THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

Real projects are making a difference in Indigenous communities across our region.
Here are just a few examples.

Photo courtesy of Fred Cattroll Odawa Native Friendship Centre

Funds raised in the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall support local projects that promote healing, education, culture, and community building.

These projects are brought forward by local Indigenous groups and funded through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund.

20

Projects funded

4

Key areas of impact

IRF-About-Logo

Local Indigenous-led projects

Several projects received expanded support

Healing and Reconciliation for Communities and Families

Supporting initiatives that foster healing, well-being and stronger families and communities.

Mishdatim (Horse) Equine Assisted Learning

Impact Page - Madahoki Farm Grey Jay
Photo courtesy of Mādahòkì Farm

Mādahòkì Farm

This Indigenous-led program at Madahòkì Farm uses Equine Assisted Learning to support healing, confidence, and connection through Indigenous teachings and the sacred Ojibwe Spirit Horses.

Participants work alongside the horses in a culturally grounded environment rooted in storytelling, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and connection to the land.

Guided activities and talking circles create space for reflection, relationship-building, wellness, and personal growth.

Indigenous Children and Youth Pow Wow

Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition

A vibrant gathering that celebrates culture, identity, and community through shared experience.

Healing and Reconciliation Projects

Akwesasne Prayer Circle | Minwaashin Lodge | Isaruit Inuit Arts

Supports memorials, cultural programming, and community gatherings that honour survivors
and strengthen community bonds.

Culture and Language Revitalization

Supporting the renewal and transmission of Indigenous language, culture and identity.

Reconciliation Through Art

Impact Page - Reconciliation Through Art 2
Photo courtesy of Reconciliation Through Art

Métis Artist Collective

This initiative brings people together through Indigenous art, storytelling, and cultural expression, with a special emphasis on Métis artists and teachings.

Métis artists share their work, traditions, and the stories behind their creations through exhibitions, workshops and public events.

Educators, dancers, musicians, and storytellers also offer presentations and teachings that invite participants to learn more about Indigenous history, culture, and Métis traditions.

Traditional Craft and Cultural Workshops

Minwaashin Lodge | Isaruit Inuit Arts

Supports hands-on learning in traditional skills, helping to pass knowledge from one generation to the next.

Community Cultural Gatherings

Kateri Native Ministry | Akwesasne Prayer Circle

Creates opportunities for Indigenous communities to celebrate identity, reconnect with traditions, and share their culture.

Language Workshops

Kateri Native Ministry | Akwesasne Prayer Circle

Supports Indigenous-led language teaching and cultural transmission within the community.

Education and Community Building

Supporting opportunities for learning, encounter and shared experience across communities.

Akwesasne Education Initiatives

AMBE 1

Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education

This project supports traditional Mohawk singing, hoop dancing, regalia creation, and cultural performances across all three AMBE schools.

Through monthly cultural activities, students deepen their connection to language, tradition, music, and community while preparing for two major cultural gatherings each spring.

Local knowledge keepers, artists, and performers help guide the program, ensuring these traditions continue to be shared with future generations.

Student Exchange Program

Notre-Dame High School & Deh Gáh Secondary School

Brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous students together for shared learning and relationship-building.

Floor Map Project

Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario

This interactive learning project helps students explore Indigenous history, culture and treaty relationships through large-scale floor maps and guided teachings.

Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture

Creating opportunities for dialogue, reflection and shared spiritual experience rooted in Indigenous traditions.

Indigenous-Led Retreats

Impact Page - Kateri Native Ministry
Photo courtesy of Kateri Native Ministry

Kateri Native Ministry

Kendaasawin — “How We Learn” — invites participants to explore Indigenous and Christian traditions through dialogue, reflection and shared learning.

Guided by Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers and Elders, the program encourages participants to reflect on identity, connection, purpose and hope.

Sessions are adapted for schools, parishes, Indigenous communities and other groups seeking greater understanding and relationship-building.

The program creates space for learning, healing and deeper cultural and spiritual awareness.

Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Offers a shared spiritual experience grounded in Indigenous Catholic identity.

Indigenous-Inspired Murals

A visible expression of culture and faith within parish life.

Be Part of What Comes Next

More projects are ready to move forward.

Your support makes them possible.

Interested in applying for a grant?

Learn more about the application process and how to get started.