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!
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.
We are looking for 100 young Canadians to influence water dialogue. Applications due September 8, 2023.
https://waterlution.org/wil-canada-2023/
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 12th, 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
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:
FireSmart project funding is available for initiatives, such as:
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
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:
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:
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:
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:
The Arctic and Northern Challenge program:
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.
EASTERN CANADA FUNDING
Indigenous Services Canada Supporting First Nations Recovery From Hurricane Fiona as Part of Federal Government Response
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 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/
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Some of the responsibilities of this role include directing and conducting environmental assessments and/or peer reviews of large-scale environmental assessments in Canada and building and maintaining client relationships through a comprehensive understanding of client needs, priorities, and objectives while providing excellent client service.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc, Masters or PhD in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science or similar equivalent, along with 10+ years professional experience. We are also looking for demonstrated experience supporting and facilitating relationship building with Indigenous groups as well as industry and government negotiations related to natural resource development and management.
Click here to learn more!
In this role, you will manage projects focused on technical peer reviews of regulatory environmental permitting and approvals reports and applications for pipelines, energy, mining, waste, and other major infrastructure development projects as well as build and maintain client relationships.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc, Masters or PhD in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science or similar equivalent, along with 5+ years professional experience. We are also looking for a strong understanding of Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial legislation and regulatory approvals and permitting processes, including consultation and duty to consult requirements.
Click here to learn more!
In this role, you will collaborate with Indigenous Nations and organizations to develop and implement Indigenous Data Sovereignty initiatives.
Requirements are a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., data management, information science, indigenous studies, social sciences) and a minimum of 2 years of experience in data governance, data management, or related field. Experience working with Indigenous Nations or organizations is highly desirable.
Click here to learn more!
September 12-13, Thunder Bay: Tech Nations Conference. Join Jeremy Shute, Alison Gamble and Laura Sayers as they present on Flood Mapping and Source Water Protection. Hope to see you there! https://ofntsc.org/event/technations-2023
September 19-21, Niagara Fall: First Nations Economic Advancement Conference. Laura Taylor and Nichole Fraser will be on and are looking forward to connecting with you! https://www.ofneda.ca/conf/conference
September 26-28, Winnipeg: NALMA Land Managers Gathering. Come check out the SVS booth at this gathering! Looking forward to seeing you there.
September 26-27th, Thunder Bay: Northern Ontario Environmental Conference: https://www.nofnec.ca/
Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:
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: