2024-25 Reporting on the Calls for Justice: 18.1 - 18.32: 2SLGBTQI+ Specific Calls

The Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program, responds to Call for Justice 18.3 by funding projects led by Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to improve existing data methodologies related to 2SLGBTQI+ perspectives on safety and inclusion in research processes. By prioritizing Indigenous-led solutions, the program fosters a more comprehensive understanding of violence, discrimination, and systemic barriers. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program as it strengthens advocacy and resources tailored to 2SLGBTQI+ individuals' realities.

• Enhanced visibility for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people: Funds projects that improve existing data intake and research frameworks to capture Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary identities accurately, and ensure data collection respects and reflects Indigenous gender identities and worldviews and helps 2SLGBTQI+ people become visible in statistics and policy discussions.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $175,000 was allocated to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee on MMIWG's Gathering Our Stories – Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ Data and Research Initiativesto contribute to changing the way information about Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities is gathered, analyzed, and shared, by developing innovative Indigenous community-driven approaches, strategies, and resources. The project aims to reclaim and regenerate Indigenous knowledge about 2SLGTBQI+ people, as well as knowledge exchange processes; generate promising practices for engaging Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people regarding data collection; and establish protocols for data governance and sovereignty related to Indigenous 2SLGTBQI+ people.
• Improved data accuracy: Indigenous-led knowledge systems and methodologies ensure data accurately reflects values, laws, worldviews and lived experiences of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $50,000 was allocated to Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance's Wabanaki Two-Spirit Research and Ethics Protocols Project to develop a 2SLGBTQI+ Research and Ethics committee and framework to become the single-entry point for all research related to 2SLGBTQI+people in the Wabanaki region; develop protocols for all research and data collection related to 2SLGBTQI+ people within Wabanaki; develop and set a standard for all research and data collection related to 2SLGBTQI+ people on a national and international level; and expand the Research and Ethics committee to include all research in the Wabanaki region specific to the 2SLGBTQI+ to ensure that any research is conducted in a healthy, safe and culturally appropriate manner, recognizing and respecting the intersectionality of experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ people and community.
• Informed policy and advocacy: Reliable, distinctions-based Indigenous-led intersectional data strengthens evidence-based advocacy and ensures that Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people data voices drive future policies and advocacy efforts.

The program is funded through Budget 2021, allocating $6.5 million over six years (2021-27) to support Indigenous-led research initiatives.

This initiative, the Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program, responds to Call for Justice 18.4 by ensuring that data collection processes are modified to be more inclusive of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, including non-binary and gender-diverse people. By eliminating restrictive gender classifications and promoting distinctions-based data collection, the program ensures a more accurate representation of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ realities. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit as the program enhances the ability to track and address systemic barriers impacting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

• Enhanced visibility for Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people: Funds projects that improve existing data intake and research frameworks to capture Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary identities accurately, and ensure data collection respects and reflects Indigenous gender identities and worldviews and helps 2SLGBTQI+ people become visible in statistics and policy discussions.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $175,000 was allocated to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee on MMIWG's Gathering Our Stories – Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ Data and Research Initiativesto contribute to changing the way information about Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities is gathered, analyzed, and shared, by developing innovative Indigenous community-driven approaches, strategies, and resources. The project aims to reclaim and regenerate Indigenous knowledge about 2SLGTBQI+ people, as well as knowledge exchange processes; generate promising practices for engaging Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people regarding data collection; and establish protocols for data governance and sovereignty related to Indigenous 2SLGTBQI+ people.
• Improved data accuracy: Indigenous-led knowledge systems and methodologies ensure data accurately reflects values, laws, worldviews and lived experiences of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $50,000 was allocated to Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance's Wabanaki Two-Spirit Research and Ethics Protocols Project to develop a 2SLGBTQI+ Research and Ethics committee and framework to become the single-entry point for all research related to 2SLGBTQI+people in the Wabanaki region; develop protocols for all research and data collection related to 2SLGBTQI+ people within Wabanaki; develop and set a standard for all research and data collection related to 2SLGBTQI+ people on a national and international level; and expand the Research and Ethics committee to include all research in the Wabanaki region specific to the 2SLGBTQI+ to ensure that any research is conducted in a healthy, safe and culturally appropriate manner, recognizing and respecting the intersectionality of experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ people and community.
• Informed policy and advocacy: Reliable, distinctions-based Indigenous-led intersectional data strengthens evidence-based advocacy and ensures that Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people data voices drive future policies and advocacy efforts.

The program is funded through Budget 2021, allocating $6.5 million over six years (2021-27) to support Indigenous-led research initiatives.

