Welcome to Shared Value Solution's funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.

Happy September everyone! 

It's always sad to say good bye to summer, but fall also has some exciting events in store!  Read on to see what we have included in this issue of the Talon.

If you missed either of our Indigenous Data Sovereignty webinars this summer, we've got you covered! See below for links to the recordings of each of the webinars we've run so far. And stay tuned for the next session in our series. Check out two training opportunities for those who work in the Lands departments of their Nations, from our friends at TALSAA and NALMA.  It's conference season, and SVS plans to be out and about. We always look forward to the connections we make and to the information we gather and share. See below for the list of conferences we will be attending and presenting at!

As always, we are including new funding sources we have come across. Please reach out if these are of interest to your communities and you need help with getting a project off the ground. 

Lastly, we have three exciting employment opportunities currently available. Come join our amazing team! We are looking for passionate and committed candidates who want to work in partnership with Indigenous Nations to advance Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.

Happy reading!

Indigenous Data Sovereignty Webinar series- recordings are live!

We had another full house for our latest webinar: "Demystifying Data Sovereignty, Tools and Technologies" 

ICYMI, you can view the full recording here!

Our guest speakers explored the intricate realm of technology and its role in empowering Indigenous Nations and the opportunities and challenges that arise when implementing technologies to support the pursuit of Indigenous Data Sovereignty.

Don't worry if you missed the first webinar in our Indigenous Data Sovereignty Webinar Series!  Watch the recording of the full webinar here.

SVS's Jeff Hackett hosted a stellar panel of speakers: Christine MacRae, Annita Luchessi and Rudo Kemper, who talked about the need for Nations to have control and access to their data and shared new ideas on Indigenous led mapping. 

Last chance to apply! 

We are looking for 100 young Canadians to influence water dialogue. Applications due September 8, 2023.

https://waterlution.org/wil-canada-2023/

Attention All First Nations in Alberta!

NALMA training- register today!

2023 / 2024

Reserve Land Designation Toolkit Training

The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) is pleased to offer Reserve Land Designation Toolkit Training. This training introduces participants to the concept of designating reserve lands and provides background information on land management. A step-by-step guide to the Designation Process with emphasis on the role of First Nations’ staff in the Preparation, Referendum, and Approval Phase. Terminating or amending a designation is also discussed.

Date: October 17-19, 2023 (2.5 days) 

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Registration Deadline: September 12^th, 2023

Sponsorship: Maximum $3,000 per First Nation. This training session can accommodate 20 Land Managers. As space is limited, only one representative per First Nation will be accepted. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Here: NALMA Reserve Land Designation Toolkit Training

For more information contact Stephanie Tripp at stephtripp@nalma.ca

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

Emergency Management FireSmart program- open until March 31, 2024

The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond using the 4 pillars of emergency management:

• mitigation
• preparedness
• response
• recovery

FireSmart project funding is available for initiatives, such as:

• wildfire pre-suppression planning
• wildfire risk assessments
• fuel reduction, forest thinning, prescribed burning
• fire breaks
• wildland fire crew training
• vegetation management
• fire mapping
• FireSmart training, workshops, conferences
• community and youth engagement

First Nations Health Authority: Indigenous Climate Health Action Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FNHA’s Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (ICHAP) supports First Nations leadership in reducing climate change impacts on health. 

Climate change affects physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health in many ways. Through ICHAP, communities can strengthen their climate health resilience by working together to improve the environmental, social, cultural and economic factors that affect their health and wellness.  More info here.

Wildfire and Natural Disaster Support

 

For those communities being affected by wildfires or other impacts of natural disasters happening across the country, we wanted to share a few funding programs we've heard of, that can support.

• Fire Smart: Emergency Management FireSmart program (https://hubs.ly/Q01Xj39B0)
• BCs program: FireSmart Community Funding and Supports - Province of British Columbia (https://hubs.ly/Q01XhZGV0)
• Emergency Management Assistance Program: https://hubs.ly/Q01XhYWj0
• First Nations Adapt - can be used for climate change adaptation planning (https://hubs.ly/Q01XhW-v0)

 

Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program-  applications due September 14, 2023

This second call for proposals under the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP or “the Program”), referred to as the GNPP-Demo call, will support up to six Energiesprong-inspired aggregated deep energy retrofit projects in communities across the country. The GNPP-Demo call aims to:

• Validate the technical and economic feasibility of Energiesprong-style deep energy retrofit approaches in multiple regions across Canada;
• Explore innovative approaches to deep energy retrofits in Canada; and,
• Build capacity and a business case for various aggregated deep energy retrofit approaches.

