Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples

The Canada Council is committed to reaffirming and revitalizing its relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada.

The Canada Council believes that an approach that respects First Nations, Inuit and Metis artistic expression, cultural protocols, Indigenous rights and Indigenous worldviews will stimulate First Nations, Inuit and Metis artists, artistic practices, and communities. The Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program acknowledges the cultural sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and respects the concepts of First Nations, Inuit and Metis self-determination.

This program supports Indigenous individuals, groups, Indigenous-led arts organizations and arts/cultural sector development organizations that foster a vital and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem. This program functions using a self-determined, Indigenous-centred approach. This means that it will be guided by Indigenous values and worldviews, administered by staff of First Nations, Inuit and Metis heritage, and assessed by First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals.

Collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, that are led by Indigenous artists/organizations are encouraged and facilitated in Creating, Knowing and Sharing.