Welcome to Shared Value Solution's funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
Happy fall and welcome to a new issue of the Talon.
Heading into November, there is so much exciting new funding to explore including the Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk – Aquatic Projects. Please reach out for help with applying!
In today's issue we also share an initiative for Indigenous engagement on Canada's Invasive Wild Pig Strategy. In partnership with the Canadian Council for Invasive Species and Animal Health Canada, we will be running online sessions where we welcome feedback on the strategy as well as offer helpful tools for identifying invasive wild pigs' presence on the lands you steward and the potential threats they pose. Read on to sign up.
Lastly, today we introduce our SVS Eastern Canada team who will be conducting a workshop next week at the Cumulative Effects conference in Halifax, NS. Read on for more information and for discount code to register. Hope to see you there!
Indigenous Engagement
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species, in collaboration with partners, is working to prevent and manage invasive wild pigs across the lands we safeguard.
SVS invites you to join us for an online session to learn more about invasive wild pigs, including how to identify them, the potential threats they pose to your lands and interests, and the proposed strategies for managing them.
We also welcome your input on a national wild pig strategy. To review the strategy, click here: https://canadainvasives.ca/wild-pigs-in-canada/
For any questions, please get in touch here: info@sharedvaluesolutions.com
To sign up for an online session, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VCC9YR9
We look forward to hearing your feedback in the session!
Indigenous Funding Programs
NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS
NEW! Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk
Accepting Expressions of Interest until November 8, 2024
Deadline for full proposal submissions is December 13, 2024
The objective of the HSP for Aquatic Species at Risk is to support and promote the conservation and recovery of Aquatic Species at Risk and their habitats by engaging Canadians in projects that will result in tangible and measurable conservation benefits.
More information here.
NEW! Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) – Aquatic Projects
Accepting Expressions of Interest until November 8, 2024
Deadline for full proposal submissions is December 13, 2024
The Species at Risk Act (SARA) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples play in wildlife conservation, and the need to consider Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge in key SARA processes. The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk program was established in 2004 to facilitate active participation by Indigenous communities in the implementation of the Act. It invests in organizational capacity development and encourages activities that contribute to the conservation and recovery of species at risk, including community-led documentation and management of Indigenous Knowledge.
More information here.
NEW! Indigenous Fishery Monitoring Fund
There is no deadline to apply for fiscal year 2024-2025
Eligible Indigenous Peoples, communities, and groups can now apply to the Indigenous Fishery Monitoring Fund to support their participation in implementing the Fishery Monitoring Policy as they to continue to build capacity in fisheries monitoring and catch reporting activities.
The $5-million Indigenous Fishery Monitoring Fund will provide funds over five years through single and multi-year contribution agreements. It is intended to:
- Enable the participation of Indigenous groups and communities in implementing the Fishery Monitoring Policy for federally managed fish stocks
- Support continued capacity building of Indigenous Peoples, groups, and communities to develop, lead and participate in fisheries monitoring and catch reporting activities for federally managed fish stocks
Look here for more info.
NEW! Indigenous Capacity Support Program – Stream 3: Strategic Opportunities
Application deadline: December 2, 2024
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is making limited funding available through this program to support Indigenous communities and organizations so they may better participate in current and future assessments. This funding is provided outside the context of specific project reviews.
More info here.
NEW! Documentary Heritage Communities Program
No deadline given
We provide funding to local documentary heritage organizations for projects that meet one or both of these goals.
Access and awareness
Our first objective is to increase access to, and awareness of their holdings. Projects related to this goal include:
- Collection-, catalogue- and access-based management (systematic, planned and documented process of maintaining and preserving collections, such as activities to enhance the archival standard descriptions of collections in order to increase physical, intellectual and bibliographical access to them)
- Commemorative projects (initiatives that celebrate historical figures, places, events and accomplishments of local, regional and/or national significance)
- Digital file conversion (from one format or media into another) and digitization for access purposes
- Development (research, design and production) of virtual and physical exhibitions, including travelling exhibits that circulate to one or more venues
Improving capacity for preservation
Our second objective is to increase their capacity to keep and preserve Canada's documentary heritage. Projects related to this goal include:
- Conservation and preservation treatment
- Conversion and digitization for preservation purposes, including recording interviews for Oral History projects
- Increased digital preservation capacity (excluding digital infrastructure related to day-to-day activities)
- Training and workshops that improve professional competencies and build the organization’s capacity
- Development of standards, performance, and other measurement activities
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages: Indigenous Language funding
Click here to learn about funding to support Indigenous language initiatives across Canada.
Wildfire and Natural Disaster Support
Application deadline: Various depending on the funding opportunity program
• Emergency Management FireSmart program https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1643385529147/1643385549632
• Emergency Management Assistance Program: https://hubs.ly/Q01XhYWj0
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
No application deadline
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects and related energy efficiency measures in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada.
The program is working to reduce the use of fossil fuels for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. This creates environmental, social and economic benefits to support healthier and more sustainable communities.
Investing in clean energy solutions in Indigenous communities is a small but important link to energy security, reconciliation, self-determination and economic development for Indigenous Peoples.
