Indigenous Services Canada: 2024-25 Departmental Results Reports

Departmental Result 1: Indigenous Peoples are physically well

Results achieved:

Throughout 2024-25, ISC continued to improve support for First Nations and Inuit communities to implement integrated and holistic health services that are primarily delivered by First Nations on-reserve and Inuit in Inuit Nunangat by:

• Funding 100% (54 out of 54) of recipients representing 98% (111 out of 113) of eligible communities receiving funding support for Nutrition North Canada-Nutrition Education Initiatives by ISC.
• Continuing to support community-led design and delivery of healthy childhood development programs and services and implementing the Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare transformation horizontal initiative, with ongoing funding, including the co-development of distinction-specific results frameworks anticipated by March 2026.
• Collaborating with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and regional partners to support tuberculosis (TB) elimination in Inuit Nunangat through ongoing engagement, educational webinars, culturally relevant awareness materials, and advocacy support. The activities centered on relationship building, knowledge sharing and supported Inuit-led efforts toward TB elimination.
• Continuing to support initiatives focused on HIV self-testing, rapid Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne Infections (STBBI) testing, harm reduction, and culturally safe care, while also collaborating with partners to deliver online educational courses and training that strengthened healthcare provider capacity and advanced progress toward global HIV targets. In 2024-25, ISC funded over 20 proposals to support programming for STBBIs prevention, education, capacity building and raising awareness activities, as well as to facilitate access to culturally safe testing, treatment and social support for First Nations and Inuit.
• Continuing to support immunization programming through collaboration and relationship building with Indigenous, provincial and federal partners, and through knowledge translation via webinars, resource emails, social media and resource development.
• Advancing the implementation of strategic and operational objectives through a newly established Impact Assessment and Health Service, with over 70% of positions staffed to support legislated requirements under Canada's Impact Assessment Act, and began funding 13 new community-based projects under the First Nations Baseline Assessment Program, supporting First Nations to understand their community baseline health status prior to major industrial development.
• Continuing to engage Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners on supporting the model of distinctions-based, Indigenous-led community based testing (CBT) for expansion of innovative health services available in communities. This model supports training and certification of community based health workers for a sustainable and stable network of culturally appropriate, high quality testing that reduces barriers to equitable access for health services for people living in remote communities.
• Continuing to provide essential environmental public health services in First Nations in order to prevent and minimize the risks of hazards in the natural and built environments. Environmental Public Health Officers delivery frontline health services to First Nations with the support of Community Based Water Monitors, who undertake drinking water monitoring at tap.

The department continued to ensure First Nation and Inuit children have access to the health, social and educational services and supports they need. ISC continued to work towards fulfilling its mandate to fully implement Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative by:

• Continuing to support First Nation children through Jordan's Principle by funding access to essential health and social services, products and supports.
• Continuing to work closely with parties and partners to implement the October 2023 Federal Court approved $23.34 billion settlement agreement on compensation for First Nations children and families who were harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program and those impacted by the federal government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle. The Settlement includes nine classes, with the first Claims Period opening on March 10, 2025, for members of the Removed Child Class and the Removed Child Family Class.
• Continuing to advance work with Inuit partners to co-develop a long-term Inuit-specific approach for the delivery of the Inuit Child First Initiative that meets the needs of Inuit children. ISC engaged regularly with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami through the Inuit Child First Initiative Co-Development Steering Committee, including face-to-face and co-chaired meetings to advance a National Framework and regional approaches; in March 2025, a one-year funding extension of $121.7 million through March 31, 2026, was announced.

In 2024–25, the Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism initiative allocated Budget 2024 funding to regional and national Indigenous partners to support initiatives addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems. This funding supported the continuation of Indigenous-led efforts to increase Indigenous representation in health professions and supported the hiring and retention of Indigenous patient advocates, health system navigators, midwives, and birth support workers. It also provided capacity funding to national Indigenous health organizations to advance system-level change and deliver culturally safe care.

In addition, ISC concluded engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to determine allocation methodologies for $190 million in the distinctions-based stream of the Indigenous Health Equity Fund (IHEF) funding, enabling communities to implement a broad range of health priorities. To date, implementation plans reflect initiatives focused on mental wellness, substance use, healthy living, health infrastructure, and e-health. Additionally, 31 projects were funded under the $10 million Targeted Initiatives component of IHEF to support areas such as Indigenous women's health, 2SLGBTQI+ health, and mental wellness. Regional engagement activities with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners are underway to gather feedback and inform the development of new terms and conditions for the program, while efforts continued in Manitoba to establish a long-term approach to sub-regional funding allocations.

In 2024-25, ISC continued to advance self-determination and First Nations' and Inuit control over their own information by supporting First Nation and Inuit-led data collection activities. Specifically, ISC maintained support for the First Nations Information Governance Centre's continued implementation of the First Nations Regional Health Survey ($46.4 million over 10 years, Budget 2019). Additionally, ISC provided ITK and regional partners funding for the continued implementation of the Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey ($82 million over 10 years, Budget 2018). Investments provided in 2024-25 is part of a longer-term approach to build Indigenous health data infrastructure. The department also supported improvements to health data capacities by funding First Nations-led regional data teams and comparable teams within ITK and Métis governments ($27.9 million over 4 years).

Departmental Result 2: Indigenous Peoples are Mentally Well

Results achieved:

In 2024-25, ISC secured $630.2 million over two years to build on the Budget 2021 investments, expanding and enhancing efforts to continue to support Indigenous peoples' access to mental health services. By supporting Indigenous-led, community-driven initiatives that reflect the cultural needs and aspirations of the people that use them, Indigenous leadership and communities are better equipped to address their unique mental health needs and improve mental health outcomes.

ISC continued to work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to maintain existing access to high-quality mental health services and support community well-being. Guided by Indigenous-led frameworks such as the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, Honouring Our Strengths, and the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy, federally funded programming complemented provincial and territorial services. These initiatives focused on reducing barriers and strengthening culturally relevant, community-driven supports by providing:

• Continued funding to support access to mobile, interdisciplinary mental wellness teams that provide culturally grounded services such as crisis response, trauma-informed and land-based care, early intervention and screening, and prevention. These teams contributed towards closing mental wellness gaps by delivering Indigenous-centered, community-based supports and coordinating care with provincial and territorial services.
• Continued funding to support access to wrap-around services at opioid agonist treatment sites, integrating counselling and traditional practices to provide a continuum of culturally based care that addresses underlying or associated issues.
• Continued funding to support access to suicide prevention and life promotion initiatives, along with substance use prevention and treatment. Community-based workers delivered programming tailored to local needs, including cultural activities, youth-specific initiatives, training for frontline workers, and educational workshops on substance use.
• Continued access to trauma-informed clinical mental health counselling and cultural and emotional supports.

