Happy 2024! We hope that everyone ended 2023 on a high note, with love, friendship and peace. Here at SVS we are ready to start the New Year excited about the many new funding opportunities out there! In this issue, we highlight sources of funding which can improve the lives of communities through well being studies, economic development programs, land use planning, and creative solutions for protecting lands and waters. Two funding sources in particular are closing as of January 31st, so please read further to get more information about how to apply today.
Also included in this issue are two employment opportunities at SVS, as well as two from our friends at TALSAA. Read on for more information!
As always, our team is here to help out with any questions and would love to support you with your applications for funding. Reach out, we'd love to chat!
Happy reading, friends!
NEW! Indigenous Capacity Support Program
Application deadline: not yet announced
The objective of the ICSP is to support the development of local and regional capacity to promote meaningful participation and leadership of Indigenous peoples in project EAs/IAs, regional and strategic assessments, and follow-up activities.
For more information on the program, here is the link to the funding guidelines: Guidelines: Indigenous Capacity Support Program - Canada.ca
There are 3 streams available:
To prepare for the call out in January, if you are interested in applying, please reach out to discuss the program and make a plan.
NEW! Indigenous Partnership Funding
Application deadline: open from now until January 30th, 2024
The Indigenous Partnership Fund supports ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The Fund supports consultation and cooperation between the Government of Canada and Indigenous partners on:
Click here to learn more!
Listen, Hear Our Voices
Application deadline: January 31, 2024
Digitization and archival work are an important part of your Nation's path to data sovereignty.
The Listen, Hear Our Voices Initiative, powered by Library and Archives Canada, is offering funding to support Indigenous communities and organizations in their crucial efforts towards preserving documentary heritage.
This funding is designed to support Indigenous communities and organizations in:
- Digitizing existing documentary heritage related to Indigenous languages and cultures
- Building capacity and resources to digitize and preserve documentary heritage related to Indigenous languages and cultures
Value of the Funding:
- Up to $25,000 is available for smaller projects (12 months to complete the project)
- Up to $100,000 is available for larger projects (12 months to complete the project)
Our Data Sovereignty Team (Taylor Sparklingeyes and Claire Avisar) are offering free application support.
Program Link: https://lnkd.in/dm3Xs2_S
North American Partnership for Environmental Community ActionApplication Deadline: January 24, 2024
The CEC established NAPECA to engage and partner with tribal nations, Indigenous Peoples and communities, including Indigenous governments, councils and organizations, academia, and registered non-governmental organizations in Canada, Mexico and the United States to promote a shared responsibility and stewardship for the environment.
Since 2010, this grant program has been instrumental in fostering collaborative efforts to address pressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development and fostering cross-border cooperation. NAPECA encourages model environmental initiatives that will help build long-term partnerships to improve environmental conditions at the community level and support local priorities.
Click here for more information!
NEW! NALMA is now accepting applications for their 2024-2025 Land Use Planning (LUP) Funding Initiatives.
Applications Deadline: February 2, 2024
This Initiative is intended for First Nations operating under the Indian Act.
3 categories of funding:
Category 1: Pre-Planning – Background Report
Category 2: Land Use Plan Development, Implementation and Monitoring
Category 3: Updating an Existing Land Use Plan
Click here for more information.
First Nations Baseline Assessment Program on Health and the Environment
Application Deadline: February 16, 2024
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.
Selected research proposals can receive up to $125,000 per project in funding over 2 years between April 2024 and March 2026. An applicant can only submit one proposal in a given year.
More information here.
Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) Announcement of Opportunities for the Fiscal Years 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 – Indigenous Traditional Knowledge
Application deadline: February 28, 2024 at 3pm EST
The FHIMP is a five-year program (2023-2028) to help Canadians better plan and prepare for future floods. In partnership with provincial and territorial governments, the FHIMP aims to complete flood hazard maps of higher risk areas in Canada and make this flood hazard information accessible to all Canadians.
The purpose of the FHIMP Traditional Knowledge Stream Contributions funding is to increase the uptake, validity, and relevance of flood hazard mapping in Indigenous communities, as well as to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between Indigenous and scientific practices related to flood mapping.
The contribution fund will support the development of tools to support communities, traditional knowledge studies, and rights-based engagement processes.
More information here.
Indigenous Leadership Fund
Application deadline: open from October 30, 2023 to March 31, 2027
The Indigenous Leadership Fund is being offered by Environment and Climate Change Canada as a new program under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. The program will fund Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects.
This fund will support projects that are:
Eligible projects will meet the following criteria:
Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that:
Click here for more information about this opportunity.
Indigenous Youth and Community Futures Fund
Application deadline: March 7, 2024
Through the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF), Laidlaw invests in opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with their land, languages and cultures, and each other. They want to support change-makers to engage in acts of decolonization, nation and community building, and cultural resurgence.