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program is currently accepting applications under the following streams:
- Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
Please note: Due to high demand, remaining funding for this stream is limited, eligible projects received will be added to a waitlist, should funds become available:
- Research, Development, and Demonstration projects
Please note: Due to high demand, CERRC has paused application intake for the following streams:
- Capacity Building projects
- Deployment of renewable energy projects
More info here.
Lands and Economic Development Services Program
Application deadline: different for each region, reach out to program officer for more info
The Lands and Economic Development Services Program provides support to First Nation and Inuit communities to assist with enhancing the economic development, land and environmental capacity of communities and to support the establishment of the conditions for economic development to occur, increasing their participation in the economy. Up to $50,000 of project-based funding support.
More info here.
First Nations Waste Management Initiative
Application deadline: No deadline
This initiative provides support to First Nations to develop sustainable waste management systems through modern infrastructure, operations, training and partnerships.
Funding is available for a range of waste management activities, such as:
- waste management agreements with municipalities and service providers (municipal-type agreements)
- construction of transfer stations
- construction of engineered landfills in remote and isolated communities
- waste reduction and diversion initiatives such as recycling, composting, and hazardous waste management programs
- Waste operator training
- Waste awareness and education programming
- Landfill management and closing of refuse sites
- Development of waste management plans and feasibility studies
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:
- Indigenous-owned and led
- Advance Indigenous climate leadership
- Support the self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities of Indigenous peoples.
Eligible projects will meet the following criteria:
- Incorporate or make use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and practices
- Offer broader environmental, social, and economic benefits
- Use proven technologies and practices
Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that:
- help reduce GHG emissions in 2030
- align with Canada’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050
Click here for more information about this opportunity.
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 Pprogram 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.
Community Opportunity Readiness Program – Funding Opportunity
Application deadline: Open
The Community Opportunity Readiness Program 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:
- 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 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
First Nations Health Authority’s Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (ICHAP) supports First Nations leadership in reducing climate change impacts on health. Given limited funding available, EOIs will be reviewed with preference given to communities that have not received ICHAP funding in the previous year.
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.
The Blanket Fund
Application deadline: Varied
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.
WESTERN CANADA FUNDING
BC Nations, click here for a round up of all the funding available to you! And see below for our highlighted funding.
Click here for a round up of funding dedicated to Pacific Salmon Conservation.
Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (British Columbia specific)
Application deadline: available until the funding has been allocated. For projects starting Spring 2025 and onwards
- Food security and food sovereignty
- Access to the land
- Mental health
- Traditional medicine
- Traditional harvesting
- Water quality and quantity
Click here for more information.
Pacific Salmon Commission
Application deadlines vary
The Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat oversees and manages various grant programs that support the implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The amount of available funds for each program varies annually and grants are awarded upon review of applications by the respective fund committee.
More information here.
New Relationship Trust Indigenous Labour Market Fund
Application deadline for Stream 1: December 1, 2024
With $200 million allocated, DAEF is empowering First Nations to have a seat at the table, shaping policy, strategic directions, and legislative frameworks in alignment with the Declaration Act Action Plan 2022-2027.
Every Nation’s participation enriches the process, bringing unique perspectives and wisdom that are crucial for creating laws and policies that are just, respectful, and reflective of Indigenous rights and aspirations.
If your Nation hasn’t applied yet, now is the time to step forward and be part of this historic movement. Let's make history together and ensure every First Nation in BC is part of this transformative journey.
The Indigenous Labour Market Fund is intended to support and enhance a next generation approach of Indigenous initiatives to address three specific labour market issues or gaps impacting Indigenous people across BC.
- Labour Market Studies: to cover costs associated with the update or development of comprehensive plans or studies that identify Indigenous led initiatives to increase the recruitment, placement, advancement and ultimately greater participation and success of Indigenous peoples in various sectors and regions across BC.
Learn more here.
Professional and Institutional Development Program
Application deadline: Varies 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.
Click here to learn more.
Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Fund (PRF)
Application deadline: Applications being accepted starting February 20th and available until all the funds are committed
Funding up to $100,000 per year, over two years is available for Indigenous-led charities and non-profits to support immediate work in enhancing poverty reduction and social inclusion initiatives.
The Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Fund is intended to be low barrier and flexible source of funding for Indigenous charities and non-profits needing a boost in their financial and service capacity to deliver on crucial poverty reduction and social inclusion initiatives.
The PRF was funded and made possible through New Relationship Trust’s partnership and collaboration with the Vancouver Foundation and BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
More info here.
First Nations Recycling Initiative
Application deadline: no deadline
The First Nations Recycling Initiative supports recycling in First Nations communities throughout British Columbia. We collaborate directly with First Nations communities across BC to provide information about BC’s existing stewardship programs and local collection events in support of community recycling programs. We work together on projects to recycle these materials: tires, appliances, paper and packaging, electronics, beverage containers, batteries, power equipment, and health products.
More info here.
