Government of Canada reopens call for requests, continues to support Indigenous communities and organizations
Press Release
From: Indigenous Services Canada
June 2, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada
Through the Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF), the Government of Canada continues to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations as they prevent, prepare, and respond to COVID-19.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada highlighted $760.8 million in funding proposed in Budget 2021, a portion of which will be allocated through the needs-based funding request process that just reopened. Of the total funding, $200 million is being directly allocated to communities in early June and a further $200 million will be directly distributed to communities in Fall 2021. With each distribution, $148.3 million will support First Nations, $31 million will go to Inuit and $20.7 million to Métis.
The Indigenous Community Support Fund provides Indigenous leadership and organizations with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Communities and organizations have used ICSF investments for a variety of measures, such as promoting food security, improving mental health support services and ensuring the distribution of emergency equipment.
Quotes
“Throughout the pandemic, Indigenous leaders in communities and urban centres have worked tirelessly to keep First Nations, Inuit, and Métis safe. The funding announced today, and the reopening of the call for requests, will enable Indigenous leaders to continue to employ community-based solutions and keep people safe.”
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada
Quick facts
- On April 19, 2021, Budget 2021 proposed an additional $760.8 million for the ICSF. This includes:
- Approximately $200 million in direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities delivered in early June 2021
- Approximately $200 million in direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to be delivered in Fall 2021
- A further $360 million in needs-based COVID-19 support for Indigenous communities and organizations, including $150 million to support Indigenous peoples living in urban centres and members of First Nations living off reserve
- The remaining $800,000 has been set aside for administration to ensure the swift delivery of funds
- To date, over $1.8 billion in support has been announced through the ICSF.
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis also have access to other support measures available to Canadian individuals, businesses and industries through the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca
Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca
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