Delivering Results: The Case for an Indigenous Outcomes Fund
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By Jeff Cyr

In a recent interview with CTV’s Vassy Kapelos, Prime Minister Carney left little room for ambiguity, saying, “Canadians will judge the change that they receive … that’s the right thing.” With that statement, he made clear that his government intends to be measured not by promises, but by the results it delivers. For Indigenous peoples, who have long called for action over rhetoric, this commitment is both welcome and urgent.

This National Indigenous History Month is a moment to affirm a core truth: Indigenous peoples know what works for their communities, and they have the right to lead work that reflects their priorities, strengthens their communities, and builds on generations of knowledge and leadership. The path forward begins with trust in Indigenous leadership and shifting from how Canada currently invests in reconciliation to an approach that delivers measurable results in areas like housing, health, and energy affordability. This shift can begin with outcomes finance.

Outcomes finance is a model rooted in accountability and self-determination. Under this approach, Indigenous communities define the problem, co-design the solution, and lead implementation. Private and philanthropic capital fund the project up front. Governments only pay once pre-agreed results—such as lower energy bills, improved housing, or increased employment—are independently verified. At its core, outcomes finance is a results-based investment strategy that puts Indigenous peoples in control of delivering solutions grounded in their vision.

This model is already producing real results. In Peguis and Fisher River First Nations, a community-driven outcomes contract supported the installation of 124 geothermal systems, trained more than 25 community members, and helped reduce household energy costs—all while generating over $7.6 million in verified social, economic, and environmental value. More recently, in partnership with Efficiency Manitoba and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Raven Outcomes is advancing a housing retrofit project that will install 100 geothermal heat pumps and train 12 local residents in installation and maintenance. These projects are part of a growing number of community-led partnerships supported by Raven Outcomes, demonstrating how outcomes finance can transform investment into measurable, locally driven impact.

With these results in hand, Raven Outcomes is calling for the creation of a national Indigenous Outcomes Fund to scale this model and enable more communities across the country to access flexible capital and lead their own solutions. Such a fund would support Indigenous-led processes for advancing self-determination and jurisdiction in areas like health, education, and housing. It also aligns with the Carney government’s stated priorities, including advancing economic reconciliation through reforms that enable Indigenous-led initiatives and address long-standing inequities.

As noted in the recent speech from the throne, the government is now guided by a new fiscal discipline: spend less so Canadians can invest more. Outcomes finance embodies that principle, ensuring public dollars are tied to results. It is a smarter, more accountable way to deliver on national priorities—without increasing costs. At this critical time when Canadians are calling for results and value, the government must rethink how it delivers public services. Implementing an Indigenous Outcomes Fund would demonstrate bold reform in how investments are made—leading with discipline, clarity, and impact.

With only a short parliamentary session this June and limited time to act when Parliament returns in the fall, the government should move quickly to implement a new Indigenous Outcomes Fund. The Carney government has pledged to reduce delays in project approvals and accelerate the delivery of nation-building initiatives, and an Indigenous Outcomes Fund is a ready-made tool consistent with that commitment, particularly at the local level. While large-scale national infrastructure projects take shape, this fund would allow governments and Indigenous partners to get to work now – building local economic activity, enhancing community resilience and delivering tangible outcomes where they’re needed most.  

Including an Indigenous Outcomes Fund in the fall budget would show that this government is serious about results, reconciliation, and building a more equitable and prosperous Canada—without delay. This National Indigenous History Month, Canada has an opportunity to commit to meaningful, measurable change that is community-led and grounded in the right of Indigenous Peoples to shape their own futures. It’s time to fund what works—and let the results speak for themselves.

Jeff Cyr is Métis from the White Horse Plains in Manitoba. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Raven Outcomes and is also the co-founder of Raven Capital and President & CEO of the Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation.

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