Closed: Innovation in Education Program
This program supported innovative programs and projects, which aim to improve outcomes for First Nations communities, schools and students.
Closed
As part of the Government of Canada's Comprehensive Expenditure Review, and of ISC's ongoing reorganization to better serve Indigenous Peoples, the department has made efforts to better align resources with priorities. As a result, funding will no longer be provided under the Research and Learning Program or the Innovation in Education Program as of April 1, 2026.
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About the program
The Innovation in Education program supported the Government of Canada's commitment to working collaboratively with First Nations to ensure that all First Nations students receive a culturally-responsive, high-quality education that improves student outcomes, while respecting the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education.
The objective of the Innovation in Education Program was to support innovative programs and projects that aim to improve outcomes for:
- communities
- schools
- students
Guidelines for this program were initially developed in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the National Indian Education Council and are intended to help eligible beneficiaries in the development of their costed work plans.
The Innovation in Education Program was one of several contribution programs, along with the Research and Learning Program and the Education Partnerships Program, that complement Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) funding efforts towards First Nations elementary and secondary education.
These projects were defined through a regionally-based funding allocation and project approval process that was led by First Nations.
About the activities
The program supported development and implementation of innovative education program pilots, for example, projects related to:
- technology
- land-based learning
- Indigenous language and culture
Eligible activities included:
- piloting a new program in school
- piloting an adaptation of an existing program for a new purpose or for a new audience in school
- assessing and measuring the impact of a pilot project first created under the former New Paths for Education program and based on similar objectives and outcomes
- sharing the story of successfully piloted innovations nationwide
The program was a small part of broader efforts to improve First Nations elementary and secondary education. Activities were expected to support improving the overall quality of education in First Nations and to contribute to specific outcomes.