The Museums Assistance Program (MAP) supports heritage institutions and workers in preservation and presentation of heritage collections through several components, each with its own eligibility criteria. The Indigenous Heritage component provides funding for projects related to preservation, management and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. The program supports organizations in their work to increase public awareness and understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Program Objectives:

• Support preservation, presentation and management of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada
• Increase public awareness and understanding of diverse Indigenous cultures
• Support professional development and training opportunities including internships
• Enhance knowledge and skills in heritage management
• Foster capacity building in Indigenous communities

Funding Priority:

Priority given to projects submitted by Indigenous organizations and conducted for the benefit of Indigenous communities. Applications from other heritage organizations only considered when close collaboration or partnership with Indigenous organization is demonstrated.

Eligible Project Examples:

• Research, documentation, interpretation of and/or enhancing access to Indigenous cultural heritage (educational programming, roundtables, workshops, oral history projects)
• Rematriation/repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings and/or ancestral remains
• Learning activities and mentorship programs for career development and skill enhancement in heritage sector
• Capacity building activities to develop and strengthen skills, knowledge and processes for management of core heritage functions
• Development of policies and procedures to improve management of core heritage functions
• Design, production, promotion and presentation of exhibitions and associated interpretive material

Key Requirements:

• Program does not provide operational funding; only project-based funding
• Projects must have clear start and end dates, defined activities, reasonable timeframe and measurable products/results
• All products for general public (in person and online) must be available in both official languages
• Applicants encouraged to develop products in other languages relevant to project (including Indigenous languages)
• Non-Indigenous organizations must demonstrate close collaboration or strong partnership with at least one Indigenous organization