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

Hello and welcome to the Talon! 

Happy "beginning" of spring everyone. We're starting to thaw out a bit here in Southern Ontario and the days are feeling brighter! In this issue, we share news of another FREE webinar we are bringing to you in collaboration with CANDO.  This webinar will be guided by SVS Archaeologist Cristina McCoy and will explore the possibilities for archaeological practice in Ontario- read more below!

Have a look at all the new and exciting funding opportunities we have listed, a new employment opportunity with our team, and lastly, see how we celebrated International Women's Day.

Enjoy!

Upcoming FREE Webinar!

Archaeological Practice in Ontario: Your history, under your care and control

Your archaeological history is a non-renewable resource that belongs to your community; join SVS Archaeologist Cristina McCoy as she discusses how Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Archaeology in Ontario needs to change to support Indigenous self determination– and how that change can be accomplished. 

Click here to register!

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS:

Hudson's Bay Foundation and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Announce the Opening of Applications for Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund

Through two grant streams, The Blanket Fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. Indigenous people, as well as Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations in Canada, are eligible. More information here. 

CREation Community Grants Program

CREation is a multi-level funding program that supports strengths-based, community-focused and youth-led projects taking place in communities across Canada. Grassroot youth groups/collectives (comprised of Indigenous youth ages 15 to 29) are eligible to apply for funding to support community programs and projects while receiving innovative mentorship, training and capacity-building opportunities. Funding will be provided to projects/groups that seek to create impactful community change and increase the wellness, resiliency, and engagement of Indigenous youth.

This program aims to support Indigenous youth to take ownership over the wellness of their peers and community.

More information here.

Indigenous Climate and Environmental Funding

More details on this initiative can be found on the RN CTA 65 funding opportunity page.

WWF-Canada Announces New Fund for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas

It will fund grants and contracts between $50,000 to $150,000 per year for up to three years to support Indigenous communities and organizations as they consider, establish, or maintain IPCAs.

IPCAs are defined and managed by Indigenous communities, and stewarded through Indigenous laws and knowledge systems. In the wake of the COP15 UN biodiversity summit, support for IPCAs will be increasingly important, as countries strive to protect 30 per cent of the planet while upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For more information, contact:

• Rebecca Spring, senior communications manager: rspring@wwfcanada.org
• Tina Knezevic, communications specialist: tknezevic@wwfcanada.org
• Laurence Cayer-Desrosiers, manager, communications (French language inquiries): lcdesrosiers@wwfcanada.org

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING:

Northern Road Link Project Participant Funding Available

Funding is available for eligible individuals and groups to assist their participation in the planning phase of the impact assessment process. During the current comment period, which ends on March 23, 2023, the public and Indigenous groups are invited to review the summary of the Initial Project Description and provide comments. The Agency will retroactively reimburse eligible participants for their participation in this first comment period.

Applications received by March 27, 2023, will be considered.

More information here. 

Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) grant for Infrastructure, Online Safety, and Policy Engagement

CIRA’s grants fund community-led internet projects to build a resilient, trusted, and secure internet for all Canadians. CIRA aims to increase the number of Canadians who have access to a high-quality and high-performing internet. 

Through our grants, we fund community-led connectivity research, network planning, and solutions. Infrastructure solutions that CIRA will consider funding with grants must be community-led and community-owned, contributing to long-term community development.

More information here. 

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING: 

Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF)

Indigenous Services Canada supporting First Nations recovery from Hurricane Fiona as part of federal government response

$4 million has been made immediately available through the Emergency Management Assistance Program to address recovery efforts and various needs and expenses identified by First Nations communities. Read more.

MANITOBA-SPECIFIC FUNDING

Manitoba government provides funding to protect fish and wildlife

The Manitoba government is helping protect the province’s natural resources by awarding over $1 million in funding for 35 fish and wildlife improvement projects from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced.

See https://www.watercanada.net/manitoba-government-funding-protect-fish-wildlife/

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING

Opportunities Round-up: 

• • Grants available for Emergency Response and Recovery for small Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs in Central Interior BC. The program provides a monetary contribution to assist clients, Indigenous owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and First Nation Communities who have experienced business disruption and financial loss due to the 2021 BC floods. Applications will be accepted until the BC Emergent Response and Recovery Grant fund is fully allocated.

