Call for Submissions: UArctic Announces New Five-Year Funding Stream for 2026 to Strengthen Indigenous and Northern Research Collaboration

UArctic, in partnership with Memorial University and Yukon University, supported by Global Affairs Canada, is pleased to announce a new five-year funding opportunity for Canadian member institutions under the Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund. Launching with the 2026 call, this funding stream will offer up to $100,000 over five years to support collaborative, community-driven research and education initiatives grounded in the priorities of Northern and Indigenous partners. 

Through its partnership with Global Affairs Canada, UArctic and its Indigenous and Northern collaborators have shared knowledge, elevated community leadership, and ensured that research remains relevant and responsive to Northern priorities. The new five-year funding stream supports long-term partnerships and co-developed projects that strengthen capacity, advance Indigenous-led knowledge, and address community needs. Stream B provides the time and stability required to deepen relationships, expand training opportunities, and pursue meaningful, community-centered outcomes across the Circumpolar North.

The following funds are now open for submissions:

Note: Funding availability for this call is subject to approval from Global Affairs Canada. Final award decisions will only be confirmed once funding has been approved. Funding cannot be applied retroactively or used for previously completed activities.

1. Indigenous and Northern Relationship Development Fund

Deadline: April 24, 2026
Funding: Up to $15,000
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2028 (note: Projects are now eligible for a duration of up to two years.)

This fund is designed to build or strengthen relationships between academic researchers and Indigenous or Northern partners. Projects may include meetings, workshops, or other activities that establish or deepen collaborative relationships, with an emphasis on respectful, ethical, and community-led engagement in line with Memorial University’s Policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups.

• Open to researchers from any Canadian UArctic member
• Designed to build relationships between academic researchers and Indigenous or Northern partners
• Projects focus on relationship outcomes rather than research outcomes
• Projects must be completed 24 months from the start of project activities

For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

2. Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream A: Two-Year Projects)

Deadline: April 24, 2026
Funding: Up to $40,000 (maximum of five awards per year)
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2028

This stream supports shorter-term collaborative projects that strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange in Northern and Indigenous research and education. Projects should address priorities within Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and reflect UArctic’s values of collaboration, inclusion, and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.
Who can apply:

• The lead applicant must be from a Canadian UArctic member institution.
• Collaboration between multiple UArctic member institutions (including international partners) and partners is required
• Researchers from Northern and Southern institutions are encouraged to apply.
• Only one active project award may be held at a time.

Eligible activities include:

• Developing or strengthening UArctic Thematic Networks
• Creating joint courses or programs relevant to Northern communities
• Advancing online and flexible education initiatives
• Supporting networking and collaborative research across UArctic members

For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

3. Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream B: Five-Year Projects)

Deadline: April 24, 2026 *five-year projects are awarded only in 2026
Funding: Up to $100,000 (maximum of six awards)
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2031

This stream supports longer-term, multi-partner collaborations designed to create sustainable research and education initiatives across the circumpolar North. Proposals should include at least three UArctic partners (with a Canadian lead) and align with UArctic values and Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Additional information is required for this stream; review the Funding Guide and Application Form for full details.
Who can apply:

• The lead applicant must be from a Canadian UArctic member institution.
• Collaboration between multiple UArctic member institutions (including international partners) and partners is required
• Researchers from Northern and Southern institutions are encouraged to apply.
• Only one active project award may be held at a time.

Eligible activities include:

• Developing or strengthening UArctic Thematic Networks
• Creating joint courses or programs relevant to Northern communities
• Advancing online and flexible education initiatives
• Supporting networking and collaborative research across UArctic members

For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

UArctic extends sincere appreciation to all researchers, community partners, and institutions who have applied or contributed to research and education through completed funded projects. Your work has not only advanced Northern-focused scholarship, but has also resulted in concrete benefits for Northern and Indigenous communities, ranging from enhanced local research capacity to culturally grounded education programs, expanded land-based learning, and strengthened circumpolar networks. These projects have demonstrated, time and again, that investments in collaborative Northern research generate real, lasting impact. Together, these funds represent a growing commitment to strengthening Indigenous and Northern leadership in research and education across the Arctic.

For more details on eligibility and how to apply, Canadian UArctic members are encouraged to review the funding guides and submit applications through Memorial University’s online portal by April 24, 2026.

To learn more about the funds visit the website or register for the Jan 28, 2026, information session.