Empowering Indigenous Communities and Honouring Truth and Reconciliation

Western Financial Group Communities Foundation Announces 2026 Indigenous Grant Recipients and Reaffirms Commitment to NDTR

HIGH RIVER, AB, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ — In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), Western Financial Group Communities Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of its Indigenous Infrastructure Grant Program. Western affirms its commitment to reconciliation through ongoing support for Indigenous communities and meaningful investments in infrastructure, education, and awareness.

Launched in 2021, the Indigenous Infrastructure Grant Program provides funding to CRA-qualified donees for either Indigenous-led projects or projects that support Indigenous communities by enhancing, upgrading, or building vital community infrastructure. Each $5,000 grant supports projects that foster sustainability, accessibility, health and safety, and community connection, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and growth.

“The Indigenous Infrastructure Grant Program is one way we can support projects that are shaped by community needs and grounded in culture, connection, and long-term impact,” said Rod Cunniam, Chair of Western Communities Foundation. “We’re honoured to help these organizations create spaces, tools, and resources that strengthen Indigenous communities and support reconciliation in meaningful, practical ways.”

Congratulations to the 2026 Indigenous Infrastructure Grant Recipients:

• The Board of Education of School District No. 61 (École George Jay Elementary School) | Gathering Room
  
  This project will create a dedicated Indigenous Gathering Room through the addition of an Indigenous mural, culturally appropriate furnishings, and educational resources. The space will support Indigenous students by fostering cultural connection, belonging, engagement, and academic success.
  
   
• Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society | A Place to Gather & Grow 
  
  This project will redevelop an outdoor gathering space at a supportive housing program for Indigenous women, including a cedar patio, medicine garden enhancements, and cultural programming areas. The project will create a welcoming space for community connection, cultural activities, and resident well-being.
  
   
• Kitsumkalum Band | Kasiks Food Security & Garden Farm Infrastructure 
  
  This project will support the development of a community greenhouse that expands local food production, extends the growing season, and creates opportunities for agricultural training and youth engagement. The greenhouse will be part of Kitsumkalum’s existing food security program and serve as a long-term community asset.
  
   
• Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation | Snuneymuxw Hulit Lelum Handheld Ultrasound
  
  This project will support the purchase of a handheld wireless ultrasound scanner for an Indigenous-led medical and wellness centre. The equipment will provide on-site diagnostic imaging, improve access to timely healthcare, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and support culturally safe, community-based care.
  
   
• Oasis Society for the Spiritual Health of Victoria | Oasis Society Mobile Inclusion Project: Accessible Van Retrofit for Urban Indigenous Programming
  
  This project will support accessibility upgrades to an organizational van, including wheelchair-accessible loading and safety equipment. The retrofit will improve access to cultural, wellness, and healing programs for Indigenous adults with mobility challenges while promoting inclusion and community connection.

Since 2022, Western Communities Foundation has invested more than $200,000 through Indigenous grants and bursaries. Looking at its broader grant-making across all communities and causes, the Foundation has invested almost $2.6 million in grants since its inception, supporting more than 540 community projects.

Western’s Commitment to NDTR: From Awareness to Action

Across Western, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is recognized as a paid holiday, giving employees time to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home. In the days leading up to September 30, employees are encouraged to deepen their understanding of reconciliation through resources shared by Western’s Indigenous Employees and Allies Network, participate in Orange Shirt Day in a way that feels meaningful to them, and use an NDTR Teams background to help spark awareness and conversation. Teams can also take part in an internal photo challenge by sharing how they are marking the day, whether through orange shirts, group learning, community events, or quiet moments of reflection. The challenge is intended to create connection across Western by highlighting the many ways employees are listening, learning, and showing their support.

Western Financial Group Communities Foundation

Founded in 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live, work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation’s core donation programs include Community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Awards for graduating high school students, the Community Care local fundraising initiative, and emergency relief support. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has granted more than $9 million to support local communities. Visit westerngives.ca for more information.

SOURCE Western Financial Group