Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well and enjoying this short, COVID-19-clouded summer.
Remember that eBook we released in the last issue? The one that explores best practices for orphan oil and gas well rehabilitation on reserve lands and Traditional Territories? We are happy to announce that Mikisew Advisian Environmental has teamed up with SVS to add their wisdom to it - so here it is again with even more useful content. If you're a NationTalk subscriber, you'll have seen it featured there. Stay tuned for a related feature interview with SVS's Steven Rowe and JP Gladu, a director on the Mikisew Group of Companies board (among many other things). Read on for our usual round-up of new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island.
Stay safe and well, everyone!
As seen on NationTalk:
A Guide for Decision-Makers: Best Practices for Orphan Oil and Gas Well Rehabilitation on Reserve Lands and Traditional Territories
Shared Value Solutions (SVS) and Mikisew Advisian Environmental (MAE) have teamed up to produce this best practice guide for Indigenous leaders and decision-makers trying to make sense of well site rehabilitation programs.
Read more on the SVS blog.
Collect them all!
Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:
- Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations
- Indigenous Planning Cheat Sheet
- Indigenous Business and the Resource Sector
- Indigenous Planning Starter Kit
- Indigenous Guardians and Development
Download our other eBooks here
First Nations are reporting that, even in the midst of a pandemic that has many band offices closed, resource development proponents continue to send referrals to move projects forward. We have ideas on how to support. Get in touch.
Indigenous Funding Programs
Here are some opportunities to check out:
Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund
Any Indigenous-led organization or Indigenous-serving organization working to foster resilience in Inuit, Metis and First Nations communities anywhere in Canada can apply for resiliency funds ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. The Fund will be accepting applications beginning on June 16th, 2020 and will be ongoing. The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund is being developed by Indigenous philanthropic knowledge holders and is being incubated with support from Community Foundations of Canada.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) requires professional services to train and develop a skilled workforce...
...to operate systems and possible future payloads within the extreme environment plant production facility located at Gjoa Haven, in collaboration with CSA’s partners, namely, National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC). https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/tender-notice/PW-20-00920251
Alberta: Landowners and Indigenous communities can nominate oil and gas sites for closure work through the Site Rehabilitation Program
"A site nomination list will be available soon, and at that time oil field service contractors may view the list of sites to negotiate with the site licensee (the oil and gas company responsible) to enter into a contract to close the site through a Site Rehabilitation Program grant."
Manitoba requires the services of a professional consultant to assist the Province in...
...undertaking work to increase the capacity of the Indigenous organizations and communities to integrate climate risk into their planning and decision-making.
Opportunities Round-up:
- CMHC will provide funding of $31.7 million, delivered through its On-Reserve Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP), to build 10 shelters in First Nations communities.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR) and the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations (PAR) under the Fisheries Act.
- The Standards Council of Canada has made an RFP (SCC RFP 2021-05) for a guidance document on understanding climate change information.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has a requirement to setup Standing Offer Agreements for the provision of scientific and technical advisory services on matters related to incidents and effects from stressors on aquatic species and environments.
- The Government of Canada is seeking public input on freshwater challenges in Canada and how a Canada Water Agency can further protections for Canada's freshwater resources.
- Transport Canada is seeking the services of a consultant to provide training to employees working with Indigenous Peoples.
- DFO Indigenous Habitation Participation Program. Applications due September 9, 2020.
- The Canada Energy Regulator has PFP in relation to the NGTL Medicine Hat Looping Project 2023 in Alberta. Applications deadline TBD.
News Digest
Attawapiskat First Nation Denounces Ford's Undemocratic Environmental Risk: Statement on Bill 197 Changes to the Environmental Assessment Act
On July 8, 2020, the Ford government in Ontario introduced Bill 197 -- the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, and a mere 13 days later the Bill became law. This omnibus bill amends many statutes, foremost among them the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA). The changes put Ontario's fragile environment, and First Nations who depend on it, at serious risk.
Chief Leo Metatawabin of Fort Albany First Nation in northern Ontario wants Ontario government to repeal an omnibus bill that includes changes to the Environmental Assessment Act
Chief Leo Metatawabin says he would like to see more consultation, engagement and meaningful dialogue: "This treaty was based on a nation to nation [agreement] with the Crown, with Canada, it had nothing to do with Ontario," he said. "Ontario has no business imposing their laws, their legislation to suppress our sovereignty, our nation."
New Research Confirms Indigenous Guardians Deliver Economic, Social & Environmental Success
Indigenous Guardian programs deliver proven benefits for First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians across the country, according to a new report by the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre and the First Nations Energy and Mining Council. Their record of success includes creating economic opportunity, conserving large landscapes and strengthening communities. They also foster Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and governments.
Agnico Eagle pipeline plans in Arctic Canada halted after Indigenous community outcry
A Nunavut regulator has given mining company Agnico Eagle a “significant rebuke” over a controversial pipeline proposal for the Meliadine gold mine near Rankin Inlet.
The board’s decision halts the company’s plan to build two pipelines to discharge saline water from the underground mine until the company provides more information, research and public engagement.
Matawa Member First Nations issue letter to Ontario MNRF regarding the impacts to rights and interests as a consequence of revoking Declaration Order MNR-75
"Ontario’s hands-off approach to discussions with First Nations and opting instead to only proceed with forestry roundtables in urban centres, form letters and notices via the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) is unacceptable."
Reconciliation Circle Update 
In each issue of The Talon, we bring you stories from the Reconciliation Circle, our group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous SVSers who come together regularly to explore issues of diversity and inclusion. We share what we're up to, and what we're talking about. Please share any ideas you might have for what we could get up to!
This week's focus: The #StopHateforProfit Campaign
Shared Value solutions is proud to join the #StopHateforProfit campaign. We will pull all ads on Facebook and Instagram, effective immediately, through at least the end of July, pending meaningful action from Facebook.
we wish to raise awareness of the harmful, racist content and misinformation that is shared on these social platforms and ask that Facebook and Instagram strengthen their content-moderation policies and enforce them consistently. We will redirect our ad budget to Indigenous media platforms.
Like what you're reading? Want to receive it in your inbox every two weeks?
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.