As of March 2025, every All-Access washroom in federal PSPC Crown-owned or leased-purchase buildings displays the All-Access sign and graphic symbol. This aligns with the Treasury Board Secretariat Federal Identity Program Manual, which was updated in May 2019 to incorporate the All-Access washroom sign into the Government of Canada's official signage system. Currently, 82.8% of PSPC's Crown-owned and leased-purchase buildings contain at least one inclusive washroom—either All-Access or Universal—with ongoing efforts to reach the goal of having at least one inclusive washroom per building, as funding permits.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 18.11 by accommodating non-binary gender identities in program and service design, including the provision of gender-neutral washrooms and change rooms. By offering inclusive washrooms in federal buildings, PSPC is taking concrete steps to recognize and uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in government-operated spaces.

Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from the normalization and integration of inclusive infrastructure that affirms diverse gender identities. The presence of gender-neutral washrooms supports safety, autonomy, and access for 2SLGBTQI+ people—including trans and non-binary Indigenous individuals—within public service environments that have historically excluded or stigmatized gender diversity.

• Expands safe options in federal buildings: Offers all-access and/or universal washrooms alongside existing gendered facilities, enhancing dignity, choice, and accessibility for all individuals.
• Promotes inclusion through infrastructure: Embeds gender-inclusive design as a requirement for new construction and major upgrades in government buildings.
• Supports 2SLGBTQI+ and non-binary safety: Reduces barriers and experiences of harm associated with binary washroom models, particularly for trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit users.
• Aligns with government of Canada signage standards: Ensures consistency and visibility through the application of TBS-approved inclusive washroom signage across buildings.

This initiative is funded by and based on internal infrastructure and capital planning availability and allocations, on an ongoing basis. Costs are integrated in major rehabilitation and recapitalization projects that involve base building upgrades.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 18.24 by supporting housing projects that prioritize 2SLGBTQI+ Indigenous individuals but additional targeted funding and expanded programs are needed. The NHS commits to culturally safe, inclusive housing solutions and advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ rights in housing policy development. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from expanded access to affordable, non-discriminatory housing that fosters safety and belonging.

• 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive housing solutions: Culturally informed shelters, affordable housing, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals facing housing insecurity. Affordable housing units and emergency shelters tailored to specific needs.
• Policy and advocacy: Promoting housing rights and anti-discrimination policies for 2SLGBTQI+ Indigenous people.
• Community-led, self-governed housing solutions: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis self-determined policies, including Indigenous-led housing initiatives and Métis governance of shelters and transitional housing.
• Expanded safe housing access: Funding for new construction of homes, multi-unit dwellings, and community-led housing projects, and for upgrades and repairs to ensure existing housing stock meets safety, sustainability, and accessibility standards.
• Expansion of emergency and transitional shelters: Committed $336.78 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative toward the construction of 37 new shelters and 34 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, families, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
• Prioritizing vulnerable populations: Safe, stable housing for women, children, seniors, and those at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
• Long-Term housing and economic security: Investments in transitional and second-stage housing, rental assistance, and affordable housing for low-income Indigenous families.
• Preventing family separation and child welfare Interventions: Housing programs that provide stability for Indigenous families, reducing the risk of child apprehension due to poverty, overcrowding, or unsafe living conditions.

In 2024–25, significant progress was made in advancing distinctions-based partnerships. HICC worked with First Nations on a regional basis to negotiate and implement agreements that support and honour First Nations processes, autonomy, and self-determination while recognizing regional differences and competing priorities. Five regional agreements have been established with First Nations in the Atlantic, Quebec/Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan regions. Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada also collaborated with Métis, Inuit, and Modern Treaty partners on the implementation of Reaching Home.

Reaching Home also aligns with the broader goals of the National Housing Strategy, which seeks to improve access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across Canada. Through long-term funding commitments and partnerships with Indigenous governments and organizations, the program aims to reduce chronic homelessness, strengthen housing security, and promote social and economic stability for Indigenous individuals and families.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 18.24 by funding housing programs that help to reduce homelessness by supporting community-based solutions that provide safe and affirming spaces. Reaching Home provides specific funding to support culturally appropriate approaches to addressing homelessness for Indigenous Peoples through the Indigenous Homelessness and Distinctions-based Approaches funding streams. Reaching Home's community-based approach provides flexibility to respond to local challenges and priorities and funding can be used to support a wide range of activities, which can include the design and delivery of targeted programming to meet the needs of at-risk populations such as 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

• Community-driven, culturally relevant approach: Funding decisions are made locally, prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives that incorporate traditional knowledge, healing practices, and language supports.
• Holistic housing solutions: Investments in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term housing security for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and families fleeing violence.
• Economic and social empowerment: Programs connect individuals to income supports, employment services, and education, reducing poverty-related risks and supporting self-sufficiency.
• Family and child welfare support: Indigenous-led programs strengthen family unity, prevent child welfare interventions, and provide culturally appropriate services to keep families together.
• Targeted investments for vulnerable populations: Reaching Home funded communities are encouraged to prioritize vulnerable populations including Indigenous peoples, including women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families fleeing violence.
• Inclusive and culturally responsive services: Reaching Home can be used to fund wraparound supports, including culturally appropriate services and connection with community (e.g., cultural ceremonies, traditional healing, services provided by Elders and Indigenous language and culture classes).
• Infrastructure and capacity development: Sustainable investments in housing, support services, and safe spaces

