Ottawa, ON — Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the beginning of National Indigenous History Month with a renewed call to action on reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination, announcing the expansion of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion.
In a statement released Saturday, Carney emphasized the foundational role of Indigenous leadership in shaping Canada’s future. “Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of Canada’s lands and waters for time immemorial,” the Prime Minister said, adding that June offers all Canadians a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Carney said the expanded loan guarantee program—originally capped at $5 billion and focused largely on energy and resource projects—will now support a broader range of sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, and trade. The goal is to accelerate Indigenous-led economic growth by making it easier to secure financing and build long-term prosperity.
#NIHM2025 is a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. As we celebrate and learn about the cultures, languages, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, let us recommit to advancing on the shared path of reconciliation.
— Prime Minister of Canada (@CanadianPM) June 1, 2025
“Central to this commitment is the long-term wealth and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis,” the Prime Minister said. “We move forward on the important work of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.”
The federal government’s approach, Carney added, is rooted in the principle of free, prior, and informed consent—particularly for nation-building infrastructure and climate initiatives. The statement also reaffirmed Ottawa’s intention to work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples across key priorities like health care, food security, housing, education, conservation, and emergency management.
The announcement comes at a time when many Indigenous leaders are calling for deeper partnerships and more concrete steps to uphold treaty rights and fulfill long-standing commitments. Carney’s government has repeatedly stated that Indigenous inclusion is central to its policy agenda—and that reconciliation is not a single act, but an ongoing responsibility.
As National Indigenous History Month begins, the Prime Minister’s message sets a tone of shared purpose: one of remembrance, accountability, and opportunity.
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