience.

• Preventative approach to community safety: Funds the development of local, community-led safety strategies that address crime prevention and community safety through an Indigenous lens. Supports sustainable, preventative, and accessible services.
  • Example: $4,651,500 was allocated to Moosomin First Nation's Moosomin Community Safety Plan over 5 years, to implement a project aiming to revitalize traditional crime-prevention methods and integrate them with contemporary techniques at the community level to enhance community safety and address socio-economic challenges.
• Capacity building: Funds initiatives that strengthen the ability of Indigenous and northern communities to implement and sustain crime prevention strategies.
  • Example: $3,025,000 was allocated to Saqijuq over 5 years, to create a new team of Inuit educators to offer On-The-Land services to residents in a new community in Nunavik, including justice-involved individuals who generally make up the majority of participants.
• Knowledge sharing and Indigenous designed responses: Facilitates the dissemination of best practices in Indigenous crime prevention to ensure culturally relevant approaches are widely accessible. Support Indigenous-designed safety strategies that integrate cultural knowledge and address systemic factors contributing to crime and victimization.
  • Example: $4,154,361 was allocated to Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation's Kisiku'kw Kekina'muksi'kik (The Elders are Teaching Us) Paqtnkek Prevention/Intervention Project over 5 years, to implement a 60-month multisectoral direct intervention project to mitigate the impact of identified risk factors among at-risk youth (ages 12-30) in the Paqtnkek First Nation community.

The Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund is supported by $22,783,865 over five years allocated through Budget 2021 and $6 million ongoing.

The ACSPI responds to Call for Justice 3.5 by supporting Indigenous communities in leading the development and implementation of community safety initiatives tailored to their unique circumstances. These could include culturally responsive crisis response strategies that address trauma and promote long-term healing. Through the development of Community Safety Plans, ACSPI helps communities identify and address safety concerns in ways that reflect Indigenous traditions, values, and governance structures. For example, these plans could include the formation of crisis response teams to provide immediate support after traumatic events—such as violence, accidents, or deaths—while also strengthening communities' capacity to navigate trauma and ensure long-term safety and wellbeing.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from ACSPI's community safety planning process through support that enables them to design and implement projects to address their specific safety and wellbeing needs. This could include providing the community with timely, accessible, and culturally responsive support after traumatic events, if the community was to identify this as an objective, leading to community healing and improved safety and well-being.

• Partnerships: Encourages partnerships between Indigenous organizations, local service providers, and governments to enable the achievement of community safety and well being goals
• Strengthened local crisis response capacity: Offers funding for projects designed by the community to meet their unique community safety and well-being needs, which could include projects aimed at strengthening crisis response.

The 2020 Fall Economic Statement allocated $6.27 million over five years (starting in 2021). Budget 2021 allocated $40.5 million over five years (starting in 2021), with $11.6 million ongoing.

For 2024-25, the ACSPI was budgeted $10.8 million, including $6 million in contribution funding.

In 2024–25, based on significant feedback from Indigenous partners, ISC received authorities to proceed on separate, distinctions-based tracks with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to co-develop policy and/or legislative options. This approach allows for continued transparency, ongoing engagement, and responsiveness to each partner's readiness, priorities, and direction.

ISC continues to meet with interested partners to discuss the current status and next steps; however, there is no available funding at this time.

The co-development of distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation responds to Call for Justice 3.6 by supporting the participation of Indigenous partners who represent an intersection lens in engagement and co-development processes. These partners include organizations that represent the voices and priorities of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, ensuring that their lived experiences and health needs are reflected in the co-development of distinctions-based Indigenous health policy and/or legislative options. ISC has prioritized inclusive engagement to ensure that gender, identity, and geographic considerations are integral to the development of distinctions-based approaches to health.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this inclusive process through increased visibility and responsiveness to the unique health needs of diverse populations. By ensuring representation of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people in policy and/or legislative co-development, the initiative has the potential to support health system transformation that promotes safety, equity, and culturally appropriate care.

• Advances self-determination: Supports the co-development of distinctions-based policy and/or legislative options.
• Promotes health equity: Works towards the co-development of culturally relevant policy and/or legislative options that address systemic health disparities.
• Centers diverse voices: Ensures participation of Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and other intersectional partners in policy and/or legislative co-development.
• Improves access to care: Strengthens the foundation for distinctions-based health systems that are responsive to needs.
• Supports long-term reform: Establishes a collaborative process for transformative change in Indigenous health policy and/or legislative option co-development.

$15.6 million over two years starting 2021-22 was provided to support capacity for engagement, policy, and experts. Funding for this initiative sunset in 2022-23. There is no available funding at this time.

In 2024–25, the Mental Wellness Program continued to flexibly fund a suite of mental wellness services, with most services delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. The Program funds access to trauma-informed mental health supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, family members, and others impacted by Federal Indian Day Schools; Indian Residential Schools; and other colonial sources of trauma. This program funds access to mental health counselling (such as psychologists and social workers) and emotional (such as community-based health workers, peer counselling) and cultural (such as Elders, Traditional Healers) support services. The program also supports Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion and crisis response programs and services – including crisis line intervention services and enhancing the delivery of culturally-appropriate substance use treatment and prevention services throughout Indigenous communities.

Some examples of organizations funded in 2024-25 through the Mental Wellness Program include:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN)
• Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWSC)
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
• First Light St. John's Friendship Centre
• Regroupement Des Centres D'Amitie Autochtones Du Québec (RCAAQ)
• Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
• Qavvivik
• Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
• Indigiqueer
• 2-Spirited People of The 1st Nations
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Métis Nation British Columba (MNBC)
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN)
• Metis Settlement General Council (MSGC)
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
• Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S)
• Metis National Council (MNC)
• Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
• Two Spirits in Motion Society (2SIMS)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• First Peoples' Wellness Circle
• We Matter
• Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

The Mental Wellness Program engages at national and regional levels with Indigenous organizations to identify mental wellness priorities, gather feedback on existing programs, share funding opportunities, and discuss ongoing funding arrangements.

The Mental Wellness Program responds to part of Call for Justice 3.7 by investing in trauma-informed, culturally grounded health and wellness services that support Indigenous Peoples impacted by intergenerational trauma. The program funds a national network of health and cultural support workers, crisis response services, and community-based mental health and substance use initiatives that are designed and led by Indigenous communities. These offer immediate, accessible support rooted in Indigenous worldviews. By centering community leadership, the program contributes to the development of healing services that are safe, responsive, and reflective of Indigenous lived experiences. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it restores access to culturally safe care, promotes holistic healing, and strengthens supports for those who have experienced intergenerational trauma.

The Mental Wellness Program continues to be supported by investments from Budget 2021, Budget 2022, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and Budget 2024. Specifically, Budget 2024 provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 3.7 by investing dedicated funding into projects that provide assistance and support services to Indigenous families and survivors of gender-based violence. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this initiative's investment in accessible culturally safe healing projects that provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.

• Culturally relevant healing services: Funding supports projects that incorporate traditional Indigenous practices and ceremonies.
• Sustained funding for healing programs: Funding allows for long-term program sustainability and community-driven solutions.
• Accessible and low-barrier support: Ensures that funding reaches communities in need without complex bureaucratic hurdles.

The program funds Indigenous organizations and communities through Calls for Proposals, ensuring equitable and sustained funding for supports and services. Funding amounts vary and are allocated based on demonstrated need, proposed project scope, and program capacity. In 2024-25, $2,300,424 was allocated to funding recipients.