Departmental Result 3: Indigenous Peoples have access to quality federally-funded health services

Results achieved:

ISC recognizes that the accessibility of quality federally funded health services is key to achieving physical and mental wellness for Indigenous Peoples. For example, ISC advanced the implementation of the five-year $354 million Budget 2021 investment to strengthen clinical and client care in remote and isolated First Nations communities through the implementation of key commitments under ISC's Nursing Health Human Resource Framework. This includes hybrid and interdisciplinary models of staffing reached through the expansion of ISC's compliment of regulated nurses and paramedic services. The department also supported workforce stability through continued recruitment and retention strategies for nursing and oral health providers.

ISC also advanced work towards improving client access to the Supplementary Health Benefits (also known as the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program) by continuing to engage with partners at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), to identify areas for improvement and make meaningful changes in support of client benefits and services in alignment with government priorities.

The Home and Long-term Care program supports community members of all ages to remain in their community by receiving the care they need in their homes. In 2024-25, ISC supported home and long-term care by:

• Concluding engagement with First Nations and Inuit partners and developing policy options and a costing framework to inform new and more holistic Long-Term and Continuing Care (LTCC) programming that promotes the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples and supports their access to quality health and social services that meet their specific needs.
• Concluding most Métis home and long-term care engagement activities, supporting the expansion of LTCC engagement to include Métis partners and improving understanding of the LTCC needs of Métis individuals and communities across the country. With six of eight engagement summary reports submitted by partners, ISC has begun to review summary reports to gain insights as to what was heard through the Métis-led engagement process. This work was supported through funding from the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, which included $2.8 million specifically for Métis-led engagement efforts.
• Supporting the planning and delivery of First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care (FNIHCC) services by funding 396 Indigenous service delivery operators. ISC collaborated with the AFN to launch a national Community of Practice to strengthen culturally appropriate care, share best practices, and identify opportunities to improve inclusivity and accessibility. The department also led two national knowledge sharing circle events, and updated key program documents. These efforts helped build capacity and advance culturally safe, community-led home care services across Indigenous communities.
• Funding four demonstration projects to advance the First Nation and Inuit Palliative Care Frameworks. These projects enhance access to culturally adapted palliative care services in participating communities and are informing recommendations for broader implementation of community-led, culturally safe end-of-life care models.
• Advancing the development of the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care (FNIHCC) Children's Stream to support pediatric home health needs through Indigenous-led, community-based programming.

In 2024–25, ISC supported improved access to mental and physical wellness services and continuity of care, particularly in remote and isolated communities, through initiatives such as:

• Continued implementation of the five-year Budget 2021 investment of $354 million that supported ongoing hiring of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses to strengthen the clinical workforce in remote and isolated First Nations communities. A Learning Management Services contract was awarded to support training. Broadening the range of health professionals contributed to more stable service delivery and enhanced capacity in communities where programs have been transferred.
• Advanced efforts to strengthen the health workforce by supporting the recruitment and retention of oral health providers and nurses in Indigenous communities. ISC contributed towards the re-establishment of the University of Saskatchewan's Dental Therapy Program, the only one of its kind in Canada. Regions contributed to developing standardized orientation objectives for nurses, and awarded a Learning Management Services contract to support ongoing training and improve nurse retention.
• Supported by $91.3 million in Budget 2024 funding over four years, ISC has advanced initiatives aimed at improving safety for frontline health workers. Consultations with First Nations began to co-develop business continuity plans associated with the availability and consistency of health facility staffing, and regional discussions advanced safety policies on pathogen exposure and home visit protocols. Regional training on patient safety incident analysis was delivered, and nurse safety sessions were completed which helped develop internal resources to train frontline workers in safety and conflict resolution. Additionally, $1.89 million was allocated to address minor repairs identified during nursing station inspections.
• Secured funding through Budget 2024 to enhance safety in all 79 remote and isolated nursing stations by supporting 24/7 on-site security personnel, addressing physical security gaps, and strengthening staff safety training. Work also progressed on developing national security standards for nursing stations
• Supported regional responses to drug shortages in remote and isolated First Nations health facilities, guided by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Action Plan. ISC also actively participated in provincial/territorial Drug Shortage Task Force meetings to help mitigate impacts, ensure medication access, and identify alternative therapies.
• Supported through ISC eHealth funding, the National Indigenous Information Technology Alliance (NIITA) brought together Indigenous IT professionals, industry leaders, and digital health experts for seminars, workshops, and knowledge sharing. Organized by the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (TSAG), NIITA strengthens the skills of First Nations IT professionals, enhancing the delivery of digital healthcare services to remote communities contributing to improved healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.

In 2024-25, ISC continued working with Indigenous partners to transform health systems and advance new and progressive approaches to improve services and support Indigenous Peoples to independently determine and deliver high quality health services by:

• Supporting Health Transformation through a five-year, $104.9 million investment from Budget 2024, ISC allocated funds to six projects including the Manitoba First Nations group, and the Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM), which signed an Agreement in Principle to advance a Framework Agreement and health service transfer for 23 First Nation communities, advancing KIM's progress toward service transfer. The department engaged in ongoing discussions that continue to explore how ISC can support other First Nation-led organizations in taking on greater decision-making and health service delivery responsibilities which will lead to systemic change within First Nations healthcare.
• Continuing to build data capacity for Indigenous communities and increase the collection, access and use of health data, and facilitating transfer through ongoing collaboration between national offices, regions, and Indigenous partners to support culturally relevant eHealth services. Program funding was also distributed to regional and community recipients to sustain existing technological and telehealth tools and services.
• Advancing accreditation in nursing stations to address critical areas of high risk to patient safety including the first ISC nursing station achieving accreditation status and 3 others in process.
• Prioritizing the integration of accreditation standards into policies and practices and advancing culturally safe, high-quality care by promoting healthcare accreditation efforts that are tailored to the unique needs of First Nations and Inuit populations.
• Strengthening high quality health services in Indigenous healthcare systems and increasing capacity in rural and remote Indigenous communities by removing barriers to access tools and training.
• Working with Indigenous partners to advance a national Indigenous community of practice for accreditation and quality improvement.
• Advancing the implementation of the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative by providing $1.5M in ongoing funding to support training and certification for community-based health workers. This included support for Health Directors to achieve Health Managers Certification and funding for a wide range of training programs—from personal support and early childhood education to mental health and administrative skills—helping strengthen Indigenous health care capacity and service quality across communities.

The outcomes of these initiatives, measured against key indicators, are available in the Progress on Results section of the report.

Key Risks

In 2024-25, key health-related uncertainties included:

• The potential for continued disparities in health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples due to ongoing pressures on the health system, such as increased needs for mental health and substance use services and limited access and availability of holistic wraparound services.
• Limited alignment between current program-based service delivery and best practices for integrated, patient-centered health care, which may affect overall service quality and effectiveness.
• Ongoing challenges in maintaining a stable health workforce, particularly in recruitment and retention, given issues related to working conditions, compensation, and available supports.

Despite these uncertainties, meaningful progress was made in advancing departmental commitments. The Mental Wellness Program continued to work with Indigenous partners to strengthen culturally grounded, community-led supports, with an emphasis on distinctions-based mental health strategies and improved access to substance use services such as opioid treatment wraparound care and on-the-land outreach.

