Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
This week we share our latest blog post in our series, Indigenous Knowledge Matters. We hear from Marci Riel from the Manitoba Metis Federation, and Roslyn Notseta at Halfway River First Nation to get their take on how best to leverage your Indigenous Knowledge to have the most impact possible in a project’s regulatory and approval process - and impact on your private negotiations with development proponents. Read on for our usual roundup of interesting new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island. Stay safe and well, everyone!
Maximizing the Impact of First Nation and Métis Knowledge in Impact Assessments
We often hear from clients who are anxious they’ve missed the opportunity to protect what matters. The truth is, there are ideal times to submit your Indigenous Knowledge study to have the most impact possible in a project’s regulatory and approval process - and impact on your private negotiations with proponents. Welcome to our latest post in our series, Indigenous Knowledge Matters. In this post, we hear from Marci Riel, Senior Director, Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management, Manitoba Metis Federation, and Roslyn Notseta, Lands Manager at Halfway River First Nation, which is close to Fort St John, British Columbia, to get their take on how best to leverage your Indigenous Knowledge.
Indigenous Funding Programs
Here are some opportunities to check out:
Rapid Housing Initiative
A new program announced by CMHC that is allocating $500M under the Projects Stream (application based process). Indigenous governing bodies and organizations are eligible to apply. CMHC will provide up to 100% in capital contribution funding to cover eligible residential construction costs. The goal of the program is to create up to 3,000 new permanent affordable housing units, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations. The project also prioritizes energy efficient builds and homes that exceed accessibility requirements. Applications are due December 31, 2020
Read More
Indigenous Community Support Fund
The Government of Canada announced 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
Sport for Social Development Projects Funding
The Government of Canada is now accepting applications for funding for projects across the country under the Sport for Social Development Projects in Indigenous Communities initiative, with two funding streams available. The Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities initiative is addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action 7, 19 and 38.
Funding for Mineral Development Advisor
MENDM has funding available for Indigenous communities to hire a mineral development advisor for a period of three years (with maximum funding of up to $130,000 per year), to assist in the regulatory consultation process. This assistance would include the review of exploration permit applications, closure plan and closure plan amendments and Environmental Assessments. Eligibility is dependent upon the amount of mining activity each community experiences. Applicants must have received 10 or more exploration plans or permit applications in the previous fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) or are engaged in reviewing two or more closure plans, closure plan amendments, or mineral development-related environmental assessments. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.
Opportunities Round-up:
- The Nuclear Waste Management Organization NWMO released a draft planning framework for the transportation of used nuclear fuel, and are seeking feedback and input on the framework over the coming months.
- CRE's Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research has launched a second round of Indigenous youth research grants.
- The MNRF want to renew the provincial trapline allocation policy to improve consistency and transparency in how registered traplines are allocated to licenses trappers throughout Ontario. Deadline for input is December 16, 2020.
- DFO is inviting comment on provisions that they could address in a new Aquaculture Act. Deadline for input is January 15, 2021.
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The MNRF
is asking for comments on the Ogoki Forest Management Plan including comments on the draft Forest Management Plan and contributions to the background information to be used in planning. Deadline is January 4th, 2021. - The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Contrecoeur Port Terminal Expansion Project, located in Contrecoeur, approximately 40 kilometres north-east of Montreal, Quebec. The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment Report, which includes the Agency's conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects of the project and their significance, the proposed mitigation measures, and the follow-up program.
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Laurentia Project: Port of Quebec Deep-Water Wharf - Beauport Sector, located in Quebec. The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment Report, which includes the Agency's conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects of the project and their significance, the proposed mitigation measures, and the follow-up program
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is making funding available to assist with participation in the potential regional assessment of the St. Lawrence River. Deadline is Dec 16, 2020.
- The Aboriginal Consultation and Environmental Services (ACES) unit at Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is seeking assistance with its determinations of Infrastructure Canada’s Aboriginal Consultation and Environmental Assessment obligations for INFC funding programs.
News Digest
Pikangikum First Nation gets broadband from SpaceX Starlink | CBC
Game changer: "It really is as advertised. It's everything they say it is and more."
Bill to implement UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on the way | Globe and Mail
The federal government is expected to introduce a bill Thursday aimed at ensuring the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Mi'kmaw artist drawing on heritage for Indigenous Marvel superheroes| CBC
Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices #1 features stories about Indigenous and Native American superheroes, all for the first time written and illustrated by creators with Indigenous backgrounds.
Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqi women create new online store to highlight their arts and crafts |CBC
Women from First Nations communities in New Brunswick have a new online store to help find a bigger audience for their art and to make up for sales lost to COVID-19.
New U of G Environmental Science Program Rooted in Indigenous Wisdom, Practice | University of Guelph
"Indigenous and non-Indigenous approaches to environmental protection will come together in a new University of Guelph degree program that is the first of its kind in Canada."
SVS Ebooks for Download: 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 eBooks here
Still Available: Free Emergency Consultation Department Support During COVID-19 from SVS
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.
SVS Update 
This week were were privileged to have Margaret Sault from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation join us for our weekly huddle. Margaret gave an engaging and informative talk on treaties and encouraged us to watch the short video A Sacred Trust to learn about the history of the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation.
We're hiring!
We are looking to fill the position of Aquatic/Fisheries Biologist or similar. Check out our job posting for more information.
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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.