Government of British Columbia - Organics Infrastructure Program
Application deadline: no deadline
The Organics Infrastructure Program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing up to $30 million into projects that support:
- Increasing organic waste processing capacity in British Columbia
- Keeping organic waste out of landfills
More information here.
Local Government Climate Action Program
Application deadline: Open
- Provides flexible, long-term funding that meets urban and rural needs
- Enables community-specific action to reduce emissions and increase climate resilience
- Enables robust reporting to track results and help improve the program over time
- Enables knowledge sharing among local governments and modern treaty Nations to promote innovative climate action across the province
For more information, click here.
Indigenous Community Energy Coach Program & Indigenous Community Heat Pump Incentive
Application deadline: Ongoing
The Province of BC offers free energy coaching services to support Indigenous communities wanting to take advantage of the CleanBC Indigenous Community Heat Pump Incentive and related energy efficiency offers.
For more information, click here.
The Declaration Act Engagement Fund
Application deadline: new applications accepted between May and December each year
The Declaration Act Engagement Fund provides multi-year (four-year) non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of BC 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 BC.
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.
More here for more information about this funding opportunity.
ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING
NEW! Indigenous Economic Development Fund
Deadline: November 14, 2024
The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
The fund supports projects that:
- Diversify Indigenous economies
- Increase access to employment and training opportunities
- Provide start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses
- support financing, skills training and other economic development initiatives through collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector
The IEDF provides grants and financing through three funding streams:
- Economic Diversification Grant
- Business and Community Fund
- Regional Partnership Grant
More info here.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Application deadline: varies for each funding opportunity
Click here to learn about a range of programs supporting economic development, including tourism and small businesses.
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Funding Opportunity
Application deadline: no deadline
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation 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 for engagement and smaller funding pots:
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Participant funding opportunities during an impact assessment:
This page links to notices about how to get involved in an active assessment. Notices are organized by location of the assessment, either by province, territory, or outside of Canada. You can also find open application periods for participant funding. Click here for info.
- Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund. Small grants to support community-based healing and remembrance. Click here for info.
- Support for hunting, harvesting, and community-led food programs.
Through flexible funding opportunities delivered by Indigenous organizations, the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund:
- Create less reliance on store bought food
- Encourage the restoration of harvesting culture and practices
- Supports local food production and community food sharing
More information here.
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- The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve Program is responsible for managing contaminated sites on reserve lands. See here for more info.
- The Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program supports projects that maintain and recover populations of Boreal Caribou in Ontario. It is part of the Species at Risk in Ontario Stewardship Program. See here for more info.
- Ontario grants to support healthy food systems for children and youth. Look here for a list of funding sources.
- Students, check out this searchable list of 537 bursaries, scholarships, and incentives for Indigenous students across Canada. Look here.
- The Short-Term Projects component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit, and Métis professional and aspiring artists, cultural carriers, arts/cultural professionals, groups, collectives, and arts/culture organizations. Grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months. Find out more here.
- The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve Program is responsible for managing contaminated sites on reserve lands. See here for more info.
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- 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/
- 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.
- 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/
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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.
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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.
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SVS News
Data Sovereignty with Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated (MTI)
SVS has been working with Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated (MTI) for the last couple of years to build up the capacity of MTI's Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Department. MTI advocates for the rights and interests of its nine Mi'kmaq member communities located in what is known today as New Brunswick (https://migmawel.org).
SVS completed an organizational review and needs assessment focusing on process, methods, data management, and whether MTI are seeing the outcomes they want from impact assessment processes. We interviewed members of the IK Department and many others within MTI to help shape our review and provided the Operational Team with recommendations for departmental functioning and capacity building.
SVS also developed and carried out a series of training sessions for the IK department staff over the last year. Topics ranged from how to manage all the data that comes with an IK study and an impact assessment, interview and data analysis techniques, community engagement and outreach planning, and how to write a strategic report.
We are now supporting MTI with a data sovereignty project. This involves an in-person session to organize MTI's IK data even more effectively using GIS, establishing some stronger data management processes, and training staff on the use of mapping and ArcGIS survey tools. These steps will help MTI's entire team be able to participate more easily in upcoming impact assessments and other projects that incorporate Mi'kmaw Indigenous Knowledge.
"A great group of people who are easy to work with,
and truly want the best for those organizations they are consulting/working with."
— Charles LaBillois-Bjorndal, Director of Indigenous Knowledge Research, Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc.
Check out our Data Sovereignty and Digital Services here
Hope to see you at the conference!
Did you know that SVS has an Eastern Canada team?! Brooke Moore and Ashley Childs are looking forward to connecting with clients in the eastern provinces at the upcoming cumulative effects conference next week! They will be conducting their workshop: "Integrating Traditional Knowledge for Enhanced Environmental Monitoring," along with SVS's Scott Mackay and Morgan Edwards.
https://www.canadianinstitute.com/cumulative-effects-east/agenda/
When you sign up, use our promotional code for 10% off: S10-344-344V25.S Looking forward to connecting with many of you there!
For more information about our Cumulative Effects Services, click here.
Check out our eBook on Environmental Monitoring here.
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