To address health workforce challenges, ISC also advanced implementation of a national recruitment and retention strategy for Environmental Public Health Officers (EPHOs). This included targeted efforts to raise awareness of the profession, support Indigenous participation in EPHO training pathways, and create career development opportunities, all of which contribute to improving work conditions and long-term workforce stability. These activities have helped lay the foundation for more responsive and coordinated service delivery moving forward.

Departmental Result 4: Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

Results achieved:

ISC worked in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, provincial and territorial governments, federal departments, and stakeholders to address issues of family violence by providing funding for emergency shelters, transition homes, second-stage housing, and violence prevention programming for Indigenous women, children, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and families. In 2024-25, the department worked to strengthen community safety programs to better meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples and advance an integrated approach to best support children and families by:

• Advancing the redevelopment of the National Funding Formula for the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) to allocate operational funding across shelters, entering the second phase to integrate transitional housing with emergency shelters in urban and northern areas. ISC engaged closely with the National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence and Shelter Directors nationwide, focusing on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis service providers in shelter services.
• Continuing collaboration with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to support the implementation of the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. As of March 2025, 71 projects had been selected by Indigenous and Inuit Steering and Selection Committees, including 37 emergency shelters and 34 transitional homes at various stages of development. ISC engaged with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to provide pre-development funding, start-up costs, and to help identify additional funding partners for capital support. Although some projects have experienced construction delays, the department remains committed to ensuring that projects are advanced in a way that fully supports the goals of the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative.
• Investing $31 million to support the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative which continued to fund Indigenous-designed community safety and well-being projects across Canada. The initiative advanced self-determined approaches by providing funding to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to implement culturally grounded safety and wellness interventions tailored to their unique community needs.

Initiatives in this area contributed to the department's mandate to support the safety and well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families through the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, the delivery of fair and equitable compensation, and the ongoing implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. ISC advanced these commitments in 2024–25 by:

• Continuing to advance long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program by implementing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) orders. In February 2025, Canada, the Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation signed a nine-year, $8.5 billion agreement specific to Ontario, which is pending CHRT approval. ISC also supported the continued implementation of CHRT orders by updating Terms and Conditions of the FNCFS program, issuing financial guidance, and processing claims under the existing funding model.
• Continuing to support the implementation of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders and reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program by improving program delivery through updated service and funding models. This includes a per capita funding approach for prevention services, payment based on actual costs for extended supports to youth transitioning into adulthood, expanded access to First Nations Representative Services to help navigate child and family services, and capital funding to strengthen service delivery.
• Ensuring Indigenous Peoples and treaty rights holders views are being represented in the reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. From July to September 2024, ISC held engagement sessions with the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation to gather perspectives on the proposed Agreement for the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
• Renewing expiring Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to align with the principles of long-term reform, including renewing and updating the SLA in British Columbia. Engagement was also held with Yukon First Nations, Yukon Government, and Canada on the feasibility of a new SLA in Yukon.

In order to advance the safety and well-being of First Nations children, youth, and families, the department monitored the prevention-based supports aimed at keeping families together, the proportion of First Nations children on reserve in care and those who are placed with family members.

ISC continued to work with partners to fully implement the framework of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth and families (the Act), and advance priorities of Indigenous communities to reclaim jurisdiction in areas that matter to them as the department explored ways to transition away from the Indian Act. In 2024-25, ISC supported these mandates by:

• Approving over $282 million through 539 capacity-building funding proposals to 259 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis recipients covering 446 communities for the preparation and exploration of the exercise of jurisdiction through the framework of the Act, and $15 million to support 22 Indigenous governing bodies' participation at coordination agreement discussions under the Act since 2020.
• Supporting the signing of eight new coordination agreements in 2024-2025, bringing a total of 14 signed agreements under the Act by March 31, 2025. As of March 2025, there were 18 active coordination agreement discussion tables, and at least four new tables expected to restart within six months. A total of 16 Indigenous child and family service laws aided by the Act were in force.
• Advancing preparations for the five-year legislative review of the Act by engaging with partners and analyzing feedback. Pre-engagement sessions involving national Indigenous organizations, Indigenous governing bodies and provincial and territorial officials began in December 2024. The intent of the sessions was to seek preliminary feedback on how to engage with groups and which Indigenous governance mechanisms could support the review.
• Engaging Indigenous partners on a distinctions-based long-term funding frameworks to support the exercise of jurisdiction over child and family services. ISC conducted a collaborative engagement initiative in 2024 with 14 Indigenous communities, organizations, and governing bodies to gather feedback on the effectiveness of capacity-building and coordination agreement funding mechanisms. These insights supported ongoing efforts to work on a distinctions-based long-term funding framework. ISC also continued to work with National Indigenous Organizations to begin establishing a sustainable long-term approach to supporting agreements under the Act which considers equity, alignment and litigation risk mitigation, while engaging federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts on ensuring predictability and fiscal discipline related to the implementation of the Act.
• Working with National Indigenous Organizations to strengthen distinctions-based data approaches, including support for Inuit-led efforts. In November 2024, in collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit partners, provinces, territories, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, a co-developed discussion paper on Inuit-specific child welfare data was released.

The Income Assistance program ensures eligible individuals and families residing on reserve and in the Yukon receive funds to cover the basic expenses of daily living and provides pre-employment services designed to help them transition to the workforce. In 2024-25, the department continued to provide support by:

• Securing $927.3 million over five years and $169 million ongoing to improve income supports for low-income individuals and families on reserve. The department amended program Terms and Conditions to implement new disability income supports and updated guidelines to aid implementation beginning in 2025-26. Funding was also delivered to communities to meet urgent essential needs and provide case management and pre-employment supports, while ongoing engagement with First Nations partners informed continued program responsiveness.
• Continuing to work with First Nation communities through the Income Assistance Program to monitor and understand the evolving needs of low-income individuals and families on reserve in response to ongoing inflation and increased cost of living. To better support Income Assistance clients and dependents, ISC worked to develop an interim Special Needs funding model. Special needs funding allows program administrators to provide discretionary supports to address clients' unique challenges or needs, as per the policies and rates of the applicable province or territory in which they reside. The interim approach is for a two-year period beginning in 2024-25, with an aim to develop a longer term solution for 2026-27 and beyond.
• Advancing the development of a new digital system for the Income Assistance program to support timely, evidence-based decision making. The system's core functionality will be released in Spring 2025, and First Nations recipients are expected to gain access in Winter 2025–26, supported by a training strategy currently in development. Once released, the system will enhance data collection and analysis, contributing to improved program delivery.
• Supporting ongoing discussions with interested First Nations to advance the transfer of Income Assistance service delivery through New Fiscal Relationship and Self-Government agreements. The department worked closely with partners in the Maritimes, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), and the Province of Nova Scotia to inform future transfer, including progress on a self-government agreement for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia.
• Supporting capacity-building for First Nations organizations delivering Income Assistance by implementing a national service delivery funding model to ensure consistent and equitable allocations. An interim funding formula was also introduced to help meet provincial comparability standards, with a permanent formula expected in 2026–27. These efforts aim to strengthen program delivery, support future funding decisions, and enhance self-sufficiency and well-being in First Nations communities.