In 2024-25, $110 million was allocated to the Indigenous Homelessness stream and $62.1 million to the Distinctions-based Approaches stream. This includes dedicated funding for Indigenous-led homelessness programming that can support a range of services, support and resources for wrap-around services, emergency housing, prevention services, and long-term housing solutions.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 18.25 by supporting research that identifies housing and service needs for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals experiencing homelessness. Several ARCH projects include interviews with 2SLGBTQI+ individuals to understand their lived experiences and barriers to housing. Findings from these interviews are intended to help inform policy and service adjustments that improve access to culturally safe housing solutions. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from this program through the development of more inclusive housing policies and services that address the unique needs of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

• Enhanced inclusivity in housing services: Improves recognition of 2SLGBTQI+-specific housing needs. Ensures that Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ individuals have access to culturally safe and affirming housing options.
• Policy and service adjustments: Uses research findings to inform the development of housing policies that are inclusive, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed, yielding more responsive housing supports.
• Safe spaces and community engagement: Supports Indigenous-led initiatives that create housing environments that respect diverse identities and lived experiences. Encourages the development of housing services that respect diverse identities. Centers the voices of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in homelessness solutions.

Budget 2022 allocated $11 million over three years, starting in 2023-24.

The ICIF – Métis Component responds to Call for Justice 18.25 by providing investments that Métis partners can use to construct Métis-focused facilities that establish and fund safe spaces, shelters, and services for Métis 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in their communities. This initiative provides support for Métis 2SLGBTQI+ individuals to access culturally appropriate infrastructure that enhances their well-being, safety, and community belonging.

Métis families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program through increased access to safe, culturally appropriate spaces that enhance well-being and security for vulnerable community members.

• Creation of safe spaces: Funds the development of facilities that provide shelter and social services for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and invests in community spaces reflect the diversity and needs of all Métis citizens.
• Enhanced community support: Funds infrastructure projects that facilitate culturally appropriate programming.
• Long-term stability: Supports the development of infrastructure that ensures long-term access to safe environments.

The ICIF – Métis Component provides flexible distinctions-based funding to Métis governments and the Métis Settlements General Council to allocate resources in response to community-identified priorities. As a result, the specific impacts and project details remain with the funding recipients, who determine how best to meet the infrastructure needs in their communities.

Funding has been allocated to support critical infrastructure projects and respond to the housing needs of the communities, with investments made in housing repairs and renovations, and improvements to community gathering spaces, Detailed examples are not provided in this report due to the autonomous and community-led nature of project implementation. This approach aligns with the principle of self-determination, providing Métis governance structures with authority over decision-making processes.

Budget 2021 allocated $200 million to five Métis governments and $40 million to the Métis Settlements General Council, prioritizing housing initiatives. Funding is administered with flexibility, allowing Métis governments to tailor investments to their communities' specific housing needs including safe spaces and cultural facilities.

The Distinctions-based Housing Initiative's Métis Housing Investment responds to Call for Justice 18.25 by prioritizing the construction of housing that meets the needs of all Métis people, including those facing homelessness. It includes the creation of dedicated shelters and services for Métis 2SLGBTQI+ people. Métis families, survivors, and communities benefit from increased housing security and inclusive supports that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.

• Housing for vulnerable populations: Increased availability of housing solutions for Métis individuals facing homelessness.
• Support for trans and non-binary individuals: Creation of dedicated shelters and services to meet the specific needs of gender-diverse individuals.
• Safe, adequate and inclusive housing: Increased access to safe and affordable housing for Métis communities. Promotion of culturally relevant housing environments that ensure dignity and security for all Métis individuals. Construction and renovation of 1,865 new units, directly addressing urgent housing needs in Métis communities.
• Community-driven solutions: Strengthened Métis-led responses to homelessness, fostering long-term stability and support systems.

Funding has been allocated to support critical infrastructure projects and respond to the housing needs of the communities, by investing in the construction and purchase of new housing units, renovation of existing housing units, and subsidized rent. Detailed examples are not provided in this report due to the autonomous and community-led nature of project implementation. This approach aligns with the principle of self-determination, providing Métis governance structures with authority over decision-making processes.

Through ongoing investments, Métis organizations have received targeted and distinctions-based housing investments. Budget 2022 expanded funding to additional Métis partners (i.e., Metis Settlements in Alberta and Métis in the Northwest Territories), and Budget 2023 included the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. As of March 2024, these funding investments have directly impacted thousands of Métis individuals and families through improved housing and economic support measures.