More information here.

Climate Change Adaptation Program- deadline to apply is September 22, 2023

Natural Resources Canada Climate Change Adaptation Program (2022–2027) helps to position Canada’s regions and sectors to adapt to a changing climate. The Program aims to:

1. Support decision-makers in identifying and implementing adaptation actions;
2. Enhance adaptation knowledge and skills among Canada’s workforce; and
3. Increase access to climate change adaptation tools and resources.

The Program is soliciting proposals for cost-shared projects that will make important contributions to advancing adaptation progress in Canada. Up to $15 million in funding may be awarded through this Call for Proposals.

More information here.

First Nations Baseline Assessment Program on Health and the Environment- deadline to apply is September 29, 2023

The First Nations Baseline Assessment Program on Health and the Environment aims to support First Nations in assessing the baseline status of human health and the environment in their communities prior to the implementation of large scale industrial projects on their traditional territories. Projects that focus on intergenerational knowledge translation with Elders and youth are particularly welcomed.

This program supports projects for a maximum of 2 years.

More information here. 

First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program—deadline to apply is October 21, 2023

Indigenous Services Canada provides funding through the FNECP to help First Nations communities improve their health. The program supports these communities in identifying, investigating, and characterizing the impact of exposure to environmental hazards. Its activities include community-based:

• Research
• Monitoring
• Risk assessment
• Risk communication
• Knowledge integration

Click here to learn more about this funding. 

Funding applications to the Canada Ontario Resource Development Agreement (CORDA) program for 2024-2025. Deadline to apply is Nov. 6, 2023. 

CORDA supports a variety of natural resource management projects such as fishing, forestry, trapping, resource-based tourism, and traditional harvesting. 

See the poster below or here for more information!

The WWF 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 United Nations biodiversity summit, support for IPCAs will be increasingly important, as countries strive to protect 30 percent 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:

The Arctic and Northern Challenge program:

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING: 

The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant- apply until Dec. 1, 2023

The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in British Columbia that want to participate in and receive financial supports to develop, expand, or strengthen their Indigenous food systems and innovation to enhance sustainability and growth of the Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.

More information here. 

Four million dollars 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.

Government funding to help at-risk birds and other species in St. Lawrence Lowlands

On Tuesday Guilbeault announced $1.5 million of taxpayer money will be going to Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) projects along the St. Lawrence River.

Read more here.

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

City of Toronto Announces New Indigenous Climate Action Grants

The City of Toronto will award grants of up to $20,000 to Indigenous communities for projects and initiatives that address the climate emergency and protect the environment.

Applications will be processed in two batches. The first deadline is July 15 and the final deadline for the 2023 grants is September 15. More information about the Indigenous Climate Action grants and how to nominate someone for the application review committee is available on the city of Toronto's website.

Opportunities Round-Up: 

• • Nova Scotians Invited to Shape Future of Environmental Assessment Process: more information here.
  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointee or nominee on boards, commissions, and other organizations within its portfolio. Click here for more info. 
  • The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced today that it will waive the change of name fee for Indigenous residents of the NWT on an ongoing basis. Waiving the change of name for residential school survivors and their families advances the GNWT’s commitment to improve the lives of Indigenous residents and help further the cause of reconciliation. More info here.
  • Small grants to support community based healing and remembrance. More information here: https://nctr.ca/memorial/na-mi-quai-ni-mak/na-mi-quai-ni-mak-community-support-fund/

  • The 4th National Indigenous Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum 

    The Fourth National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF IV) happens in Nanaimo, BC, from October 16 to 19, 2023. Influential leaders across Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture, industry, and government will be present across this multi-day event highlighting innovation in industry, emerging markets, government programming, the evolution of aquaculture, and more. More information here.

  • 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 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. 

  • 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 country 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 system. 

    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.

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