The effectiveness of the Income Assistance program's reach was measured by monitoring the level of income assistance funding provided to First Nations to support community needs and deliver a comparable level of support to Income Assistance programs delivered by the provinces and Yukon.

In 2024-25, ISC worked with key urban Indigenous partners to co-develop an Indigenous-led Performance Framework, under the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples program. This initiative is expected to support improved tracking of program and service delivery by urban Indigenous organizations, help identify service gaps and inform future program decisions that improve socio-economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in urban areas.

The outcomes of these initiatives, measured against key indicators, are available in the Progress on Results section of the report.

Key Risks

In 2024-25, key uncertainties related to children and families included:

• The challenges faced by current community safety programs in adapting to and addressing evolving safety concerns.
• Whether current service delivery models for children and families are helping to close socio-economic gaps.

To address these uncertainties, the department advanced culturally informed and community-led initiatives. A major milestone was the signing of an agreement between the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and Canada to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario mentioned above. This aligns with efforts to strengthen accountability frameworks, improve planning and reporting, and broaden access to prevention services and wraparound supports—including housing, First Nation representatives, and post-majority care.

In parallel, ISC continued to collaborate with National Indigenous Organizations to begin the process of establishing long-term funding frameworks for exercising jurisdiction over child and family services under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. The Deputy Minister also engaged with federal, provincial and territorial Deputy Ministers responsible for social services to discuss their priorities related to the implementation of the Act, including funding.

Departmental Result 5: Indigenous students are progressing in their education

Results achieved:

ISC's approach to First Nations elementary and secondary education reflects Indigenous perspectives on educational success. In 2024–25, the department placed a particular focus on advancing these educational outcomes by:

• Continuing to support 535 First Nation education programs for approximately 83,100 students, 32,200 students attending a provincial or privately administered school, and 1,600 students attending a federally administered school.
• Continuing to work with interested First Nation partners to refine interim regional funding formulas and align them with provincial models, supporting culturally appropriate education programming.
• Collaborating with interested First Nation partners through regional technical tables to identify and assess education funding needs beyond current interim regional funding formula allocations, informing future budget submissions to support the long-term vision of sustained and improved education outcomes.
• Continuing to deliver the First Nations and Inuit Cultural Centres, Innovation in Education, and Research and Learning sub-programs, supporting culturally relevant education and First Nations control of First Nations education. These efforts contribute to closing the education attainment gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous students. The High-Cost Special Education review has been delayed due to external factors and competing priorities. First Nations partners continue to signal interest in finalizing the review, and ISC remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to advance and complete the review.
• Continuing to provide funding for adult education through the Budget 2021 announcement of $350 million over five years to First Nations on reserve and status First Nations in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. This provides implementation and enrolment-based funding, addresses long-standing gaps in access to secondary-level education and supports self-determination and community success. Engagement with First Nation partners continue to inform program vision, best practices, and future planning.
• Expanding access to school food programming through the Budget 2021 announcement for $38 million over five years for First Nation students on reserve. This positively impacts students' health and learning capacity to support them reach their full potential in the classroom, leading to improved educational outcomes.

ISC also continued efforts to enhance access to funding supports for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students through implementation of the distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies.

Additionally, in 2024-25, ISC continued implementation of the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy, that supports First Nations and Inuit youth in developing the skills, experience, and opportunities needed to pursue employment or return to school. ISC collaborated with Employment and Social Development Canada and other federal departments that lead program streams of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to support continuous improvement in program delivery, such as through bilateral and working group sessions to share best practices and enhance program coordination.

ISC also continued to work closely with Indigenous partners to:

• Propose updates to the distinctions-based Post-Secondary Education Strategy and First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Terms and Conditions to increase flexibility for eligible participants and expenses, to optimize program delivery at the community level.
• Advance the development of long-term First Nations Post-Secondary Education regional models by continuing to receive reports from First Nations which will inform future policy development and corresponding updates to Terms and Conditions.

Post-secondary education performance indicators in 2024-25, measured the number of funded First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation students who graduated with a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate and the number of First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation post-secondary students who received funding. These indicators demonstrate ISC contribution to post-secondary student success and the impacts labor force participation.

Elementary and secondary and post-secondary education indicators, measured against key performance indicators, are available in the Progress on Results section of the report.

Key Risks

In 2024–25, key uncertainties related to education included:

• The ability of the department to maintain the co-developed, provincially comparable elementary and secondary education funding on reserve and keep pace with actual costs in post-secondary education, due to rising and increased provincial investments in education.
• The ability of the department to conclude Regional Education Agreements and efforts to close education gaps due to lack of incremental funding.
• The use of non-Indigenous measures of educational attainment may not be reflective of the realities of Indigenous students and their perspectives on educational success.

To address these uncertainties, the department made progress on key initiatives supporting First Nations control of elementary and secondary education, as well as supporting the principle of distinctions-based Indigenous control of post-secondary education. More specifically, funding provided through the Education Partnerships Program contributed to continued development of REAs. The department also secured a one-year extension of the British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement, until June 2026 with renewal discussions underway.

Simultaneously, ISC launched a review of its education Data Collection Instruments with Indigenous partners to ensure future measures reflect culturally grounded perspectives on success.

Departmental Result 6: Indigenous communities have sustainable land management and Infrastructure

Results achieved:

The Community Infrastructure Program supports reliable and sustainable on-reserve infrastructure, such as housing, education facilities, health infrastructure, water and wastewater, and other community infrastructure. ISC continued to provide First Nations with flexibility to shift their procurement and construction plans if unforeseen events arose (i.e. supply chain issues or climate change challenges). Environmental programs worked closely alongside each other to mitigate infrastructure projects' environmental impacts.

Housing

• Planned Spending in 2024-25: $744,397,539
• Actual spending in 2024-25: $1,268,340,741^{Footnote *}

Access to adequate housing is essential to community health and well-being. ISC assessed housing needs on reserves by measuring the percentage of First Nation households living in a dwelling that contains more than one person per room, as well as the percentage of First Nations housing that is adequate as assessed and reported by First Nations. Investments in on-reserve housing not only address these needs, but also stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and increasing revenue for businesses and governments. In 2024-25, ISC supported First Nations to manage, operate and maintain on reserve housing and related infrastructure by:

• Supporting on-reserve housing needs in collaboration with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to advance new builds, renovations, and lot servicing in First Nations communities. This work included 619 completed projects, 1,040 new homes, 3,117 renovations and upgrades, 745 serviced or acquired lots, and 3,299 ongoing projects.
• Providing targeted Budget 2022 funding to recruit and retain qualified housing managers, to support the First Nations priority of strengthening on-reserve housing management, while enhancing local capacity and improving the administration of housing programs.
• Allocating $12.1 million through Budget 2022 over five years to support the establishment of a national network of Indigenous housing financial organizations. This initiative aims to strengthen financial capacity and borrowing readiness in First Nations communities under a unified housing authority model.
• Supporting First Nations housing development and the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative by supporting the acquisition and servicing of 4,700 lots (2,331 completed, 2,369 in progress) and 85 subdivision projects (20 completed, 65 underway) to prepare land and connect lots to essential utilities. Following extensive engagement with First Nation partners, a draft 10-Year First Nations National Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy was co-developed, which promotes sustainable housing aligned with community priorities and regional differences, working towards a phased transition based on capacity and readiness.

