Innovation Initiative

The Innovation Fund is intended to recognize and support innovators who are experts in the field of Indigenous languages and understand what is needed on the ground to support Indigenous language education and excellence, and the fast and effective creation of new speakers. Funding to support Indigenous language initiatives is provided under

the Indigenous Languages Act (2019) and is essential to the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen, and maintain their languages.

Please note that, as outlined in the Indigenous Languages Act, the Commission is not a funding agency, and is not able to fund Indigenous language programming nor the infrastructure, or capital/operational costs of running an Indigenous language program.

If you are seeking sources of funding to support your Indigenous language program, please refer to our searchable database: Sources of Funding for Indigenous Languages.

New or improved approaches that meaningfully advance Indigenous language revitalization through creativity, technology, partnerships, or community-driven methods, with potential for impact and growth.

Applications will be accepted from Indigenous groups, organizations, governments, and governing bodies. The Commission may fund innovation projects in collaboration with the Government of Canada, and provincial and territorial governments, among others.

Proposals will receive stronger consideration when they demonstrate 65% of their team, where possible, and delivery partners are Indigenous, demonstrating a clear effort to anchor the initiative in Indigenous leadership, perspectives, knowledge systems, and ways of learning.

The Innovation Stream supports established projects that are creating meaningful change in Indigenous language education and revitalization. Funding is available for initiatives that introduce new and innovative approaches or significantly expand and enhance existing innovative projects.

Funding available

• $150,000 to $1,000,000 per project
• Up to three years of funding

The Kickstarter Stream supports early-stage initiatives that are building capacity and exploring innovative approaches to Indigenous language revitalization. This stream is designed to help communities, organizations, and partners develop and test new ideas that the potential to grow into larger-scale projects.

Funding available:

• Up to $150,000 per year
• Up two years of funding

The mandate of the Commission does not allow for the provision of funding for language programming, infrastructure, capital costs, and other types of operational costs.

The Commission encourages applicants to bring forward innovative and creative approaches to Indigenous language revitalization. By supporting a broad range of ideas and perspectives, the Commission aims to foster innovation that reimagines how languages can be reclaimed, revitalized, maintained, and strengthened.

For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, two projects have been funded by the Commission. Information about these initiatives, including updates on progress will be shared publicly, and can be found on the Commission’s website.

The Commission will engage in dialogue with potential project proponents requiring more information about their proposal’s eligibility. Please review the invitation for submission, and the Frequently Asked Questions in detail. Should you still have questions or require further information, please contact the Commission to set up a discussion: Innovation@ocil-ila.ca

Questions for potential project proponents to consider include:

• Is the project proposing an innovative method, initiative, approach in the Indigenous languages space?
• Will it lead to the creation of something new, or significantly improve upon something that already exists, in this space?
• Is the initiative scalable, adaptable, and replicable across other Indigenous languages?
• Will it make use of new technologies in Indigenous language education and revitalization?
• Will it lead to significant positive change for teaching and acquiring Indigenous languages?
• Will the initiative help produce more Indigenous language speakers efficiently and effectively?

The proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the Commission and a dedicated Advisory Committee according to the prescribed criteria. If a proposal is missing key information that the team believes is necessary to arrive at a funding decision, they will connect with the potential project proponent to ensure a complete submission is received. If a proposal does not meet the stated criteria for innovation funding, the potential project proponent will be informed.

The Commission will advise the proponent why the project is not being funded. If a proposal doesn’t meet the criteria for application, they will be advised. If the annual funding has been expended but the proposal meets the criteria for submission, the proponent will be encouraged to apply the following year.

Yes. However, project proponents should be aware that the Commission’s goal is to fund innovation proposals which are representative of the Indigenous groups, linguistics realities, demographic diversity, and unique needs of a variety of Indigenous people across the country.

The requested format for evaluation is a business case.

A sound business case includes details such as: a summary, the purpose/intent of the project, methodology, the scope, the connection to organizational mandate/goals, roles and responsibilities of involved parties, a timeline (including feasibility of completion on time), risk factors considered, a budget (including feasibility of completion on budget), method of evaluation/metrics (including how its success and impacts will be tested), and the expected outcome.

Expected timelines for the delivery of projects are flexible based on the type of project and expected outcomes. Projects may span a single year, or multiple years depending on the nature of the proposal. Proposals will be accepted throughout the year and funded according to: admissibility, project mandate and level of innovation, and availability of funding each year.

Will the Innovation Fund continue beyond 2025-2026?

Yes. The Fund will be renewed annually and will grow over time.

Administrative costs of eligible recipients at all levels will not exceed 15% of the

total approved funding. Administrative costs must be directly related to the

administration of the programming element.

Eligible expenditures must be directly related to the administration of the project elements and include the following:

Personnel & Expertise

• Salaries and wages for project staff
• Honoraria for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community contributors
• Consultant or subject matter expert fees

Program & Project Delivery

• Costs related to developing and delivering innovation initiatives
• Materials and supplies required for project activities
• Translation, transcription, and language-related services

Community Engagement

• Meetings, workshops, and engagement sessions
• Travel costs required for project delivery (aligned with travel policies)
• Accommodation, meals, and transportation

Technology & Tools

• Software, digital tools, or platforms needed for innovation work
• Equipment essential to project delivery (e.g., recording tools for language work)

Training & Capacity Building

• Costs for training, skill development, or knowledge transfer activities

Ineligible Expenses

• Core organizational operating costs not tied to the project,
• Capital purchases not directly required for project outcomes,
• Debt repayment or deficits,
• Political or advocacy activities unrelated to project goals, and
• Expenses incurred before project approval

Yes. It’s possible the Commission may be one among a few funders, for example alongside governments, universities, or other funds. The maximum level (stacking limit) of total government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal assistance) shall not exceed 100% of the total project expenditures.

This is to be identified in the business case and budget planning.

The Commission may offer to fund a project in whole or in part, depending upon the funding ask, and availability of funding. If the funding ask is significant, costs may be split over multiple years. The Commission will work with selected project proponents to ensure the project can be completed as proposed.

There is no deadline for submissions, and proposals may be submitted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.