Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials

The Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials program supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists and Culture Carriers in Ontario who work in visual arts, crafts, or traditional and customary Indigenous art forms. The grants help cover the cost of purchasing art materials and supplies so artists can create artwork or facilitate workshops.

Reserve Land and Environment Management Program

The Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP) provides funding and capacity-building support to First Nations to manage their reserve lands, natural resources and environment. The program provides tools, training and knowledge to help First Nations undertake land management activities under the Indian Act and build toward greater responsibility for their lands.

First Nation Infrastructure Fund

The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) provides funding to help First Nations communities improve and expand public infrastructure. The program supports infrastructure projects that improve quality of life and the environment in First Nations communities.

Wildfire Relief Bundle

The Wildfire Relief Bundle provides emergency funding to First Nations affected by wildfires and Indigenous-led organizations providing frontline support to evacuated First Nation members. The funding is intended for immediate community relief and support during wildfire emergencies.

Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness Program

The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) supports First Nations communities in building resilience, preparing for natural hazards and responding to emergencies. The Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream is proposal-based and supports projects that strengthen preparedness and mitigation capacity for emergencies caused by natural disasters.

Circuit Rider Training Program

The Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP) is a capacity-building program that provides training and mentorship to operators of First Nations drinking water and wastewater systems. Qualified Circuit Rider Trainers rotate through First Nations communities to provide hands-on training, support certification, and help operators safely manage, maintain, and monitor their systems.

Emergency Management FireSmart Program

Funding supports projects that build community resilience through wildfire planning, training, fuel management, and prevention activities while incorporating Indigenous knowledge into emergency management.

High-Cost Special Education Program

Helps First Nations students with moderate to profound special education needs access quality, culturally appropriate educational programs and services. Funding supports specialized staff, assessments, therapies, assistive technology, and other resources that help students succeed while meeting provincial or territorial education standards.

Funding for Capital Assets: Jordan’s Principle and First Nations Child and Family Services

This program provides funding to help First Nations purchase, build, renovate, or improve capital assets that support the delivery of First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle services. Funding helps create safe, accessible, culturally appropriate spaces that support children, youth, and families.

Capital and Innovation Program

The Capital and Innovation Program supports community-owned infrastructure and knowledge-based projects that strengthen economic development, community wellbeing, and long-term sustainability in coastal communities. Through this program, the Island Coastal Economic Trust invests in projects that help communities diversify local economies, build climate resilience, create new revenue opportunities, and develop lasting community assets.