Education Facilities

• Planned Spending in 2024-25: $145,834,239
• Actual spending in 2024-25: $259,775,575

Quality educational facilities are an important factor to academic success and are a component of reliable and sustainable infrastructure in First Nations communities. Investments in education facilities include new construction as well as additions, renovations and major repairs to existing schools in First Nations communities.

In 2024-25, ISC invested in education facilities by:

• Completing 29 school facility projects, including 8 new schools, and renovations or upgrades to 8 existing schools, that contribute to the expansion and improvement of education infrastructure in First Nations communities. Examples include Awacak okiskinohamatowikamikowaw Elementary School in Atikamekw of Manawan First Nation, the Kingfisher Lake Education Centre, a K4 to grade 10 school located in Kingfisher Lake First Nation in northern Ontario, a new kindergarten to Grade 6 school in Ebb and Flow First Nation, Manitoba, and an extension to the Sheshatshiu Innu School in Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, Labrador that included two new wings for new classrooms and cultural spaces.
• Allocating Budget 2024 investments of $471 million committed over three years to build and renovate K–12 schools that focused on health and safety risks, overcrowding, and time-sensitive needs.
• Working with Indigenous partners to update the Education Facilities policy suite. Interim changes to the national point-based system used to prioritize First Nations education infrastructure projects came into effect in December 2024. Co-development progressed on framework updates that aim to help address the infrastructure gap and improve access to quality education facilities for First Nations students on reserve.

Health Facilities

• Planned Spending in 2024-25: $324,771,003
• Actual spending in 2024-25: $505,618,244

In 2024–25, ISC continued to enhance the delivery of community-based health services by funding planning, construction, renovation, and repairs of health infrastructure. During this period, ISC supported the advancement of health infrastructure projects by:

• Investing $93.6 million to advance health infrastructure priorities, including 285 completed projects and 174 ongoing. Budget 2024 committed $241.7 million over three years to support urgent repairs, renovations, and approved capital projects, such as the Virtual Health Hub led by the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and maintenance and redevelopment work by the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA). An additional $1.09 billion was also committed to supporting the WAHA Hospital Redevelopment project.
• Completed the final year of implementation of the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, which supported construction-ready health infrastructure projects starting in 2021-22 over four years through a $233.4 million investment. The department also completed a two-year, $3.6 million initiative which started in 2022-23, to improve infrastructure for midwifery services, as part of broader efforts to address anti-Indigenous racism and expand access to culturally safe health care.
• Committing $82 million towards the construction of the Mercury Care Home in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (ANA), also known as Grassy Narrows, which launched in early spring 2025 with a ground breaking ceremony on March 5, 2025. Construction of the project is expected to last between 24 to 36 months.

The department measured the proportion of health facilities with a condition rating of "good" or "new" to help assess the degree to which First Nations have reliable, sustainable, and community-led infrastructure.

Other Community Infrastructure and Activities

• Planned Spending in 2024-25: $2,567,610,136
• Actual spending in 2024-25: $2,453,120,241

The Other Community Infrastructure and Activities sub-program improves the quality of life and environment for First Nations communities by supporting the development of on-reserve energy systems, connectivity, fire protection, roads and bridges, structural mitigation, cultural and recreational facilities, band administrative buildings, as well as community capacity for planning and skills development, asset management, and transfer of services.

In 2024-25, ISC supported other community infrastructure projects by:

• Investing $1.73 billion in targeted funds to build, upgrade, and maintain critical enabling infrastructure. In 2024-25, 131 other community infrastructure projects were completed with 930 in progress.
• Supporting First Nation communities, band councils, tribal councils and Indigenous organizations to build, renovate and maintain sustainable other community infrastructure, through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, including:
  • The completion of 15 structural mitigation projects located in Atlantic, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Yukon regions;
  • The completion of 17 energy systems projects located in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Saskatchewan regions;
  • The completion of six connectivity projects located in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario regions;
  • The completion of 43 fire protection projects located in Alberta, Atlantic, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon regions;
  • The completion of 28 road and bridge projects located in Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan regions;
  • The completion of eight culture and recreation projects located in Atlantic, Manitoba, and Quebec regions; and,
  • The completion of three band administrative buildings projects located in Atlantic, Manitoba and Yukon regions.
• Using combined funding of $423 million from Budgets 2017 and 2022, the Lubicon Lake Band and Community Buildout continued the implementation of the Settlement Agreement. Construction continued on 21 kilometres of water, wastewater, and road infrastructure. Work also began on a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 school facility. The design has been completed for 25 teacher accommodation units (residences provided by schools, particularly in remote or isolated areas, to house teachers providing accommodation for educators who might not otherwise have local housing options, promoting teacher retention), and for a new 820-square-metre, 2-bay fire hall.
• Supporting 18 active transfer tables with First Nations organizations through the gradual transfer of housing and infrastructure services, including 4 signed framework agreements outlining the process towards transferring control over self-determined services.
• Integrating environmental review into infrastructure planning, e.g., by developing regional guides to support First Nations in building climate-resilient infrastructure and revising service delivery policies to align with climate adaptation, sustainability, and regulatory priorities.

Water & Wastewater

• Planned Spending in 2024-25: $518,905,415
• Actual spending in 2024-25: $1,171,537,628

The provision of safe drinking water for First Nations on reserves is a shared responsibility among First Nations communities and the Government of Canada. While First Nations design, construct and operate their water and wastewater facilities, the department provides advice and financial support to First Nation communities for their public water and wastewater systems and ensures that drinking water quality monitoring programs are in place. The variance between planned and actual spending reflects additional funding announced after the Main Estimates were established. Investments of $1.55 billion over 2 years were announced in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement to help ensure access to safe drinking water and treated wastewater in First Nations communities.

