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

In the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we reflect on the truths we have learned and how we can continue to support the healing of Indigenous Peoples.  See below for a link to purchase orange t-shirts featuring the beautiful work of Ojibway artist, Patrick Hunter.  We will be supporting this, and other endeavors, to show our solidarity with those families and individuals suffering from the impacts of residential schools. 

Included in this issue are the numerous new funding sources we have come across, including wildfire and climate change funding, species-at-risk funding, as well as lots of opportunities for engagement. Training opportunities are also available from our friends at TALSAA, see below!  As always, please reach out for support with any of these opportunities.   

Lastly, we have an exciting opportunity to join our Regulatory team.  Please have a look and share widely with your networks!  We're excited to add to our amazing team.  

Happy reading!

Indigenous Data Sovereignty Webinar series- recordings are live!

Don't worry if you missed our Indigenous Data Sovereignty Webinars this summer.  Watch the recordings here.

Indspire collaborates with Patrick Hunter for Orange Shirt Day

SVS has supported the Indspire bursary program, and we have also ordered our Christmas cards through Patrick Hunter for the past two years.  We are happy to support this endeavor by Giant Tiger where 100% of the proceeds are donated to Indspire’s Learning from the Past Fund, which provides bursaries to Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing an education in Indigenous Studies and Languages.

Order your t-shirt here.

Attention All First Nations in Alberta!

The Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta (TALSAA) is proud to announce a series of Economic Recovery Gatherings that will be hosted throughout 2023-2024.  Deadline to register is this Friday September 22!

These three-day gatherings will bring together industry experts, First Nations Land Managers, and other stakeholders from across Alberta to identify regional opportunities for cooperation and economic growth, discuss successes and challenges in First Nations Land Management, develop a plan of action for moving forward with economic recovery, and provide training and workshops on various aspects of First Nations Land Management and economic development. 

Economic Recovery Gathering 2023-24 

“Strengthening Our Communities.” 

Dates: October 11 – 13, 2023 

Location: Alexander First Nation (Host-Community) and Best Western, St. Albert (Accommodations) 

We invite you to join us for the Economic Recovery Gathering Series 2023-24 in October 2023. This gathering will focus on traditional knowledge and land-based teachings, outdoor activities, land stewardship and sustainability for First Nations communities across Alberta.  

We invited Elders & Knowledge keepers from across Alberta, and partner Thunderbird Inc. will provide attendees with the tools to understand land-based stewardship, sustainability practices, and use them to inform our economic recovery over the course of the 3 days. We will also discuss the challenges faced in Alberta's First Nations communities and how we can work towards a more prosperous future.  

For more details about the gathering, accommodations, meals, please visit: https://talsaa.ca/economic_recovery_gatherings  

To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/economic-recovery-gathering-series-tickets-717436440707 

Reimbursement available for NALMA National Gathering attendees:

TALSAA is pleased to announce that we are offering reimbursement to those TALSAA members who have registered and are planning to attend the 12tth National Lands Managers Gathering: Reconciliation Through the Lens of Lands Management In Winnipeg, on September 26-28th, 2023. 

TALSAA nation members will receive up to $2000 per member First Nation. To apply for reimbursement please complete the attached form and include copies of all receipts.  

Accepted expenses: 

• Travel 
• Accommodations 
• Meals 
• Conference Registration Fees  

To receive reimbursement, TALSAA members must submit all original receipts along with a completed Reimbursement Form no later than two weeks after the conclusion of the Gathering. 

Receipts and all other supporting documentation should be sent to: 

Tracy Fillion, Administrative Assistant 

talsaa.administrativeassistant@nalma.ca 

*Please send all emails with the subject line - National Gathering 

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

Indigenous Heritage- Museums Assistance Program- applications due Nov.1st, 2023

The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.

More information here

The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program- applications due Dec. 13, 2023

This program will provide funding to enable communities and sectors to work together at a regional scale to co-develop coordinated actions that increase climate resilience in coastal regions. The CRCC received $41 million under the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, which accompanied the release of the National Adaptation Strategy.

More information here. 

Professional and Institutional Development Program- Contact your funding services officer in your Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regional office for the deadline in your region.

This program funds projects that develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities to perform core functions of government such as planning and risk management, leadership, basic administration and financial management.

The Professional and Institutional Development Program funds projects that develop the capacity of communities to perform 10 core functions of governance, including:

• leadership
• membership
• law-making
• community involvement
• external relations
• planning and risk management
• financial management
• human resources management
• information management and information technology
• basic administration

More information here.

Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk- The application window will close at 2:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time on October 31, 2023.

The application submission period for projects commencing in 2024-2025 is now open.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is committed to working to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 and to achieving a full recovery for nature by 2050. Supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation is essential to meeting these targets. The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR), established in 2004, supports the development of Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Act recognizes the important role that Indigenous Peoples play in wildlife conservation and the need to consider Indigenous knowledge in the assessment of which species may be at risk, as well as in the development and implementation of protection and recovery measures. AFSAR also supports and promotes the conservation, protection, and recovery of target species and their habitats on Indigenous lands and territories.

The objectives of AFSAR are to:

• Support and promote the conservation, protection and recovery of target species and their habitats on Indigenous lands or lands where traditional food, social, and ceremonial activities are carried out by Indigenous Peoples; and
• Support the engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in the conservation and recovery of species at risk, their habitats and SARA processes

See here for more information.

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.

• Emergency Management FireSmart program https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1643385529147/1643385549632
• 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)

 

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
  
  

The Blanket Fund: new applications will be accepted in 2024

The Blanket Fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. Offered through two grant streams (Reconciliation Action Grants and Capacity Building Grants), The Blanket Fund can be accessed by both grassroots Indigenous communities and organizations, and by Indigenous individuals undertaking related initiatives.  More information here. 

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. 

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF)

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4 year) non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of B.C. on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both of which must be done in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund will accept new applications during New Relationship Trust’s annual funding cycle between May and December each year. Applicants will only have to apply once to the program.

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

Rouge National Urban Park Study Participant Funding Available- applications due Oct. 13, 2023

Funding provided by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is now available to help the public and Indigenous Peoples participate in the Rouge National Urban Park Study.

The study will be conducted by an independent expert committee to look at the potential effects of development projects adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park, located in the Greater Toronto Area.

Applications received by midnight Pacific Time on October 16, 2023, will be considered.  More information here. 

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.

  • Trans Mountain Expansion Project - Hearings are being streamed. The Commission will hear from Stk'emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation as the Pipsell area holds spirtual and cultural significance: CER – Hearings, Workshops, Information Sessions, and Conferences (cer-rec.gc.ca)

  • 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