This initiative responds to Call for Justice 18.25 by directly funding 2SLGBTQI+-led housing initiatives and ensuring safe, supportive housing for 2SLGBTQI+Indigenous individuals. Investments include funding for 2SLGBTQI+ specific projects, emergency shelters, and long-term housing solutions. Indigenous families, survivors and communities benefit from expanded access to housing that fosters safety, identity, and community belonging.

• 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive housing solutions: Culturally informed shelters, affordable housing, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals facing housing insecurity. Affordable housing units and emergency shelters tailored to specific needs.
• Policy and advocacy: Promoting housing rights and anti-discrimination policies for 2SLGBTQI+ Indigenous people.
• Community-led, self-governed housing solutions: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis self-determined policies, including Indigenous-led housing initiatives and Métis governance of shelters and transitional housing.
• Expanded safe housing access: Funding for new construction of homes, multi-unit dwellings, and community-led housing projects, and for upgrades and repairs to ensure existing housing stock meets safety, sustainability, and accessibility standards.
• Expansion of emergency and transitional shelters: Committed $336.78 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative toward the construction of 37 new shelters and 34 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, families, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
• Prioritizing vulnerable populations: Safe, stable housing for women, children, seniors, and those at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
• Long-term housing and economic security: Investments in transitional and second-stage housing, rental assistance, and affordable housing for low-income Indigenous families.
• Preventing family separation and child welfare interventions: Housing programs that provide stability for Indigenous families, reducing the risk of child apprehension due to poverty, overcrowding, or unsafe living conditions.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 18.25 through dedicated funding for culturally appropriate community-led supports that respond to local challenges and priorities in preventing and reducing homelessness, including programming designed to meet the needs of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit people. Eligible activities under Reaching Home include capital investments intended to increase the capacity or improve the quality of facilities that address the needs of individuals and families experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness, including those that support culturally appropriate programming for Indigenous individuals and families.

• Community-driven, culturally relevant approach: Funding decisions are made locally, prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives that incorporate traditional knowledge, healing practices, and language supports.
• Holistic housing solutions: Investments in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term housing security for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and families fleeing violence.
• Economic and social empowerment: Programs connect individuals to income supports, employment services, and education, reducing poverty-related risks and supporting self-sufficiency.
• Family and child welfare support: Indigenous-led programs strengthen family unity, prevent child welfare interventions, and provide culturally appropriate services to keep families together.
• Targeted investments for vulnerable populations: Reaching Home funded communities are encouraged to prioritize vulnerable populations including Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families fleeing violence.
• Inclusive and culturally responsive services: Reaching Home can be used to fund wraparound supports, including culturally appropriate services and connection with community (e.g., cultural ceremonies, traditional healing, services provided by Elders and Indigenous language and culture classes).
• Infrastructure and capacity development: Sustainable investments in housing, support services, and safe spaces.

In 2024-25, $110 million was allocated to the Indigenous Homelessness stream and $62.1 million to the Distinctions-based Approaches stream. This includes dedicated funding for Indigenous-led housing and resources for support services, emergency housing, prevention services, and long-term housing solutions.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 18.25 by facilitating community-driven housing solutions, including dedicated spaces 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Through flexible funding mechanisms, communities can create specialized shelters and services, ensuring inclusivity and addressing the unique needs of marginalized individuals. Families, survivors, and Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations communities benefit significantly from increased access to safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive housing and support systems.

• Safe and accessible housing: Increased availability of safe, affordable, culturally appropriate, and geographically suitable housing directly addresses immediate safety needs and reduces vulnerability to violence.
• Enhanced living conditions: Significant investment in renovations and repairs of existing housing improves physical safety, energy efficiency, and the overall health of community members.
• Reduction in homelessness: First Nations may dedicate resources for shelters, transition homes, and housing solutions aimed at reducing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations, including targeted spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
• Enhanced cultural safety: First Nations may develop and deliver housing, shelters, and support services that respect and integrate First Nations cultural identities, practices, and values, providing culturally safe environments.
• Self-determination and community empowerment: Strengthened autonomy through First Nations-led decision-making processes in housing and services, enabling communities to set their own priorities according to local needs and aspirations.

Funding has been allocated to support critical infrastructure projects and respond to the housing needs of the communities, by investing in the construction and purchase of new housing units, renovation of existing housing units, and subsidized rent. Detailed examples are not provided in this report due to the autonomous and community-led nature of project implementation. This approach aligns with the principle of self-determination, ensuring that Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations retain full authority over decision-making processes.

Through targeted fiscal transfers, Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations receive dedicated funding without direct oversight, aligning with their self-determined priorities. In 2024-25, a total amount of $129,167,319 has been transferred, and funding for the fiscal year has been fully delivered. Comprehensive final reporting is expected from partners in the fiscal year 2027-28.