Canada's strength is rooted in the distinct histories and identities of its peoples. First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices, rights and worldviews are central to building a stronger, more united Canada-and to shaping our shared future with strength, pride and resilience. By strengthening leadership through access to training and equitable opportunities, we can empower communities in building lasting, positive change.
Today, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke), announced an investment of $245,000 for new leadership programming at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC). She made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The funding, provided through the Anti-Racism Projects component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program, will support the VNFC's Indigenous Leadership Project, a one-year initiative running from April 2025 to March 2026.
Through this new investment, the VNFC will expand pathways for Indigenous leadership in arts, culture and community reconciliation by offering wraparound supports, skills training and culturally grounded learning opportunities. Participants will gain tools to step into decision-making roles within the VNFC, at local reconciliation tables, and across arts and culture organizations in southern Vancouver Island.
The project will also train 10 new Indigenous facilitators through VNFC's Community Learning Program, a grassroots, peer-based learning initiative rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing that promotes cultural fluency from pre-contact history to the present. In addition, it will assist arts organizations in developing tailored access plans to foster more inclusive and decolonized workplaces.
