Government of Canada supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis Arts presenters
OHSWEKEN, SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER, ON, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists play an essential role in carrying forward the stories, voices and traditions that are central to our cultural heritage. Supporting Indigenous arts also means creating spaces where Indigenous artistic practices can thrive, be celebrated and reach wider audiences. It also means respecting Indigenous Peoples' right to celebrate and express their cultures on their own terms.
Today, Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament (Hamilton Mountain) announced $192,000 in funding, over two years, in support of the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA). She made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The funding, through the Presenter Support Organizations sub-component of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, will result in $96,000 in support for 2027-28 and $96,000 in 2028-29. The investment will support IPAA activities including the biannual Intertribal Gathering, as well as other programming and ongoing engagement activities aimed at expanding Indigenous arts across Canada.
This investment will also help create opportunities for people across Canada to experience the rich and vibrant cultures of Indigenous Peoples.
Quotes
"First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists are keepers of the stories, voices and traditions that shape our cultural heritage. We are proud to support the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance in empowering artists to share their work, build connections and create new opportunities for Indigenous performing arts across Canada. This support will help strengthen the sector and ensure Indigenous artists have more opportunities to bring their stories and artistic practices to audiences across the country."
--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
"Indigenous arts are a beautiful source of inspiration and a driving force for Canada's artistic growth at home and abroad. Through a strategic and focused investment in the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance, we are helping Indigenous arts presenters expand their reach and programming, empowering contemporary Indigenous artistic voices, and strengthening connections to the cultures and traditions of their ancestors. This work is fundamental to reconciliation and building the inclusive, diverse, resilient, strong Canada we all want."
--Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament (Hamilton Mountain)
"The Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance is excited to continue supporting the Indigenous performing arts sector with the financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Our programming speaks to the needs of our community, and this funding is pivotal in ensuring we have the resources necessary to build the sector. Creating opportunities for Indigenous performing arts creatives to network and be programmed by presenting networks across Canada is not a simple task. We are truly honoured Canadian Heritage believes in our vision and continues to support us through funding awards like this."
--Cynthia Lickers-Sage, Executive Director, Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance
Quick Facts
The Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance is a national member-driven arts service organization with a vision to claim space for Indigenous performing arts presenters, artists and arts organizations. Current membership includes 237 individual Indigenous artists, 22 Indigenous organizations as well as 40 ally organizations and individuals from across Canada.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series (arts presenters) and organizations that offer support to arts presenters.
Associated Links
Programming: Presenter Support Organizations – Canada Arts Presentation Fund
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]
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