Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well as January marches on. Our hearts go out to all of the Nations battling COVID outbreaks right now.
This week we are putting the spotlight on the public health order issued in BC to address the spread of COVID-19 among workers and communities at large-scale industrial projects. We also highlight the implications this order may have for similar major industrial projects in other jurisdictions. Be sure to check out the SVS News section for our latest job postings!
Read on for our usual roundup of interesting new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island.
All Eyes on BC — Public Health Order Addresses the Spread of COVID-19 in Industrial Projects: Four Priority Actions
As COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb across the country, British Columbia is taking action to address outbreaks in the province’s large-scale industrial worksites and work camps near Indigenous communities. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, has issued a public health order that has B.C.’s major industrial projects sending workers home. Read this important blog post to learn what implications this intervention may have for similar major industrial projects in other jurisdictions and what your community can do.
ISC COVID-19 ToolKit
As the COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, there is bound to be questions on how a vaccine will impact communities and families. The ISC COVID-19 toolkit contains information and communication resources that will help communities tailor information to their own needs.
First Nations Major Projects Coalition Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference
Looking for a conference to attend? SVS is a Silver Sponsor of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference. The two-day conference will be held virtually on March 18 and 19, 2021 and will bring together Indigenous Communities with government and project finance sectors for focused discussions. There is no cost for First Nations attendees. Sign up here
The First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) has released a discussion document in advance of the conference that provides an Indigenous perspective on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment standards. This primer highlights an Indigenous approach to ESG, with a discussion on the issues, risks, and rewards of meaningful engagement. Download the primer here.
Be sure to check out recent news coverage on FNMPC's paper. Read here
Indigenous Funding Programs
Here are some opportunities to check out:
Wage Subsidy for Sustainability-focused Youth Employment
Through our Green Jobs in Green Spaces Program, Project Learning Tree Canada can provide a 50% wage-subsidy to support sustainability-focused youth employment in the forest and conservation sectors.
- Green Jobs can provide a 50% wage-match, up to $5,712.
- Employment opportunities filled by youth age 15 to 30 (inclusive) are eligible for the wage-match.
- We take a very inclusive view of Green Jobs. In essence, any opportunity that promotes nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet can be eligible. This includes back-end or administrative work that makes land-based opportunities possible, as well as processing facilities (i.e. mills), or forestry support services (e.g. wildfire fighting, silviculture).
- Funding can be applied retroactively to positions that were active between May 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Generally, all we need are the pay stubs and the ability to have the youth employee fill out a short participant consent form.
- Positions that were funded through the CEWS or other federal COVID relief programs are often eligible for additional Green Jobs funding through PLT Canada. Please inquire with the PLT Canada team if you think your positions are eligible.
Opportunity to join Starlink Beta
Tesla North reports Canadians in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta are able to sign up to join the Starlink beta. Eligible latitudes seen so far have been in the range of 43.1 to 45.3, and 50.01 to 50.71. The dish is priced at $649 CAD, while the service is at $129 CAD per month. Targeting rural areas with download speeds of 150 Mbps or higher. All you have to do is visit the Starlink website here, enter your email and your home address. You’ll be able to confirm your exact location with a pin on a map.
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 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.
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The Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) is seeking input on draft guidance to help manage water taking in areas where water quantity is a concern and where there are competing demands for water. MECP are also proposing to revoke the interim guidance once updates to Ontario’s water taking program are in place, aligned with the end of the bottled water moratorium on April 1, 2021. The Public comment period is open from December 7 to February 5.
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Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) draft Northern Ontario Transportation Plan is open for comment from December 10, 2020 to March 10, 2021.
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The City of Saskatoon is looking for a firm or consultant to develop a report and recommendations that would inform a long-term strategy and action plan on how to improve the quality of life and health and safety for Indigenous women and girls and two spirit peoples experiencing all forms of violence, trauma and or exploitation.
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The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is now accepting applications for the 2021 – 2022 Species at Risk Stewardship Program, created under the Endangered Species Act to encourage people to get involved in protecting and recovering species at risk. Applications are accepted until February 9th, 2021.
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The Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks is proposing changes to the Proposed updates to the Procedures for the Use of Risk Assessment under Part XV.1 of the Environmental Protection Act. The document provides requirements and guidance for complet5ing risk assessments reports under the Environment Protection Act. Proposed changes include better describing the different types of risk assessments and the conceptual site model, and providing guidance on the use of the Ministry's approved model for contaminant screening purposes. Comments are being invited until April 4, 2021.
- The Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects has offered a deadline extension on the ICCE Community Funding Program. Submissions will now be accepted until February 8th, 2021.
- Funding is now available to help the public and Indigenous groups participate in the impact assessment process for the proposed GCT Deltaport Expansion - Berth Four Project, a container storage and handling facility located in Delta, British Columbia.
- The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will conduct a hearing based on written submissions to consider a licence amendment application from Bruce Power to allow the production of lutetium-177 (Lu-177) at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station (NGS). Up to $50,000 in participant funding will be disbursed among all eligible applicants. The deadline for submitting a participant funding application is February 19, 2021.
- The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada , is accepting applications for projects beginning in 2021-22. The minimum funding request suggested for new and multi-year projects is $10,000 and project funding usually ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per project. Projects may extend over more than 1 year to a maximum of 2 years. Applications must be submitted by March 2, 2021.
News Digest
We focus on the vaccine roll-out in this update:
COVID-19 vaccines arrive in remote First Nations as leaders work to combat hesitancy | CBC
'Do it for the elders in the community and the vulnerable,' tribal council leader says.
COVID-19: Doses of vaccine expeted in 60 B.C. First Nations by next week| Vancouver Sun
"The racism has always been there. And sometimes it simmers very close to the surface, but isn't as evident. The fear and anxiety that people may feel about COVID can trigger First Nations people being targeted." — Dr. Shannon McDonald
Coronavirus vaccines arrive in remote First Nations across Canada | Global News
Indigenous leaders encourage people to roll up their sleeves.
It's OK to Have Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines. Here Are Doctors' Answers| Huffpost
Ottawa advocating to prioritize vaccines for Indigenous people: Miller | CTV News
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says the federal government is working with the provinces to prioritize vaccinating Indigenous people against COVID-19,
SVS Ebooks for Download: Collect them all!
Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:
- 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
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 
We're hiring!
Shared Value Solutions (SVS) has several job openings right now:
While our head office is in Guelph, we have Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff all over the country, working remotely. COVID has made it even more clear how possible it is to work for SVS from anywhere, so we’re open to applications from all across the country.
We are also open to various levels of experience, from new professionals to people who are seasoned in their careers, so if you know someone with training in environmental science, biology, or water resources, please pass this email along. We believe our company is a place to work, learn, and grow and we value the skill, knowledge, and experience of Indigenous applicants. These positions offer an opportunity to make a difference with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.
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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.