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

Don't miss out on our first Data Sovereignty webinar, happening tomorrow — there are still spots available!  Shared Value Solutions's Jeff Hackett and Jessica Keeshig-Martin will discuss the management and governance of Indigenous Data in this intro session which kicks off our series of webinars on this topic.  The free, hour-long session is sure to be filled with lots of great conversation and idea sharing — hope to see you there!

Read on for more funding opportunities including "Engagement funding for the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign" —  available for those Indigenous Nations who have knowledge of changes needed to the ATR process, to help guide the updates. 

We also have two exciting job opportunities here at SVS — Project Administrator/Coordinator and an Intermediate Environmental Consultant, Project Manager.  Both opportunities are available to candidates across Canada.  

Enjoy the Talon, and a have a great rest of your week!

Free Webinar tomorrow, still spots left!

Join SVS’s Jeff Hackett and Jessica Keeshig-Martin in this first session of our Data Sovereignty webinar series. They will explore the complex topic of Indigenous Data Governance and Management, what needs to be protected, and why. 

Reclaiming the control, protection, and management of your Indigenous Nation’s data can support your assertion of Treaty and Aboriginal Rights, and can be central in your journey towards self-determination. Having GIS and values data, lands management data, oral history recordings, agreements, and other important information at your fingertips can be a game changer in lands and band management, as well as in negotiations with proponents and governments.

Register here.

SPOTLIGHT ON AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY!

Engagement funding for the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign 

This funding is available for Indigenous-led engagement activities that will inform the Additions to Reserve (ATR) Policy redesign. The ATR policy was last updated in 2016 and is due for a significant overhaul. The Canadian Government is seeking input from Indigenous Nations who have knowledge of changes needed to the ATR process to help guide the updates. 

Eligible activities include research and advisory services, salaries, professional fees, meeting costs, travel costs, honoraria, and hospitality. The deadline for funding applications is May 19, 2023. Funding is being provided by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada in the following amounts:

*up to $40K for single Nations

*up to $175K for Tribal councils

*up to $200K for Regional Indigenous organizations

*up to $300K for National organizations

Preference will be given to applications representing multiple Indigenous communities. The engagement will occur between Spring 2023 and Spring 2034.

This call for proposals is now open. The deadline to submit a proposal is May 19, 2023.  If SVS can support with your application or engagement, please contact us!

More information here.

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NIB Trust Fund: Application deadline is June 9, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT

The NIB Trust Fund accepts applications for funding for programs aimed at education, healing and reconciliation, and cultural knowledge building. The goal of the NIB Trust Fund is to help First Nations, Métis people and communities address the impacts of the Indian residential school's system, and to provide resourcing to create meaningful opportunities that improve the quality of life for First Nations and Métis people.

More info here.

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:

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: 

• •  Do you have a capital project that will enrich lives in your rural community? Apply for up to $25,000 between April 15 and May 15. The FCC AgriSpirit Fund support projects in communities of less than 150,000 people by charities, non-profit groups, and First Nations, Métis or Inuit governments/communities.

  • 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.

Intermediate Environmental Consultant, Project Manager

Are you looking to do meaningful work with your BSc, Masters or PhD in Natural Resource Management, Water Resources Management, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies or Political Science? We are looking for a candidate with 5+ years experience with federal and provincial Environmental/Impact Assessments and project management, as well as someone with skills and experience working in cross cultural settings, preferably with First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! 

Click here to learn more and apply for this position.

SVS News

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