First nations and inuit arts

Recognition stems from close collaboration between the CALQ and the First Nations arts community, dating back to 2016. It was designed to uphold the values of dialogue, listening and respect by means of a consultation process bringing together a broad array of artistic and cultural practitioners from the First Nations and Inuit communities. These practitioners enhanced the process thanks to their experience and knowledge of the issues facing First Nations artists, writers and organizations. This program focuses on knowledge, recognition and promotion of the First Nations arts. It also seeks to foster the reappropriation, transmission and development of traditional First Nations knowledge, languages and arts.

Please note that in February 2017, we took an initial step This link will open in a new window by announcing a number of changes to our existing programs:

Explicit mention was made that First Nations artists and writers are eligible for all of the CALQ's regular programs.
A First Nations peer evaluation process was set up for applicants self-identifying as First Nations artists.

The implementation of the Recognition program attests to our capacity and desire for change, as well as to our sensitivity to modern-day First Nations realities.

In launching this program, the CALQ is seeking to facilitate the early career and professionalization of First Nations artists by supporting their first professional experiences and by offering sponsorships and guidance.

"This program marks the fulfilment of a promise, namely our pledge to provide adequate support for First Nations people and their energy, daring, talent, imagination and hard work. We hope it will serve to turn dreams into reality and build bridges, in addition to promoting and fostering artists and works that reflect the richness and importance of First Nations cultures."
- Anne-Marie Jean, CEO of the CALQ

The Recognition program is divided into five components, two of which are geared towards organizations and three towards established or up-and-coming artists. Open to customary, traditional and contemporary forms, the program aims to support a wide variety of activities, including creation, reappropriation, transmission, sponsorship, guidance, circulation and distribution both inside and outside Québec.

In launching this new program, the CALQ is also seeking to support initiatives undertaken by First Nations artistic organizations with a view to developing and consolidating their organizational capacities.

For further information on each of the components, please read carefully the instructions provided via the following links:

Artists

Organizations

The Recognition program has a number of innovative aspects:

Access to microgrants, which have a simplified application process.
A portion of the application may be submitted in writing or orally (via video recordings). For further details, please refer to the information documents for the program.
First-time grants will be awarded to deserving First Nations artists identified by third parties.
Most financial aid requests may be submitted at any time during the year.*
All applications will be evaluated by juries primarily made up of recognized First Nations artists, Elders, creators, professionals or cultural managers who are representative of the First Nations artistic community.
The program acknowledges the importance of supporting and disseminating traditional and contemporary First Nations knowledge across Québec.

*Except for the Impetus component for artists, which has an annual application deadline.

Yes.

The program seeks to support all forms of First Nations art, e.g. traditional, customary or contemporary. All applications will be evaluated by juries primarily made up of recognized First Nations artists, Elders, creators and professionals or cultural managers who are representative of the First Nations artistic community.

No.

The Recognition program is geared exclusively to the Inuit and members of Canada's First Nations residing in Québec. However, there are other CALQ programs for which you may be eligible. Please consult the Eligibility section of the programs posted on our website for further information on available options.

A document certifying your First Nations status will be required when you submit your first application: double-sided photocopy of the Indian status card issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) or the Inuit Beneficiary Card issued by Makivik Corporation (Nunavik), Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (Inuivialuit), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (Nunavut) or Nunatsiavut (Labrador) must be summited.

If you do not have those documents, the CALQ will determine your eligibility based on the responses provided in the Applicant's Undertaking section.

There is no dedicated budget envelope for the program. The CALQ manages an annual budget of nearly $100 million and allocates available funding on the basis of merit, respect and equity, depending on the needs expressed.

Nevertheless, we are deeply committed to this new program. We will thus strive to ensure its success by supporting all deserving projects with a view to achieving our objectives.

Applications will be peer-evaluated. This principle lies at the heart of how the CALQ operates.

Under the Recognition program, the notion of peer goes beyond the affinities of artistic practice. All applications will be evaluated by juries primarily made up of recognized First Nations artists, Elders, creators, professionals or cultural managers who are representative of the First Nations artistic community.

In a spirit of recognition and appreciation, the CALQ seeks to support the reappropriation, reconstruction and development efforts of Québec's First Nations arts community.

For that reason, the CALQ invites all artists and artistic organizations, First Nations as well as non-First Nations, to adopt an approach that is respectful of First Nations artistic expression, cultural protocols and rights.

Collaborative efforts leading to genuine exchanges should pave the way for the successful completion of all artistic projects that address or incorporate distinctive aspects of First Nations cultures.

In the coming months, the CALQ will be looking into the best ways to assist efforts to foster a respectful, constructive and fruitful dialogue.