More specifically, the IYCFF grants are for Indigenous youth to develop and lead projects where they:
You can apply for up to $30,000 for small-scale projects that can last between 6 to 12 months.
Information Session:
For more information on the Indigenous Youth and Community Future Fund, please check out the Information session webinar from 2023.
Upcoming information session on Wednesday, February 7th at 12 PM to 1 PM EST. To secure your spot for the session, click here to register.
Laidlaw Foundation, in collaboration with various foundations, will host an information session in Thunder Bay on February 15, 2024, at the Baggage Art Centre. For those interested, please contact abernard@laidlawfdn.org for further details.
More information here.
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
Application deadline: varied
The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program supports the mandate of the Department of Canadian Heritage by building on Canada's strength as a diverse and inclusive society.
The Program has three funding components: Events, Projects and Organizational Capacity Building.
Click here for more info!
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.
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:
Click here for more information.
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.
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
Rural Transit Solutions FundApplication Deadline: open
Eligible applicants can seek a grant of up to $50,000 through the Planning and Design Projects stream to support transit planning activities toward the development of new or expanded transit solutions.
Some examples of activities that are eligible under the stream include: public engagement, needs assessments, feasibility or viability studies, surveys and assessments of routes or modes of travel.
Click here for more info.
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:
Funding amounts:
Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.
Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia
Application deadline: February 7, 2024
The Real Estate Foundation of BC makes grants to support projects that advance sustainability, equity, and social justice in relation to land use and real estate practices in BC.
REFBC grants can support:
REFBC is particularly interested in projects that support Indigenous rights and interests in land use and real estate. More information here.
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.
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 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
(Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Job Description
Position Title: Executive Assistant (EA) for the Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta (TALSAA)
Location: Hybrid/Remote – Alberta, Canada
Language Requirement: English
Salary Range: $49,000 - $59,000 /35-hour Work Week – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST. Monday to Friday
For more information, contact TALSAA’s Executive Director, Crystal Janvier-Romaniuk, ed@talsaa.ca. Accepting applications until January 29th, 2024.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Job Description
Position Title: Marketing and Communications Coordinator (MCC) for the Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta (TALSAA)
Location: Alberta remote/hybrid
Language Requirement: English
Salary Range: $49,000 - $56,000 /35-hour Work Week – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST. Monday to Friday
Level of Security Clearance: This position requires an elevated level of confidentiality, and a recently qualified Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) check.
For more information, contact TALSAA’s Executive Director, Crystal Janvier-Romaniuk, ed@talsaa.ca. Accepting applications until January 29th, 2024.
Turning UNDRIP Concepts into Action with the Indigenous Partnership Fund
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Act and Canada’s Declaration Act Action Plan for implementing UNDRIP stand as a beacon for Indigenous Rights. Yet, the concepts—particularly around self-determination—seem broad and unclear to many people.
The challenge for First Nations lies in transforming these theoretical concepts into tangible tools that empower communities to leverage their own goals around self-determination. In this blog, SVS senior consultants Jess Steiner and Jessica Keeshig-Martin, explore how the recently announced Indigenous Partnership Fund can be a game-changer for Indigenous communities, providing defined pathways for implementing UNDRIP and holding Canada accountable to their commitments laid out in the Declaration Act Action Plan.
Read more here
We revisited a post from a series that explored how Nations are using mapping and GIS to advance their Rights and interests. We hope this story about Shawanaga First Nation's IPCA helps to paint a clear picture of the power of GIS and mapping to help protect what matters most. Read the blog here.
By the way! If your Nation is interested in IPCAs, here is a great funding source from the World Wildlife Federation: https://wwf.ca/media-releases/wwf-canada-announces-new-fund-for-indigenous-protected-and-conserved-areas/. Please reach out with any questions on applying for the funding! We'd love to help.
Download the whole eBook here:
Indigenous Nations have a vested interest in the recent developments surrounding the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) in Canada. The IAA, established in 2019, aims to evaluate the potential environmental, economic, health, and social impacts of major projects. However, a recent Supreme Court of Canada opinion has declared certain aspects of the IAA unconstitutional, prompting considerations for its revision. Read our blog post for a summary of the opinion and its implications for Indigenous Nations' Rights and interests.
Ashley comes to SVS with a strong background in organizational and community development. Her focus for the last 7 years has been on providing project management, program and departmental development, strategic planning and technical services on environment and natural resource initiatives for Indigenous communities, specifically for the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia. She has worked on a wide-range of projects, including major complex, economic development programs, protected and conserved area initiatives, capacity development, assessment and monitoring initiatives, such as the Guardian program, and cumulative effects development.
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!
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: