Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant

The grants are a part the Indigenous IP Program initiatives, which were developed under Canada's Intellectual Property Strategy. These initiatives aim to promote a more inclusive IP system for Indigenous peoples, through initiatives focused on education, awareness raising and capacity building. The grant also seeks to:

• provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples to advocate their interests through engagement activities;
• increase their participation in domestic and international discussions on IP,  and Indigenous knowledge (IK)/Indigenous cultural expressions (ICEs);
• explore ways to make the IP system more accessible to Indigenous peoples;
• facilitate Indigenous peoples' use of the IP system to protect their innovations and creations; and
• develop tools, guidelines or protocols with respect to the protection and use of IP and IP-related IK and ICEs.

See Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights and the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions in Canada for more information about the relationship between IP, IK, and ICEs.

The IIPP aligns with Government's broader commitments towards reconciliation, recognition of Indigenous rights and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Total program funding in the amount of $150,000 per fiscal year is available to support travel, initiatives and projects relating to IP, IK and ICEs under three distinct streams:

1. World Intellection Property Organization (WIPO) Travel

   Grants for Indigenous organizations for travel to WIPO sessions and events related to IP and IK and ICEs, particularly the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore, up to $5000 per person per organization for a single trip. Grants under this stream can fund required preparation work, travel costs, and other related fees. Please note that only Accredited Observers or those that have applied to be an Accredited Observer will be eligible for funding. If selected for a grant, confirmation of accreditation may be required.

2. Small-Scale Initiatives

   Grants for IP-related initiatives on a small scale, that are short-term and narrowly focused, up to $15,000. For example, these grants can fund activities such as a specific research project, drafting a policy paper, travel to an IP, IK, and ICE-related conference, or developing educational materials.

3. Projects

   Grants for IP-related projects that are more complex or comprehensive than Small-Scale Initiatives, requiring more resources over a longer period of time and can include a combination of activities, up to $50,000. These grants can fund multiple activities needed to carry out a project, including, but not limited to, research, development of new tools or resources, engagement planning, IP strategy planning, related travel, etc.

   Learn more about each stream and eligible activities in the IIPP Grant Program Guide.

Indigenous (i.e., First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) organizations that fall under the following categories may be eligible to receive an IIPP grant:

• Recognized representative Indigenous bodies at the national level;
• Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements;
• District Councils/Chiefs Councils;
• Indigenous Associations/Organizations;
• Tribal Councils;
• Other Indigenous Communities;
• Indigenous Economic Institutions/Organizations/Corporations/Businesses;
• Beneficiary organizations of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of Indigenous people;
• Indigenous Cultural Education Centres;
• Indigenous Co-operatives; or
• Boards and Commissions.

See the full eligibility criteria in the IIPP Grant Program Guide.

• WIPO Travel Stream Application Form (353 KB, 10 pages, PDF Format)
• WIPO Travel Stream Application Form (1.4 MB, 8 pages, MSWord Format)
• Small-Scale Initiative or Project Application Form (355 KB, 11 pages, PDF Format)
• Small-Scale Initiative or Project Application Form (1.4 MB, 9 pages, MSWord Format)

• Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, Inc.
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Circles
• Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses
• Yukon Seed & Restoration Inc.
• Sḵwálwen Botanicals
• Satya Organics Inc.

• The Native Women's Association of Canada
• Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office
• Ulnooweg Education Centre
• Haida Gwaii Museum Society
• Mawi'Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective