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

It is now fall, which means many of you will be enjoying time out on the land harvesting with your family and friends. We wish you a successful hunting season!

We're bringing you many new funding sources today. There is a new Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, Restoration funding, Climate change, and resiliency programs, as well as information about the new First Nation Well-Being Fund. More information about these funding opportunities is included below. 

Also included in this week's Talon are three exciting employment opportunities to share with your networks. We have also included a conference alert. 

Happy reading, friends!

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

New! Aboriginal Fund for Special at Risk (AFSAR)  Funding for 2024-2025 projects is now open

Application deadline: December 15, 2023

The application submission period for projects commencing in 2024-2025 is now open. There are two separate platforms for funding:

• Terrestrial Projects - Delivered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
• Aquatic Projects - Delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

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

This program will be accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) until November 10, 2023. Completed application forms will be accepted until December 15, 2023. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

New! Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program

Application deadline: Ongoing

The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) 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 program will fund up to 25 pilot projects between 2023 and 2028 with a total budget of $41 million dollars under the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan. 

There is an Indigenous-led application process where applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

Click here for more information. 

New! The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) Program

Application deadline: Various Application Deadlines

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program aims to support new tree-planting projects. Over a period of 10 years, up to $3.2 billion will be invested in tree-planting efforts to support provinces, territories, third-party organizations (for-profit and not-for-profit), and Indigenous organizations to plant two billion trees across Canada.

Indigenous Funding Stream: for Indigenous governments/communities/organizations interested in tree planting and/or capacity-building projects.

Upcoming decision dates for the Tree Planting Stream and the Indigenous Funding Stream:

• Apply by January 18, 2024, for a decision by July 2024
• Apply by May 16, 2024, for a decision by November 2024
• Apply by September 19, 2024, for a decision by March 2025

Click here for more information.

NEW!  2024 First Nations Guardians Fund is now open!

Application deadline: December 8th, 2023 

Looking for ways to train more youth to become Guardians? Interested in finding ways to get more equipment for your Guardians initiatives? The 2024 First Nations Guardians Fund is an opportunity to do all that and more!

There are three tears of funding:

• Tier 1- New and Emerging ($50,000) 
• Tier 2- Community-Based ($175,000/year for up to two years) 
• Tier 3- Regional Networks ($250,00/year for up to two years)

For the first time, the First Nations Guardians Fund will be distributed by the First Nations-led Network (the only one in the world!). The application process is being managed by First Nations experts and informed by Guardians input, putting decision-making and leadership in the hands of First Nations experts, Guardians, and leaders. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

New! The CEC North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grant program - Call for Proposals

Application deadline: TBD

The CEC will launch a new cycle of the North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grant program in the second half of November 2023. This year’s Call for Proposals will focus on climate adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge (IK). 

Click here for more information about this opportunity. 

Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund

Application deadline: November 6th, 2023

The CNSC’s Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund will help Indigenous Nations and communities, as well as stakeholders, gain the capacity necessary to engage in the CNSC’s regulatory processes prior to and throughout the lifecycle of nuclear facilities and activities in Canada in a variety of ways.

The purpose of the Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund is to:

• develop and support the organizational capacity of Indigenous Nations and communities and public stakeholders to participate in and contribute to the CNSC’s regulatory processes, programs, policies, and initiatives more meaningfully
• support building relationships and trust with the CNSC through collaboration with Indigenous Nations and communities and public stakeholders

The Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund has approved funding for 5 years (currently ending in fiscal year 2027–28) and includes 3 funding streams.

Stream 2: Regulatory Policy Dialogue funding opportunity (C-21 / Nuclear Safety and Control Act) is still open! Application is due Nov. 6th.

See here for more info.

Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) – Funding Opportunity

Application deadline: Open

The Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) provides project-based funding for First Nation and Inuit Communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities. The funding objective is that First Nation and Inuit communities implement economic and business development initiatives that will leverage private sector funding either immediately, or in the future.  

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

EJ4Climate Grant Program

Application deadline: November 9, 2023

The CEC established this grant program in 2021 to fund projects that target underserved and vulnerable communities, and Indigenous communities, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to prepare them for climate-related impacts.

The EJ4Climate Grant Program provides funding directly to community-based organizations and seeks to support environmental justice by facilitating the involvement and empowerment of communities searching for solutions and the development of partnerships to address their environmental and human health vulnerabilities, including those due to climate change impacts.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program-

Application deadline: December 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

Application deadline: Different per 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

Contact your funding services officer in your Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regional office for the deadline in your region.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

First Nations Health Authority: Indigenous Climate Health Action Program

Application deadline: Open

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Wildfire and Natural Disaster Support

Application deadline: Various depending on the funding opportunity program

The Canada Ontario Resource Development Agreement (CORDA) Funding Program for 2024-2025.

Application deadline: Nov. 6, 2023. 

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

Funding amounts: $35,000 per project. 

See the poster below or click 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

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Blanket Fund

Application deadline: 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. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING:

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING: 

New! First Nations Well-Being Fund

Application deadline: December 31st, 2023

The First Nations Well-Being Fund offers funding to First Nations and Tribal Councils to support projects related to community well-being and poverty reduction. Areas of focus for funding will include, but are not limited to, food security, social and cultural supports, employment, education and training, families, children and youth, mental health, and transportation.

Stream 1 - Community Projects Overview - Maximum of $100,000

• Local food security initiatives
• initiatives that provide employment opportunities
• Training and skills-building opportunities 
• Cultural initiatives that will strengthen the community and support decolonization

Stream 2 - Planning Projects Overview - Maximum of $50,000

• Project planning and community engagement 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.

Funding for Engagement on the Fish Habitat Restoration Priorities Plan

Application deadline: January 31, 2024

The Indigenous Habitat Participation Program (IHPP) will be available to support engagement on the development of Regional Restoration Priorities Plans led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Pacific Region (i.e., British Columbia and Yukon Territory).

Objectives for the Pacific Region Regional Plan include:

• Identifying information sources that set priorities for fish habitat restoration;
• Collecting information from regional partners and stakeholders on restoration activities being undertaken;
• Identifying key threats and impacts to fish and fish habitat in Pacific Region;
• Identifying important species, areas, and ecosystem functions that will inform goals and priorities for fish habitat restoration;
• Identifying goals and supporting actions fish habitat restoration; and
• Identifying fish habitat restoration priorities and outline the approach used to prioritize the goals.

Funding amounts: 

• 1 community: $10,000
• 2 communities: $30,000
• 11-30 communities: $45,000

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

BC First Nations Caribou Recovery Implementation Fund

Application deadline: November 15th, 2023

The BC First Nations Caribou Recovery Implementation Fund (FNCRIF) has been developed to provide an additional means for First Nations communities and organizations to advance recovery efforts for threatened caribou herds in British Columbia. The fund is envisioned to generate new, collaborative, First Nations-led caribou recovery actions rooted in traditional knowledge and scientific understanding.

Project focus is to support and promote the recovery of caribou listed as "threatened" under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). 

There are two funding streams:

• Seed funding for developing a project proposal ($10,000)
• Multi-year funding (1-2 years) for the implementation of a recovery initiative ($75,000 per year). 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) - Equity Funding

Application deadline: April 30th, 2024

The FNCEBF aims to promote increased Indigenous community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas through agreements between the BC Government and the eligible applicant to support capital costs related to the implementation of community energy efficiency and demand-side management projects within their community. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI)

Application deadline: Friday, November 10th, 2023

The British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) provides support and capacity-building funds to Indigenous communities working on the development of clean energy projects.

BCICEI funding will enable the implementation of cost-effective clean energy and efficiency projects through support for:

Feasibility and site selection activities

Environmental review and permitting

Project design and engineering

Demand side management.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant

Applications due: 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 support to develop, expand, or strengthen their Indigenous food systems and innovation to enhance sustainability and growth of the Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF)

Application deadline: new applications accepted between May and December each year

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.

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.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

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.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING

Ontario Power Generation Regional Biodiversity Grant Program

Application deadline: November 30th, 2023

Ontario Power Generation announced its regional Biodiversity Grand Program to support Indigenous Nations and non-profit groups in Ontario in creating and restoring habitats and habitat corridors.

There are 5 habitat categories that will be considered for funding: woodland, wetland, grassland, lakes and rivers, and urban forest.  Preference for three-year projects will be given to those focusing on woodland habitat.

Funding amounts: $50,000 per year for up to 3 years (150k total). 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Community Emergency Preparedness Grant 

Application deadline: November 30th, 2023

The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) will help ensure Ontarians are safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies. The grant will provide funding to help community organizations purchase:

• emergency supplies 
• equipment 
• services such as emergency training delivery, exercise planning and coordination, education

Funding amounts:  $5,000 to $50,000.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Funding Opportunity

Application deadline: no deadline

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing funding through their Innovation Stream to support research development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario.  

Who is Eligible? 

• Private-sector businesses
• Private-sector businesses in partnership with a public-sector academic or research institution

What Projects are Eligible? 

Eligible projects include applied research and development projects, as well as a demonstration and commercialization of new and innovative technologies.  

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Opportunities Round-Up: 

• • Nova Scotians Invited to Shape Future of Environmental Assessment Process: more information here.

  • Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

    The Regional Assessment will be conducted for areas offshore Nova Scotia. The Committee will engage Indigenous groups, federal and provincial authorities, non-government organizations and the public during the conduct of the Regional Assessment. The Regional Assessment will help inform future project-specific federal impact assessments and decisions for offshore wind projects in these areas.

    https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83514

  • 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/ 

  • 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.

In our Blog:

Guest authors Alison Gamble and Robin Heavens shared "10 Ideas for Planning a More Inclusive Conference".

"As Indigenous professionals attending conferences in our fields over the years, we've experienced the good, the bad, and the misguided in terms of Indigenous inclusion. Organizations may have intentions of making space for Indigenous people to attend and participate in a conference, however, in our personal experiences, we are not always seeing that happen."

Read the full blog post to read their recommendations for creating conferences which bring the Indigenous voice fully to the table. https://info.sharedvaluesolutions.com/blog/10-ideas-for-planning-a-more-inclusive-conference

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