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Welcome to Shared Value Solutions biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.

In this edition, we make a special announcement about UNDRIP funding, celebrate World Water Day, and meet our latest Women Crush Wednesday, Megan Crow Shoe, Piikani Nation’s consultation officer. Be sure to also meet our newest team member and check out our latest Language Monday word. We share inspiring stories from across Turtle Island, as well as our usual round up of funding opportunities for you to check out. Stay well, everyone!

Special Announcement

UNDRIP Funding Available

Don't miss this significant opportunity to have your ideas, experiences, and voices at the table as Canada tries to figure out what UNDRIP means for federal legislation and policy.

Canada is seeking submissions from Indigenous Nations on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canadian law and policy.

This is a good opportunity to influence Canadian law as it relates to the fundamental relationship between Indigenous Nations and Canada including issues such as lands and resources, free prior and informed consent, self-determination and economic reconciliation, among other things.

The application information is available through a broad Call for Proposals and is due on April 15^th.

Here are some examples of topics we think this program could support:

Interviewing elders about traditional governance
Management of National Parks
Challenges with the specific claim process
Protection of cultural areas
Involvement in environmental assessments for development projects
Recovery plans for significant species
Repatriation of cultural artifacts
Community awareness raising and engagement

If this opportunity if of interest, we are happy to talk about how the funding could be used and how SVS could support your application. Contact us to chat!

In Our Blog

World Water Day and the Indigenous Water Crisis: Protecting What Matters

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March 22, 2022 was World Water Day. The theme this year is “Groundwater — Making the Invisible Visible.” Here at SVS, we recognize the significance of water for our clients and their communities. So much so that some of our resident water experts on our Science Team formed a Water Resources Group to better support our clients in addressing water issues in their communities and Traditional Territories. This group got together to discuss some of the issues that our clients face around water governance and protection and how we can help.

First Nations Drinking Water Settlement Open for Claims From Communities and Individuals

After a years-long fight for clean drinking water, Indigenous communities and individuals in Canada are a step closer to receiving money from a class-action lawsuit that was settled with the federal government for $8 billion last year. The claims process under the settlement opened up to submissions on Monday. Indigenous communities now have until Dec. 22 to file their claims, while individuals have until March 7, 2023.

“Where we’ve been and where we come from: it helps us to understand who we are.”

From Piikani Nation’s consultation office to the field, and even to the hockey rink, Megan Crow Shoe brings her love for her community, her family, and the land to all she does. Megan is an inspiration to us in the work she does for her Nation, and she is our #wcw for the month of March!

Take action on defining North America’s path to a net zero future.

The FNMPC 5^th Annual IEE: Towards Net Zero by 2050

Taking place April 25th & 26th, at the Westin Bayshore, Coast Salish Territory

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Across North America, most of the proposed solutions for achieving #netzero by 2050 rely on using Indigenous lands and resources to build clean solutions worth up to $6 trillion. This includes new clean power stations, expanded transmission lines, carbon capture and storage facilities, and new mines to provide the raw materials needed for electric vehicle battery production. Increasingly, Indigenous Nations are reclaiming their leadership in the North American landscape including their role in a decarbonized future economy.

But what is net zero? Can Canada and the US meet net-zero mandates without impacting Indigenous lands and cultures with our shared environment?

On April 25^th & 26^th, 2022, the Canadian based First Nations Major Project Coalition (FNMPC) and the US-based First Peoples Worldwide will bring together leading continental Indigenous, corporate and government experts to highlight the best environmental and economic Indigenous partnerships that are leading the way towards a net zero economy. The annual FNMPC event will highlight carbon reducing examples in four areas that are either Indigenous-led or have strong potential for industry-government-Indigenous partnership. These areas are: (1) Battery mineral supply chain; (2) Indigenous sustainable finance, (3) Innovation in policy & legislation to achieve 2050 targets and; (4) clean energy transition.

Exclusive keynote addresses by:

Jennifer M. Granholm, Secretary, US Department of Energy
Mark Cutifani, CEO, Anglo American
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister, Natural Resource Canada
Honourable Catherina McKenna, Founder and Principal, Climate and Nature Solutions

Limited Availability.

Indigenous Funding Programs

Here are some opportunities to check out:

Commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022 Call for Proposals

The Department of Canadian Heritage has issued a call for proposals for commemoration activities related to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022. The government is providing up to $10,000 of funding for activities such as education initiatives, intergenerational knowledge transfer, community events to raise awareness and or honor survivors and victims. Deadline is April 11, 2022.

New Phase of Local Food Infrastructure Fund

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada have invested an additional $20 million to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF). This new phase of the LFIF aims to support Indigenous, northern, and remote communities to develop community-led sustainable food systems. Funding of up to $500,000 is available through this program for the next two years, with the application period opening June 1^st, 2022, and closing July 15^th, 2022.

Ontario Expanding Economic Opportunity for Entrepreneurs

The Ontario government is investing $5 million over two years in a targeted program to help Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs start or grow their business. The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program helps to remove economic barriers by providing funding, training, and culturally-relevant services to entrepreneurs.

