Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)'s National Art Collection of Indian (First Nations), and Inuit art represents works of art by Canada's most prominent Indian (First Nations), Métis and Inuit artists as well as works by young emerging and mid-career artists. INAC's collection of over 4,000 works includes regional representation from across Canada and representation of all major art media forms, such as basketry, beadwork, carvings, ceramics, drawings, installation art, paintings, photography, sculpture and textiles dating from the early 1960s to the present.

Works of art in INAC's Indian and Inuit Art Collection are acquired directly from the artist to ensure that acquisition funds contribute to the well-being of the contemporary Aboriginal art community. INAC's Indian and Inuit Art Collection makes an active contribution to the creation of an environment that supports the governance of the First Nations and Inuit of Canada.

The Indian and Inuit Art Collection is managed by the Indian and Inuit Art Centres and includes an biennial acquisition program for Indian (First Nations) and Métis artists; an acquisition/exhibition program for Inuit artists, loan program to national and regional art institutions, research facilities and the Indian and Inuit Art Gallery.

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