November 2026 | Ottawa, ON
$100,000 investment supports skills development, workforce readiness, and economic opportunities in First Nations communities
The Future Generations Foundation (FG Foundation) is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with CIBC Foundation through a $100,000 contribution in support of First Nations individuals pursuing workforce training, trades education, certifications, and professional development opportunities across Canada.
With this investment, 73 First Nations learners received funding through our 2026-2027 individual funding cycle to pursue career-focused training and credentials. Of these recipients, 34 individuals would not have received support without CIBC Foundation funding, helping close a critical funding gap and expand access to career development opportunities.
From skilled trades and emergency services to technical certifications and professional development programs, First Nations learners are pursuing training that supports both individual career goals and community needs. Funding through this partnership helps participants gain the skills and qualifications required to enter, advance within, or transition into the workforce.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping First Nations learners pursue their education and career goals while strengthening the workforce for future generations,” said Naomi Racette, Executive Director of the Future Generations Foundation. “Whether someone is working toward becoming an electrician, firefighter, heavy equipment operator, health-care worker, or community leader, financial support can make the difference between moving forward or postponing their goals. We are grateful to CIBC Foundation for helping more First Nations individuals take that next step.”
Demand for individual funding continues to exceed available resources. CIBC Foundation’s support allowed the FG Foundation to reach more applicants and help more First Nations learners pursue career-focused education and training.
“At CIBC Foundation, we believe in building pathways so every Canadian’s ambition can go further,” said Ronan Ryan, Executive Director of CIBC Foundation . “We are proud to partner with the Future Generations Foundation to support First Nations learners as they pursue training and certifications that contribute to moving our communities forward.”
The FG Foundation’s Individual Funding Program provides support for certifications, trades training, professional development, and other education-related expenses that help First Nations learners advance their careers and achieve their goals. Learn more about our Individual Funding Program and upcoming application cycles at https://fgfoundation.ca/programs/individual-funding/.
About Future Generations Foundation
The Future Generations Foundation is a First Nations-led organization dedicated to providing comprehensive grant funding for education, cultural and language revitalization, healing, and community-driven initiatives. As stewards of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement funds, the Foundation has supported over 900 First Nation communities and organizations, as well as more than 10,600 individuals from coast to coast to coast, fostering traditional knowledge and self-determination for future generations.
About CIBC Foundation
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 13 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. CIBC Foundation serves our commitment to building pathways for Canadian ambitions. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at our media centre.
Media Contact
Anna Ploeg
Fund Development Officer
Future Generations Foundation
[email protected]
www.fgfoundation.ca