Many Indigenous communities want to preserve, share, and control their own stories. The Listen, Hear Our Voices Program exists to support that work through federal funding for heritage and archival projects. This guide explains what the program funds, who can apply, and how to prepare a strong application using real program details from Library and Archives Canada.
The Listen, Hear Our Voices Program is a federal funding program delivered by Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Its goal is to support Indigenous-led projects that preserve, document, and share Indigenous knowledge, languages, cultures, and lived experiences through archives and heritage collections.
The program is part of the federal government’s broader commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination over cultural heritage. Funding supports projects that ensure Indigenous voices are preserved in ways that respect community protocols and ownership.
The program is currently listed as open, with intake details managed directly by Library and Archives Canada.
Eligibility is focused on Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving organizations. While exact criteria can vary by intake, typical eligible applicants include:
Projects must clearly demonstrate Indigenous leadership, community involvement, and alignment with cultural protocols.
If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by applicant type, province, and mandate in seconds.
The Listen, Hear Our Voices Program supports a wide range of heritage and memory-based initiatives. Funded projects commonly include:
Projects must centre Indigenous perspectives and ensure communities control how their histories are collected, stored, and shared.
Library and Archives Canada does not publish a fixed maximum or minimum funding amount for the Listen, Hear Our Voices Program. Funding levels can vary depending on:
Applicants are expected to submit a realistic, well-justified budget tied directly to project activities.
While application steps may change slightly between intakes, the process generally includes:
Project planning
Define your goals, activities, timelines, and community involvement.
Application submission
Complete the official application form provided by Library and Archives Canada, including a detailed project description and budget.
Review and assessment
LAC assesses applications based on program objectives, Indigenous leadership, feasibility, and cultural relevance.
Funding decision
Approved applicants receive a funding agreement outlining terms and reporting requirements.
Always check the official program page for current deadlines and forms before applying.
Weak community involvement
Projects without clear Indigenous leadership or community consent are unlikely to be approved.
Vague project outcomes
Applications should clearly explain what will be preserved, created, or shared and why it matters.
Underdeveloped budgets
Budgets must align with activities. Missing or unrealistic costs raise red flags.
Ignoring cultural protocols
Failing to address data ownership, access rights, or cultural sensitivities can undermine an otherwise strong proposal.
Q: What is the Listen, Hear Our Voices Program?
It is a federal funding program from Library and Archives Canada that supports Indigenous-led heritage, archival, and storytelling projects. The focus is on preserving and sharing Indigenous voices on Indigenous terms.
Q: Is the Listen, Hear Our Voices Program currently open?
The program is listed as open, but intake dates and deadlines can change. Always confirm current application timelines on the official LAC website.
Q: How much funding can my organization receive?
There is no publicly stated maximum. Funding amounts vary based on project scope, duration, and available program funds.
Q: Are Listen, Hear Our Voices grants taxable?
For non-profit and Indigenous organizations, grant funding is generally used for program delivery and is not treated as taxable income. You should confirm treatment with your accountant.
Q: Can this funding be combined with other grants?
In many cases, yes. Stacking with other heritage or Indigenous funding may be allowed, but you must disclose all sources in your application.
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