- Consultations for a Clean Electricity Standard. The Government of Canada has begun consultation for the development of a Clean Electricity Standard to support the goal of achieving a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and net-zero emissions by 2050. The Government is accepting comments on a related discussion paper until April 15^th, 2022.
- Natural Resources Canada has launched the Indigenous Seed Collection Program, an initiative that aims to build capacity among Indigenous communities for seed collection. The program, which will be delivered through Natural Resources Canada’s National Tree Seed Centre, will also support the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge into seed collecting, training, and conservation efforts.
- This week, the Government of Canada launched its inaugural Green Bond under the Green Bond Framework. The free bond aims to create new financing opportunities that will speed up projects ranging from green infrastructure to nature conservancy, while also growing Canada’s economy and creating new, good-paying jobs across the country. Eligible expenditures include clean transportation, living natural resources & land use, energy efficiency, and more.
- Rural Transit Solutions Funding for Capital Projects is available - a program that funds transit solutions for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities in Canada. The program provides funding of $3 million for the capital costs of projects that improve the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of transit infrastructure.
- Creating, Knowing, and Sharing – Short Term Projects. The Short-Term Projects component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis professional and aspiring artists, cultural carriers, arts/cultural professionals, groups, collectives and arts/culture organizations. Grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months. This funding provides up to $100,000 of support. Deadline is June 15, 2022.
- Trapline Policy in Ontario: Comment Period. Ontario has released changes to its policy proposal for province’s trapline policy based on consultations. Ontario is receiving comments on the policy between February 18^th 2022 and April 19 2022.
- Indigenous Forestry Initiative. The Indigenous Forestry Initiative provides support for Indigenous led economic development projects related to forestry management and stewardship. The aim of the fund is to increase Indigenous participation in opportunities surrounding the forestry sector. Rolling intake, funding available through to 2023.
- The Indigenous Climate Change Monitoring Toolkit. A group of Indigenous co-authors have created an online climate change monitoring toolkit to support all your monitoring needs. The toolkit includes a step-by-step guide to community-led climate change monitoring.
- CBC New Indigenous Voices Interested in building skills related to digital storytelling in the TV, film, and digital media industry? CBC New Indigenous Voices is a full-time, 14-week online training program for up to 10 Indigenous creators aged 18 to 35. Deadline is April 8, 2022.

- Aboriginal Participation Fund - Advanced Exploration and Development Support Sub Stream Funding up to an annual maximum of $15,000 for a one-year term is available to Aboriginal communities in Ontario in areas of high mineral development activity. Rolling deadline.
- Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program is designed to build capacity for climate change adaptation by funding community-designed and driven projects. This program funds First Nations and Inuit communities' efforts to build capacity to adapt to the health impacts of climate change.
- Through the "Green Jobs in Green Spaces" funding program, Project Learning Tree Canada can provide a 50% wage-subsidy to support sustainability-focused youth employment in the forest and conservation sectors.
- TELUS Community Grants for Indigenous Led Solutions Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible grant funding up to $50,000 to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Funding is available for projects focused on, but not limited to: health, mental health and well-being; access to education and resources; community building and enhancement; language and cultural revitalization; Inter-community sharing of cultural stories. 2022 application deadlines are March 4, 2022 and October 14, 2022.

In The News

First Nations community providing Indigenous wellness benefits to plan members |Benefits Canada

Sagamok Anishnawbek, a First Nations community in northeastern Ontario, is participating in a pilot benefits plan program that provides plan members with access to traditional Indigenous medicines and services.

Toronto unveils 10-year plan for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples| CBC

Action plan is a ‘living document’ that deserves careful reading, says John Tory

Historic University of Calgary proposal in the Cree language challenges how Indigenous cultures are studied| Global News

A wisdom-seeking team from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work is challenging the way Indigenous cultures are studied in academia by submitting a research funding application entirely in the nêhiyawewin (Cree language).

SVS eBooks for Download: Collect them all!

Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:

Harnessing the Power of Maps
Channeling the Wisdom of Indigenous Knowledge
Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations
Indigenous Planning Cheat Sheet
Indigenous Business and the Resource Sector
Indigenous Planning Starter Kit
Indigenous Guardians and Development

Download our eBooks here

Still Available: Free Emergency Consultation Department Support During COVID-19 from SVS

First Nations are reporting that, even in the midst of a pandemic that has many band offices closed, resource development proponents continue to send referrals to move projects forward. We have ideas on how to support. Get in touch.

Meet Carrie Breneman

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Introducing one of our newest team members, Carrie Breneman, who joins SVS as a Senior Regulatory Specialist. Carrie is passionate about understanding Indigenous Knowledge and working with communities to achieve their goals and objectives by understanding their perspectives at a deep level. She loves supporting communities to translate their knowledge and values into environmental, social, and cultural protection.

Meet Carrie here

Reconciliation Circle Update

SVS's Reconciliation Circle was born out of our commitment to the TRC Calls to Action. As a company, Call to Action #92 is a place we can directly put our efforts. We see it as a place we can influence the culture and operations within our company and hopefully influence other companies with our examples. We are a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals who have seen and learned much on our journeys – and acknowledge that we have so much more to learn and to know.

SVS's Language Monday

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About Us: Shared Value Solutions

We are a Canadian B Corp, and we assist Indigenous Nations with support throughout regulatory processes surrounding major development projects like mines, hydroelectric facilities, transmission lines, highway expansions, oil and gas pipelines, natural resource transport applications and nuclear power.

We have deep context and experience behind the recommendations we provide, having worked for our clients on almost every major project in Canada over the last 10 years. For us, it’s all about building long-term relationships with our clients. We want to get to know you and what you want to do so we can help you move your plans forward.

Core Services:

Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiation Support
Technical Reviews and Regulatory Process Support
Community and Economic Development Planning
Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use Studies
Environmental Monitoring
Guardians Program Development
Climate Change Readiness
GIS and Mapping
and a whole lot more...www.sharedvaluesolutions.com

We don't miss much.

THE TALON: UNDRIP Funding, World Water Day, News, Funding, Jobs and More!