ISC advanced on the commitment to eliminate all remaining long-term drinking water advisories on reserve and ensuring long-term investments and resources are in place to prevent new ones by:

• Supporting the planning, procurement, construction, and commissioning of water and wastewater capital projects for new builds, systems repairs, and upgrades. In 2024-25, funding was directed towards:
  • The completion of 133 projects, including 11 new water and wastewater treatments plants.
  • Investing $718.1 million through the First Nation Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program.
  • The Atlantic First Nation Water Authority (AFNWA) serving its 12 member First Nation communities with self-determined services managing water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure, advancing several projects in 2024-25 involving modernization of infrastructure, protecting community health and environment, improving water service reliability and operational efficiency, and taking steps toward safe and sustainable long-term service.
  • Supporting First Nations to lift 3 long-term drinking water advisories from public systems on reserve, bringing the total lifted to 147 since 2015. An additional 26 short-term drinking water advisories were lifted, preventing these from becoming long-term.
  • Supporting communities in meeting environmental objectives (including compliance with Environment and Climate Change Canada's Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, meeting Canadian Drinking Water Quality guidelines, increased support for wastewater projects, and supporting the Green Bond initiative). In, 2024-2025, the Department met its target of having 97% of public water systems on reserves meeting Canadian Drinking Water Quality guidelines by March 2026.
  • Continuing to provide over $240 million in ongoing annual funding to strengthen operations and maintenance support for water and wastewater infrastructure on reserves, contributing to the development and retention of a qualified workforce to ensure safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment in communities.
  • Continuing to support Bill C-61, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act, through the parliamentary process, including its amendment by the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs and return to the House of Commons for Third Reading. Although progress was made, the Bill died on the Order Paper following the prorogation of Parliament in January 2025.

ISC measured whether First Nations communities have reliable and sustainable infrastructure by identifying the percentage of water and wastewater systems with low-risk ratings. An increase in the percentage of low-risk water and wastewater systems is indicative of an overall improvement in reliable and sustainable water infrastructure.

In 2024-25, ISC supported First Nations to reassert jurisdiction in areas that matter to them by continuing to assist First Nations in sustainably managing their land and environment to minimize the impacts of and reduce the number of First Nation communities affected by climate change and other environmental issues. This also included efforts to clean up contaminated lands and make them available for community or economic development, by:

• Providing funding and support to First Nations for assessment activities at 67 sites and remediation activities at 97 sites, resulting in the closure of 148 sites; supporting the renewal of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) for Phase V (2025–2030), led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, through which ISC will access $264.7 million over five years starting in 2025–2026; and, implementing the Management Response Action Plan for the Contaminated Sites on Reserve (CSOR) Program, including a human resources assessment, an Indigenous capacity assessment, revisions to the performance measurement framework, and a review of funding mechanisms.
• Expanding solid waste management systems on reserves through the First Nations Waste Management Initiative, supported by a Budget 2017 commitment of $540.1 million over seven years. In total, 89 new solid waste projects were launched, and 94 solid waste projects were completed, supporting improved environmental sustainability and community well-being.
• Committing $64.9 million to waste management, allocating $8.3 million to 27 projects focused on education, training, and capacity development. This funding supported the creation of 45 jobs within First Nations communities and supported the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group Society of B.C. to train 132 individuals from 65 First Nations on solid waste management programs.
• Advancing ISC's climate risk management efforts by initiating a departmental process to identify and prioritize climate-related risks across programs and sectors. ISC conducted in-depth analysis on key issues, such as climate-driven loss of Indigenous lands, and strengthened ISC's participation in broader federal climate initiatives through senior-level committees on impact assessment, climate policy, and regulatory efficiency.
• Continued to support First Nations in addressing the legacy of former Residential School buildings and sites through engagement with Williams Lake First Nation on plans to rehabilitate a 14-acre site, with a focus on ensuring the area is safe for survivors and families to visit.

ISC continued supporting First Nations in the sustainable development and management of their reserve lands and environment through lands development, administration and addition to reserves. Key activities included:

• The implementation of Budget 2023 investments in the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP) by welcoming 20 new entrants, engaging with service delivery partners such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) and Regional Lands Associations, and continuing collaborative work to revise the program manual. These updates aim to improve clarity and guidance for participants and partners, responding to findings from the 2023 Audit of Land Management.
• Supporting six First Nations to reclaim jurisdiction over their reserve lands through the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management by enacting community approved land codes, bringing the total number of First Nations managing their reserve lands outside of the Indian Act to 118. A further six First Nations became signatories to the Framework Agreement, bringing the total number of signatories to 217.
• Modernizing key land management systems such as the National Additions to Reserve (ATR) Tracking System to reduce administrative barriers and reflect interim policy changes approved in December 2024. These improvements aim to streamline the ATR process and strengthen communication between ISC and First Nations.
• Collaborating with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), NALMA, and other partners to advance interim updates to the Additions to Reserve (ATR) Policy and support broader policy redesign through the Technical Advisory Committee. ISC provided technical support to over 30 First Nations to advance ATR proposals and funded four Indigenous organizations to deliver ATR training and services. These efforts help First Nations secure lands to support community development and expand economic opportunities, particularly in smaller, strategically located areas.
• Continued co-developing modernized policies for Indian Act land administration, including draft policy on permitting. The department finalized procedures for land designations and, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, harmonized key policies—such as designations, timber permits, licenses, and environmental provisions—with the Quebec Civil Code. Updates to the designation, leasing on designated lands, environment, and non-metallic minerals policies were completed and the policies were formatted for online publication.
• Registering 9515 First Nation land instruments to establish clear legal records of interests affecting reserve lands, aligning with ISC's broader governance and sustainable land management objectives.

The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) assists First Nation communities in accessing services and funding using: preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. The advancement of governance and service delivery for First Nation emergency preparedness supports First Nation-led processes to transition away from the Indian Act.

In 2024-25, ISC continued to work with First Nations and provincial and territorial government partners to strengthen the governance and service delivery for First Nation emergency preparedness, management and recovery by:

• Strengthening the emergency preparedness and responsiveness capacities of First Nation communities while supporting them and their organizations in taking ownership of service development and implementation. ISC provided communities with wildland firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment for fire protection, wildfire training, and vegetation management projects in priority zones. The department provided support for over 290 Emergency Management Coordinators positions to expand First Nation communities' capacity to prepare and respond to emergency events in a culturally relevant way.
• Collaborating with First Nations and provincial and territorial governments to advance multilateral emergency management service agreements tailored to local priorities and needs. Draft Terms of Reference were developed or completed in British Columbia, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces, with draft agreements progressing in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. A multilateral technical working group was established in Ontario, and similar efforts are underway in Saskatchewan and Alberta. These actions support greater First Nation leadership in emergency management and align with departmental commitments to service transfer.
• Establishing a co-chaired First Nations Advisory Committee with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to guide EMAP policy reform and ensure that First Nations' voices remain central in emergency management. The Committee met three times throughout the year to provide insights and recommendations on key issues such as financial reimbursement and support for Emergency Management Coordinators. ISC also maintained regular engagement with stakeholders, including presenting to the Chiefs Committee on Emergency Management in December 2024.
• Strengthening emergency management capacity in First Nations communities by funding 105 new Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) positions, bringing the total number of supported EMCs to over 290 nationwide. This marks a key step in building local capacity and enhancing community-led emergency preparedness and response.
• Continuing to implement the Detailed Action Plan in response to the 2022 Auditor General's Report on emergency management in First Nation communities. The department remained on track or completed all scheduled actions, including: developing a revised risk-based approach and highest-risk list in collaboration with First Nations; advancing multilateral service agreements; supporting Emergency Management Coordinator positions; updating departmental emergency plans and performance indicators; and releasing interim service standards and after-action report guidelines to promote culturally appropriate emergency services.