  • The Ontario Biodiversity Council is renewing its Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy and is seeking public input. More information here. 

  • Registration open for youth canoe trip from Peterborough to Curve Lake First Nation.  More information here. 

  • Micro-Loan Fund Available for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs 
    The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association  and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) are pleased to announce the establishment of a new $5 million Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
    AFIs across the country are now delivering the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund on behalf of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women entrepreneurs from across the nation are now able to access loans up to $50,000 to start or grow their business.

• • Clean Energy in Indigenous, Rural, and Remote Communities. Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced an additional $300 million for clean energy projects. This funding supports projects that help advance Indigenous-led climate action, support local economic development, and create skilled jobs while reducing pollution and improving air quality.  There is no deadline to apply.

    
    

  • Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities. The Government of Canada is providing $103.8 million over 5 years to assist First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities with implementing and developing Indigenous-designed community safety projects. There are several activities eligible for this funding, including initiatives that recognize the importance of Traditional Knowledge and practices in community safety and well-being.  There is no deadline for this funding.

    
    
  • Assistance to be Offered to Residents of Mud Lake for Relocation

    Assistance is being extended as a result of previous and potential flooding events which have been an ongoing concern for some residents. The decision to relocate or remain in the community will be up to each household. The amount of financial assistance payable to Permanent Residential Property Owners will be determined by the number of permanent residents living in the household.

    Residents who wish to discuss relocation assistance can contact Jacob Kimball, Manager of Legislation, at jacobkimball@gov.nl.ca or 709-729-5473, for further information.

• • The Southern Chiefs' Organization Launches New Survey Seeking Citizen Input on Reforming Justice System 
    The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has launched a new online survey with the goal of seeking input that will assist the SCO in advocating for the creation of an effective, equitable, and safe justice system from a First Nations perspective. 
    The survey is the latest tool, part of SCO’s overall First Nations Justice Strategy, which includes a focus on restorative justice. SCO’s Restorative Justice Program serves several First Nations and has dedicated Community Justice Workers in six communities—Bloodvein, Long Plain, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi, Pinaymootang, Sagkeeng, and Sandy Bay First Nations. The program also serves Brokenhead, Dakota Tipi, Dauphin River, Ebb and Flow, Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Skownan, and beyond. 
    You can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCO-IJS
    
    
  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters Canadian District Receives $37 Million to Support Employers Hiring First-Year Apprentices 
    This program will fund assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to hire new, first-year apprentices in the skilled trades and provide extra support for employers to assist apprentices from equity deserving groups. 
    Apprenticeships offer a great way to get the hands-on work experience needed to pursue a career in the skilled trades, and small business plays a fundamental role in Canada’s apprenticeship systems. 

    Many SMEs do not have the resources to offer apprenticeship training opportunities. In an effort to change this situation, Rowe and the UBC Canadian District have launched a two-year, $37-million program funded by the government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service to provide support to SMEs in Canadian construction and manufacturing “Red Seal” trades to help them to hire new, first-year apprentices needing a leg-up to begin lucrative careers in the well-respected skilled trades. 
    In addition to financial supports, the program provides assistance to help employers navigate the apprenticeship system, onboard new apprentices and set up the appropriate workplace training via a digital toolkit that can be found on their website at ubc-asp.ca.

We're hiring!

Project Administrator/Coordinator

Are you an experienced project administrator who is looking for an opportunity to make a difference with your work? This might be the job for you! The person we are seeking will have 1-3 years of professional experience in project coordination and administration and ideally will have skills and experience working in cross-cultural settings, preferably with First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit communities.

To learn more about the position or to apply for this job, click here.

International Women's Day

Here at SVS, we celebrated International Women's Day with a look back at all the inspiring women we have profiled in our Women Crush Wednesdays blog series.

Have a look here: https://sharedvaluesolutions.com/women-crush-wednesday-series/

SVS eBooks for Download: Collect them all!

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

• Protecting What Matters: Environmental Monitoring Ideas Bundle for Indigenous Nations
• 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
• GIS Intro Guide: Harnessing the Power of Maps
• A Lands and Consultation Department Guidebook
• Planning Starter Kit

Download our eBooks here

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