- Who can apply?
The fund is open to Indigenous regular and casual FBA members who have passed their probationary period.
- What can I use the fund for?
The fund supports learning opportunities that strengthen Indigenous culture, language, knowledge and community connections. This can include Indigenous language programs, cultural and land-based learning, cultural workshops, and post-secondary courses or training.
- How long can the learning opportunity be?
The fund supports both short-term learning of 20 days or less and long-term learning opportunities lasting 21 days to two years. Members may be eligible for a maximum of three short-term courses per year.
- What expenses can be covered?
Eligible expenses may include course or activity fees, tuition, honorariums for knowledge keepers (carriers) or Elders, books and materials, transportation costs, dependent care and, where eligible, a training allowance for members taking unpaid leave to attend learning opportunities.
- Is the training allowance considered income for tax purposes?
Yes, we issue a T4 document for the $125 daily training allowance.
- Can I take a course from a community organization or independent educator?
Yes. Eligible providers may include public post-secondary institutions, Aboriginal Friendship Centers, Indigenous cultural and language organizations, First Nations departments, Indigenous-owned businesses and independent Indigenous knowledge keepers or educators.
- Can I apply if the learning opportunity is free?
Yes. Some Indigenous cultural and language learning opportunities may already be free. The fund may still be able to support eligible costs such as materials, transportation and dependent care, where applicable.
- Can I use Indigenous cultural leave?
Members are able to access their Indigenous cultural leave when pursuing eligible learning under the fund.
- What documents do I need?
Depending on the learning opportunity, you may need proof of registration or payment, confirmation of the start date, and documentation confirming completion. Additional documentation may be required if you are requesting a training allowance.
- How do I apply?
Complete the Indigenous Cultural Revitalization Fund Application Form and submit it with the required documentation.
- If a funding application is denied, is there an appeal process?
Yes, an appeal process is in place. Any denial decision that is based on the current criteria is non-appealable. This may include any priorities set by the Fund throughout the period of the current collective agreement.
If you were denied for any other reason that you would like to appeal, please contact the fund administrator at the ICRF email and your appeal will be brought forward to the FBA Education Fund appeal subcommittee.- Are casual members eligible for tuition reimbursement and the training allowance?
Yes. Casual members are eligible for the same tuition reimbursement amount as other eligible members.
To qualify for the training allowance, casual members must provide payroll records showing at least 488 hours worked and the shifts worked during the six months before their application date or training start date, whichever comes first.
Example: If you apply on July 1, 2025, you must provide proof of your hours and shifts worked from January 1 to June 30, 2025.