Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well and enjoying this short, COVID-19-clouded summer.
At SVS, we’ve noticed that, during the pandemic, awareness of the myriad benefits of Indigenous Guardians programs seems to be on a serious upswing in Canada. As the Narwhal writes in a recent article, “Indigenous guardians have been on the front lines of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in their communities." With the recent announcement of more federal government funding for new Guardians programs, it seemed a good moment to share a video featuring the remarkable Valérie Courtois of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative explaining how Indigenous Guardians are good for the country. We've also dusted off our Indigenous Guardians eBook on the topic for more inspiration if you are planning your own program to protect the land and waters. Read on for our usual round-up of new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island.
Stay safe and well, everyone!
New Federal Funding Announcement for Indigenous Guardians Programs
The Canadian federal government has just announced that the 2021-2022 call for proposals for new (Tier 1) First Nations Guardians’ Initiatives will be launched on Monday, August 31, 2020. Ten new projects will be selected for $600,000 in total funding for the fiscal year, nationally.
New SVS Video and Blog Post:
Watch and 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.
Indigenous Community Support Fund
The Government of Canada announced this week that an additional $305 million will be added to the Indigenous Community Support Fund. It will be distributed through a combination of allocations directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership, and needs-based funding, which will be application driven. Further details will be forthcoming
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."
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 Ministry, Mazinaw-Lanark Forest Inc and the Mazinaw-Lanark Local Citizens' Committee are inviting public participation and comment on the proposed long-term management direction for the 2021-2031 Forest Management Plan for the Mazinaw-Lanark Forest located in Bancroft, Kemptville and Peterborough MNRF Districts. Deadline: August 28.
- 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.
- The Ministry, Algonquin Forestry authority and the Algonquin Park Local Citizens' Committee are inviting public review and comment on the proposed Long-Term Management Direction for the 2021-2031 Forest Management Plan for the Algonquin Park Forest. Deadline: August 28.
- 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.
- Ministry of the environment, Conservation and Parks is proposing to update the Director's Technical Rules for assessing vulnerability and risks under the Clean Water Act, and invite feedback and input from the public, Indigenous communities and stakeholders across the province on proposed updates. Comment period is August 11-November 9.
News Digest
Northern Ontario First nation makes history with its community-based curriculum
Claire Onabigon believes that knowing your own history can lead you to a brighter future and she hopes a new curriculum in her First Nation's schools with light the way.
Here's where $5M in federal funds for Indigenous business is going
The federal government has announced how $5 million in federal funding from its regional fund for Indigenous business in the North is being spent.
Tsleil-Waututh make their own bet on green energy with solar project
The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation is making a $600,000 investment in a solar-electricity installation to power the community's recently completed administration office and health centre.
Thunder Bay will shelter Eabametoong First Nation evacuees
The City of Thunder Bay will provide shelter to approximately 200 people from Eabametoong First Nation, where smoke from a forest fire poses a health risk to vulnerable members of the community.
Northwestel to get $62M to improve internet in NWT, Yukon
Northwestel to get $62M to improve internet in NWT, Yukon as part of its plan to offer unlimited data to northern residents.
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.