Our Trails Support Program for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Communities in Action

Exciting news! We’ve launched a new support program, aimed at supporting trail access in Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast: our Trails Support Program for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Communities. This fund provides support for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities that are looking to clean up, maintain or update existing trails, or even create new trails.

To date, 17 applications have been approved, and implementation of some initial projects has already begun. Most of the approved projects will begin work in the spring of 2024.

Trisha Kaplan, Trans Canada Trail’s Director, Trail Inclusion Initiatives, says, “The purpose of this support program was to support Indigenous communities by removing as many barriers to funding as possible. By being available to groups on and off the Trans Canada Trail, and by removing any requirements for matching funding, we are hopefully supporting communities who may not otherwise be eligible for Trans Canada Trail funding. Our Commitment to Reconciliation informs the development of our programming, and this new funding program was one way that we could support Indigenous-led initiatives across the country, no strings attached.”

A range of locations and projects

Project applications for the Trails Support Program for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Communities are varied, ranging from straightforward trail maintenance projects to the creation of special features along a trail, and to protecting areas of archaeological significance – and current gathering places – in the face of the changing climate in the North.

To fully support the enhancement of trails within Indigenous communities, the support program application process has been streamlined and requirements differ from some of our other support program. Read more about the application requirements, and stay tuned for stories about related trail projects in the upcoming months!

Learn more about our Commitment to Reconciliation.

Get in touch for more information about the support program.