The outcomes of these initiatives, measured against key indicators, are available in the Progress on Results section of the report.

Key Risks

In 2024–25, key uncertainties related to infrastructure and environments included:

• The impact of inflation and global supply and labour shortages on project timelines and costs.
• The impact that the condition and capacity of current infrastructure has on progress towards closing the infrastructure gap and meeting community needs.

To address these uncertainties, Indigenous Services Canada took deliberate steps to mitigate the impacts of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages.

In line with its commitment to flexibility and responsiveness, the department updated the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program's Program Control Framework in 2023-2024 by raising the threshold for mandatory National Technical Review Committee assessments from $15M to $30M. This change strengthens oversight while supporting more adaptive project planning.

Additionally, ISC began developing new tendering thresholds that reflect rising capital costs. These efforts aim to ensure that Indigenous partners can adjust plans and carry forward funding when needed, fostering resilient and efficient infrastructure delivery.

Over the past fiscal year, the department advanced efforts to ensure that Indigenous communities are supported when developing adequate, reliable, and sustainable housing, education, and health infrastructure. Ongoing activities included the integration of climate resiliency into infrastructure planning via the Climate Toolkit and the updating of Preparedness Program Streams' allocation formulas to better reflect climate and emergency risks.

Departmental Result 7: Indigenous communities are progressing in their business and economic growth

Results achieved:

Community economic development provides support and funding to assist communities in planning for economic opportunities that reflect Indigenous ways of being and knowing. In 2024-25, ISC worked to ensure that business support programs were as inclusive as possible by:

• Supporting ongoing Indigenous-led policy development, including policy submissions for consideration in Economic Reconciliation-related activities, with the objective of responding to and supporting Indigenous self-determined economic priorities. ISC delivered $129.5 million in economic development programming and enhancing program delivery through updated frameworks and tools. A new program was launched in collaboration with key partners to build Indigenous capacity, with tailored support provided to Nunavut partners. ISC also advanced research on Métis Nation businesses and identified gaps in program access to better align future initiatives with Indigenous economic development priorities.
• Strengthening the Indigenous Business Directory by adding new eligible businesses and removing ineligible ones through enhanced verification processes. In 2024-25, ISC administered over 2,900 businesses, and improved procurement planning and data collection across 96 federal organizations. These measures enabled meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners and advanced Indigenous supplier participation in federal procurement, resulting in the department exceeding the federal 5% Indigenous procurement target (13.81% in 2024–25),addressing service gaps, and supporting more transparent and focused procurement processes.
• Supporting the co-development of a Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy (TIPS) by holding over 50 engagement sessions with Indigenous partners. Feedback received was used to inform discussions at five co-development table meetings.
• Protecting the integrity of the Indigenous Business Directory, by completing over 20 compliance audits of Indigenous businesses registered on the Directory and continuing its ongoing reverification exercise.
• Allocating $1.125 million in funding to support projects enabling Inuit firms to compete for government contracts in the Nunavut Settlement Area. By year-end, funded projects were underway, with recipients receiving guidance from ISC. The department also engaged with Inuit organizations to identify potential future initiatives.
• Enabling Indigenous participation in complex economic development opportunities through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative's (SPI) 19 initiatives and 8 projects which leveraged $2.34 from other sources for every $1 invested by the program. In 2024-25, SPI secured $36M over three years by renewing Budget 2021 Clean Energy funding to continue supporting regionally developed Indigenous clean energy initiatives. SPI also provided $2.5M in support for the Indigenous tourism industry through the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
• Helping Indigenous communities, businesses, and organizations navigate the wide range of federal programs and services through the Indigenous Business Navigator. The service provided assistance to 389 requestors, providing tailored guidance to identify the most suitable funding opportunities, advisory supports, and business development resources. By improving access to these tools, the Navigator services contributes to closing the economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians by fostering greater participation in the economy.
• Implementing community economic development funding of $34 million from Budget 2022 for First Nation and Inuit communities South of 60, with Regions and headquarters jointly delivering programs. The first intake of nationally assessed project proposals for 2025–26 was completed, and funding was transferred to Regions for regionally administered programming.

ISC continued to enhance existing economic programs and policies and worked with Indigenous partners to develop options for a future state where these initiatives/programs align with the rights and principles of the United Nations Declaration Act by:

• Introducing regulatory amendments to the Indian Referendum Regulations to remove outdated definitions, clarify administrative roles, and improve clarity for both voters and ISC officials during key community votes.
• Advancing Indigenous economic interests internationally by advocating for Indigenous inclusion in tariff policies, supporting participation in key trade forums such as the 2024 Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) Partnership Council meeting in Peru and the 2024 Indigenous Trade Symposium hosted by the Office of the Chief Economist, and fostering capacity-building for Indigenous financial institutions. These efforts strengthened Indigenous self-determination and built collaborative partnerships to enhance economic opportunities on the global stage.
• Supporting increased access to economic development programs through a $350 million Budget 2024 investment over five years for Indigenous Financial Institutions, including $30 million for Métis Capital Corporations, to advance the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program and Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Program. This funding was advanced through a 10-year agreement with Indigenous program delivery partners, which was the first time a partner has been issued an agreement of that length under an economic development program at ISC.
• Strengthening partnerships with the Indian Resource Council, First Nations, and provincial governments while advancing Phase 2 of the Indian Oil and Gas Regulations, supporting First Nations' assertion of jurisdiction. A key milestone was the successful completion of the first-ever First Nation-initiated audit. Progress was also made on the co-development of regulatory amendments and the advancement of the remediation and reclamation of orphaned and inactive well sites, supporting environmental stewardship, economic opportunities and future land use planning for First Nations.

The outcomes of these initiatives, measured against key indicators, are available in the Progress on Results section of the report.

Key Risks

In 2024–25, key uncertainties related to economic development included:

• Whether existing outcomes and success measures for community economic development and Indigenous business reflect Indigenous perspectives on self-determination.
• If the registration process for the Indigenous Business Directory hinders broad and inclusive participation by businesses and communities.
• The impact of ongoing systemic and structural challenges on the growth, diversity, and inclusion of Indigenous businesses in funding opportunities.

To address these uncertainties, key efforts focused on aligning success measures with Indigenous perspectives, encouraging registration in the Indigenous Business Directory, and actively reducing barriers to enhance participation and support for a more diverse range of Indigenous businesses. At the same time, ISC improved Indigenous-informed and co-developed activities which were created to help businesses prepare for directory registration and increased economic participation.

