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Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Our vision is to support and empower Indigenous peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities.

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Participants from the first annual Diabetes Self-Management Journey in Natuashish. — Members of Mushuau Innu First Nation community in Natuashish, off the coast of northern Labrador, have embarked on holistic journey to live well, and prevent and manage diabetes by offering an annual diabetes self-management journey.

Photo courtesy of Southern Chiefs Organization
Two people sharing a smile during a community gathering.
To address barriers in accessing Secure Certificates of Indian Status (SCIS), the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) in Manitoba launched the Status Card Program in the fall of 2021.

In front of the new Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation fire hall, named Ashtuehitsheutshuap. — Ilnussi de Mashteuiatsh, located on the shores of Pekuakami (Lake Saint-Jean) in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, has opened a new fire station that will improve the safety of residents due to its strategic position at the heart of the community. The original fire hall has been relocated to mitigate the risk of traffic incidents caused by its proximity to a railway and the presence of young families, while improving response times.

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Group	Category	Stories	Type
First Nations	Health and wellness, Education, Social programs	Natuashish Success Story: Diabetes Self-Management Journey Photo gallery Members of Mushuau Innu First Nation community in Natuashish, off the coast of northern Labrador, have embarked on holistic journey to live well, and prevent and manage diabetes by offering an annual diabetes self-management journey. Category: Health and wellness, Education, Social programs Indigenous People: First Nations	Photo gallery
First Nations	Education, Social programs, regions	Trusted sources: First Nations organizations leading the way for registration and secure status card service Photo gallery Photo courtesy of Southern Chiefs Organization Two people sharing a smile during a community gathering. To address barriers in accessing Secure Certificates of Indian Status (SCIS), the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) in Manitoba launched the Status Card Program in the fall of 2021. Category: Education, Social programs, regions Indigenous People: First Nations	Photo gallery
First Nations	Infrastructure	A Significant Milestone in Closing the Health and Safety Gaps for First Nations Firefighters Photo gallery Ilnussi de Mashteuiatsh, located on the shores of Pekuakami (Lake Saint-Jean) in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, has opened a new fire station that will improve the safety of residents due to its strategic position at the heart of the community. The original fire hall had been relocated to mitigate the risk of traffic incidents caused by its proximity to a railway and the presence of young families, while improving response times. Category: Infrastructure Indigenous People: First Nations	Photo gallery
First Nations	Economic Development	Putep 't-awt: A New Immersive Experience Celebrating Indigenous Culture and Enhancing Tourism in Bas-Saint-Laurent Photo gallery Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation (WWFN) inaugurated Putep 't-awt, which means "Whale Path" in Wolastoqey. Located in the picturesque Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, this spectacular trail is set in the Gros-Cacouna mountain and features a modern, eco-friendly building designed for observing belugas and other marine mammals. Thanks to this initiative, the WWFN is increasing its visibility. Category: Economic Development Indigenous People: First Nations	Photo gallery
First Nations	Safe drinking water	Bonaparte First Nation: Clean Water, Stronger Community Video "Bonaparte First Nation celebrates the commissioning of 2 water treatment facilities for their community with support from Indigenous Services Canada." Category: Safe drinking water Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Addressing climate change, Natural resources, Sustainable communities, Safe drinking water	"Honouring the Water" Star Blanket Cree Nation opens new state-of-the-art water treatment plant Photo gallery "The completion and opening of our new water treatment plant brings great pride as we announce the lifting of the boil water advisory. Water is essential to all Life. This memorable moment in our history aligns with our traditions and beliefs. We honour the Water and what it represents to our community. We can now use the water feeling comfort knowing the water is clean and safe to consume." Category: Addressing climate change, Natural resources, Sustainable communities, Safe drinking water Indigenous People: First Nations	Photo gallery
First Nations	Education	Four First Nations in BC gain control over on-reserve education Video "This was such a tremendous way to start our journey. Our dreams of implementing our own curriculum, our own certifications for our teachers and our schools, that day is here." Stephanie Atleo, President, First Nations Education Authority Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations, Inuit	Economic reconciliation	Indigenous Winter Market: craftsmanship, a means of bringing people together Photo gallery, Video In December 2023, Kanehsatà:ke Tourism and Oka National Park collaborated to launch the first ever Indigenous Winter Market. Category: Economic reconciliation Indigenous People: First Nations, Inuit	Photo gallery, Video
First Nations, Inuit	Education	Showcasing Indigenous Knowledge from the past 20 years Photo gallery, Video The Quebec Indigenous Science Fair is an event aimed at promoting science and engineering among young Indigenous Peoples attending schools in First Nations and Inuit communities in Quebec. Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations, Inuit	Photo gallery, Video
First Nations	Addressing climate change, Natural resources, Sustainable communities, Safe drinking water	A future flowing with promise: Hiawatha First Nation's triumph over water woes Photo gallery "This achievement brings us great joy and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Water is life, and we must all work together for the protection of the waters, from the smallest streams to the wetlands, to the rivers, lakes, and oceans. We borrow these lands and waters from our grandchildren, and we must look after and respect these gifts and responsibilities we have been given." Chief Laurie Carr, Hiawatha First Nation Category: Addressing climate change, Natural resources, Sustainable communities, Safe drinking water Indigenous People: First Nations	Photo gallery
First Nations	Economic reconciliation	The Quebec Indigenous Tourism Initiative: looking beyond economic spin-offs Video "Developing tourism isn't just about the economy. It's also about reconciliation. It's both for us, in the community, but also about changing people's perceptions of us." Category: Economic reconciliation Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Environment, Sustainable communities, Economic development	Biomass cogeneration plant: A self-sufficient renewable energy project in Opitciwan With the construction of a biomass cogeneration plant that will convert forestry biproducts into electricity, the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, Quebec, will significantly reduce its consumption of fossil fuels while improving the quality of life for its 2,500 inhabitants. Category: Environment, Sustainable communities, Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Sustainable communities	Mi'gmaq communities are forming a strong partnership in the wind industry Three Mi'gmaq communities in Quebec are consolidating their expertise in sustainable energy through a partnership that will enable them to maintain their own wind farm, train Indigenous workers, and develop various innovative projects in the future. Category: Sustainable communities Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations, Inuit, Métis	Health and wellness	Raising awareness and fighting tuberculosis stigma Tina Campbell, a registered nurse with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Saskatchewan, is raising awareness and reducing the stigma around tuberculosis through education and care. Category: Health and wellness Indigenous People: First Nations, Inuit, Métis	Story
First Nations	Economic development, Environment, Infrastructure	Quebec's First Nations come together to discuss energy future First Nations communities in Quebec met recently to discuss entrepreneurship opportunities in the province's green and renewable energy sector. Category: Economic development, Environment, Infrastructure Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Education	Atanukan: Developing your talent while deepening your culture The Innu community of Uashat Mak Mani-utenam, Quebec, is encouraging their students to stay in school while developing their passions through sports and arts. Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development, Sustainable communities	Essipit: an energy-efficient shift to improve the tourist experience On the outskirts of the magnificent Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park, in the Innu community of Essipit in Quebec, a 30-year-old ecotourism company is using more efficient solar panels to meet the growing needs of its customers. Category: Economic development, Sustainable communities Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development, Environment	Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation goes green with its fishing industry With the purchase of a cutting-edge hybrid boat, a First Nation in Quebec has taken an environmentally friendly first step into the world of commercial fishing. Category: Economic development, Environment Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Education	Inter-school Games: getting together to get moving Through this sporting competition, young Indigenous participants can compete against other youths from different communities and Indigenous Nations in Quebec in a variety of sporting events while experiencing the vibrant and energetic pace of campus life. Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development	Fort William First Nation, Resolute Forest Products Sawmill Video Fort William First Nation used First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act regulations to balance economic development with the sustainable use of lands and resources. Category: Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Health and Wellness	Colville Lake: Making soil from fish As part of their Nutrition North Canada Nutrition Education Initiatives project, Bedhzi Ahda First Nation in Colville Lake decided to make their own compost and soil from fish. Category: Health and Wellness Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development, Culture and language	Wendake illuminates its culture The Onhwa' Lumina project offers more than just a sound and light trail. It provides an immersive experience in the Huron-Wendat culture that engages all the senses. Category: Economic development, Culture and language Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development	Reconciliation in Kanesatake through Indigenous tourism The community of Kanesatake views cultural tourism as a way to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together. Category: Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development	The Nibiischii Corporation highlights Cree culture through tourism The Nibiischii Corporation offers year-round tourism experiences that highlight the area's natural resources as well as the pride, generosity and culture of the Cree people. Category: Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development	New tourism expansion in Unamen Shipu First Nations community of Unamen Shipu is realizing its goal to become the first Indigenous tourist destination in Northern Quebec. Category: Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Education	Education: A historic agreement for 22 First Nations communities in Quebec Video Grand Chiefs and Chiefs of the 22 member communities of the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) sign historic regional education agreement. Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Culture and language, Infrastructure	Infrastructure at the Heart of the Community: Language Video Victor Houle talks about a kindergarten to grade 12 school project in Enoch Cree Nation #440. Category: Culture and language, Infrastructure Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Infrastructure	Infrastructure at the Heart of the community: Roads Video Evan Steinhauer talks about a road improvement project in Saddle Lake Cree Nation - Whitefish Lake #128. Category: Infrastructure Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Infrastructure	Infrastructure at the Heart of the Community: Youth Video Rainier Ward talks about a youth center project in Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation. Category: Infrastructure Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations, Métis	Sustainable communities	Manitoba region launches Fish Forward initiative Connecting eco-certified Indigenous fishers in Manitoba with industry partners to market sustainably harvested, freshwater fish. Category: Sustainable communities Indigenous People: First Nations, Métis	Story