Under the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program, Access to Business Opportunities stream, ISC continued to refine its selection processes and internal tools, including the launch of a new score sheet and the formation of dedicated working groups. These efforts aim to improve service delivery to a more diverse recipient base, especially in rural, remote, and Northern communities. To bolster its operational base, the program enhanced management controls, expanded regional collaboration, and developed adaptive research capabilities.

Departmental Result 8: Indigenous communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination

Results achieved:

In 2024–25, ISC worked to support the transfer of responsibilities, governance capacity and self-determination through the maintenance of core governance operations and service delivery by:

• Continuing technical engagements with Indigenous partners through the Governance Modernization Working Group. The department engaged with expert Indigenous organizations to develop options for new approaches to supporting the full spectrum of governance responsibilities held by First Nations governments. These technical discussions and research activities continued with First Nations partners, including the Assembly of First Nations, AFOA (Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Canada), and the First Nations Financial Management Board.
• Supporting 22 First Nations communities in implementing their community development priorities by providing holistic wrap-around supports and community development mentorship through the Community Development Wrap-Around Initiative. Collectively, these communities have seen the creation of over 230 in-community jobs, the establishment of more than 140 partnerships with federal, provincial, and private sector programs and organizations, and the leveraging of $143 million in partner funding to support community development projects. Regional Tables were established with partners to address barriers identified by communities, and discussions were held with partner programs about future participation in National Tables to explore opportunities for program alignment and modernization.

In 2024-25, ISC worked to make it easier for registered First Nations individuals to access the benefits, rights, programs and services to which they are entitled by:

• Processing 128,356 Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) applications, working towards achieving the goal of 80% of registered First Nation population with a valid SCIS card. The SCIS supports access to services by providing proof of registration and also serves as official government issued identification for individuals who may not have other common ID.
• Continuing to expand the Digital Application Solution (DAS) for SCIS intake, now in use across all regions, with a total of 41,046 applications processed in 16 Regional offices in 2024–25. The system is progressing toward broader public access. ISC also expanded Trusted Source Partnerships to 34 partners in 58 locations, increasing support and accessibility for individuals applying for registration and SCIS cards.
• Continuing to support the development of a new treaty payment system to improve service delivery. While some work on the system continues, it has been implemented for use in regional treaty payment events through Summer 2025. Work continues on the development of a mobile treaty payment option to further enhance access for eligible annuitants.
• Holding 297 in-community treaty payment events and 14 urban payment events, disbursing a total of 127,058 individual annuity payments which totaled $3,199,958.
• Supporting eligible First Nations to take on greater control of Trust Moneys and provide options to First Nations to adopt alternatives to or within sections 64, 66 and 69 of the Indian Act and advancing the repatriation of funds to individuals through the Minor Accounts Payment Initiative, with $2.07M paid to 555 individuals in 2024-25.
• Launching a national callout and distributed $4.7 million to 46 eligible proposals focused on Indigenous-led estates administration. This work supports long-term pathways for increased community control and the potential transition away from the Indian Act.

The flexibility of the New Fiscal Relationship Grant enhances First Nation communities' ability to control the design, delivery and management of services. Investments in capacity building initiatives support and advance self-determination and help Indigenous communities reclaim autonomy in areas that matter to them. In 2024–25, ISC continued this work by:

• Achieving strong progress in expanding eligibility in the New Fiscal Relationship (NFR) Grant to First Nations-led service delivery entities, as well as receiving 99 expressions of interest for the Grant from 59 First Nations and 40 First Nations-led service delivery entities for entry in 2025–26. Following eligibility reviews supported by the First Nations Financial Management Board, 33 new recipients, including 14 First Nations, 16 Tribal Councils, 2 health authorities and 1 education authority qualified for the Grant, which provides flexible, predictable funding that supports self-determination.
• Advancing oversight of the NFR Grant by conducting annual implementation meetings with recipients, reviewing annual financial performance assessments conducted by the First Nations Financial Management Board, and preparing the annual risk monitoring report. These efforts contributed to identifying opportunities to close capacity gaps and strengthen the Grant's effectiveness, while the NFR Grant evaluation progressed toward completion in Fall 2025.
• Collaborating with key partners, including the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Financial Management Board, and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA), to co-develop policy proposals to strengthen the New Fiscal Relationship. This included advancing options to repeal the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, completing five years of engagement on a National Outcome-Based Framework, and defining principles of mutual accountability to support sufficient, flexible, and predictable funding for First Nations governments.
• Adapting the National Outcome-Based Framework, informed by five years of engagement and partner collaboration, into a set of adaptable resources. The resulting resources are intended to support First Nations governments in leading their own outcome-based reporting. This aligns with broader Indigenous Data Sovereignty efforts, including work led by the First Nation Information Governance Centre under the Transformational Approach to Indigenous Data.

ISC supports First Nation-led processes to transition away from the Indian Act, which is measured by the percentage of First Nations adopting alternatives to the Indian Act election system. In 2024–25, ISC's work included:

• Supporting First Nations in advancing electoral self-determination by completing and implementing 7 electoral system conversions, 3 under the Custom system and 4 under the First Nations Elections Act. ISC also completed 7 Custom Code reviews and approved 1 new conversion request and 1 electoral system request for implementation in 2025-26.
• Increasing the number of qualified electoral officers by delivering training and certification to 25 electoral officers during a session held in April 2025.

In 2024-25, ISC supported First Nation, Inuit and Métis Data Sovereignty and data capacity needs through the innovative Transformational Approach to Indigenous Data initiative by:

• Completing Stage 1 of the engagement on ISC's upcoming Policy on External Data Sharing, which will inform both the final policy and a What We Heard Report.
• Ensuring the timely delivery of $23.4 million in funding to eight Indigenous Delivery Partners, supporting service delivery and strengthening collaborative partnerships. This commitment also contributed to effective program implementation and supported Indigenous-led approaches.
• Advancing the co-development of distinctions-based proposals for Indigenous-led statistical institutions and/or functions by holding two Governance and Collaboration Committee meetings under the Memorandum of Collaboration with the First Nations Information Governance Centre as well as regular meetings with Inuit and Métis partners.
• The First Nations Information Governance Centre is on-track to deliver a blueprint for the implementation of the First Nations Data Governance Strategy by March 2026. Inuit and Métis partners remain on track to complete their respective data strategies by March 2026.
• Providing funding to Statistics Canada to co-develop 23 projects with Indigenous partners, deliver 53 training sessions to 1018 participants, and complete 16 new data collection initiatives to support the development of Indigenous-led statistical capacity.

The outcomes of these initiatives, measured against key indicators, are available in the Progress on Results section of the report.

Key Risks

In 2024–25, key uncertainties related to governance included:

• Availability of predictable, sufficient, and flexible funding to support Indigenous governance and capacity.

To address this uncertainty, efforts to advance the transfer of responsibilities and strengthen governance capacity continued. The First Nations Financial Management Board continued to provide support through the New Fiscal Relationship Grant, Default Prevention, and Shared Services projects. Additionally, ISC worked with Indigenous technical experts to explore options for advancing the reform of governance program funding.