First Nations	Environment, Sustainable communities	Successful outcomes and positive impacts from community-based projects Six communities share their experiences monitoring environmental contaminants with the help of the First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program. Category: Environment, Sustainable communities Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Career development, Economic development, Sustainable communities	The Atikamekw of Opitciwan launch a mechanical tree harvester training program The Coopérative de Travail Inter-Nations (Inter-Nations Worker Co-op) offers a culturally adapted career training programs for Atikamekw community of Opitciwan students in the forestry sector. Category: Career development, Economic development, Sustainable communities Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development	Centre of Expertise on Impact and Benefit Agreements: an important ally The Centre of Expertise on Impact and Benefit Agreements supports First Nations in Quebec with their economic development project negotiations. Category: Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Safe drinking water	Blazing a trail: First Nations to control their water delivery services in Atlantic Canada First Nations will take full control of water and wastewater service delivery in the Atlantic in the spring of 2022. Category: Safe drinking water Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Health and wellness	Keeping families together during the pandemic New visitation shelters in Manitoba are helping families stay connected and safe during the pandemic, combatting the isolating effects of COVID-19. Category: Health and wellness Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Health and wellness	Supporting fly-in First Nations communities during COVID-19 ISC provides direct air transportation with strict health protocols for nurses, other essential personnel and medical supplies to remote First Nations communities the provinces. Category: Health and wellness Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Economic development	Building friendships and economies throughout Canada Video First Nations and neighbouring municipalities across Canada are working together through the Community Economic Development Initiative to strengthen local economies and build positive relationships for everyone. Category: Economic development Indigenous People: First Nations	Video
First Nations	Health and wellness, Sustainable communities	Fun with food: Farm-to-Fork project in Abegweit First Nations children in Prince Edward Island get hands-on experience with agriculture, harvesting and preparing food. Category: Health and wellness, Sustainable communities Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Education	The Nation Anishnabe de Lac Simon gets a bigger elementary school Amid a population boom, this community's school expansion, in Quebec, benefits current and future students. Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Infrastructure	Shoal Lake 40 welcomes the opening of Freedom Road All-season road offers year-round access to vital goods and services, ending more than 100 years of isolation in Shoal Lake, Manitoba. Category: Infrastructure Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Housing	Nuxalk Nation builds homes and strength Nuxalk Nation carpenter Richard Hall trained apprentices and designed housing suited to their culture and British Columbia climate. Category: Housing Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Social programs	Urban Programming expands reach Sasamans Society's innovative youth navigator program for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia mentors youth in care and on probation. Category: Social programs Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Housing	Creating innovative homes in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Faced with a growing population and limited housing options, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations in British Columbia, turned shipping containers into rental homes. Category: Housing Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
First Nations	Education	First Nations school system celebrates first-year successes How 10 participating schools benefited from the new Manitoba First Nations School System, from more materials to improved morale among students and staff. Category: Education Indigenous People: First Nations	Story
Inuit	Health and wellness, Social programs	ISC and Nunavut fund mobile addiction treatment program This 28-day program helps people escape addiction by finding answers on the land. Category: Health and wellness, Social programs Indigenous People: Inuit	Story
Métis	Career development, Other government departments, Social programs	Métis woman making inroads into the field of engineering Chennoa Tracey credits the Gabriel Dumont Institute and ASETS with helping jump-start her engineering career in Saskatchewan. Category: Career development, Other government departments, Social programs Indigenous People: Métis	Story
First Nations	Career development, Other government departments, Social programs	Indigenous welder forges a new career helping others Lucien Ledoux forged a new career helping others find their own paths in Manitoba. Category: Career development, Other government departments, Social programs Indigenous People: First Nations	Story

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Date modified:: 2025-06-25