Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is an important time to reflect on Canada’s colonial history and on the racism that continues to impact the lives of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour across this country and around the world. As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to make headlines, shedding light on the pervasiveness of systemic racism, this is the moment to reflect on our own actions and how we can be part of a better future.
This is a time to come together in solidarity with our clients and with all individuals who are affected by systemic racism and take action to create a world where everyone is treated equally. Our team is committed to being part of this change. This is also a time to unite in recognition and celebration of the diverse Indigenous cultures that enrich the Canadian landscape. The Reconciliation Circle update in this issue highlights some of the ways that we at SVS are celebrating the rich histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Stay safe and well, everyone!
From Our Blog
#AntiRacism #BlackLivesMatter Songs of Action, Reflection and Hope
Music has always been an important part of our internal culture at SVS - playing, sharing, and experiencing music that has meaning for us. The SVS team reflected on their personal learning about systemic racism and shared the music that most resonates with their journey.
Tailgate Temperature Checks: Eagle Lake First Nation Pushes Ahead with Mercury Sampling During Pandemic
For the communities connected to the English and Wabigoon River systems in northwestern Ontario, weighing the threat of COVID-19 infection with the decades-long danger of mercury contamination and its massive impacts on human health is a somber reality. Eagle Lake First Nation is among the participants in the ongoing scientific investigations of the persistent mercury contamination that has infamously devastated generations in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) and Wabaseemoong Independent Nations.
How can we best help our clients protect their rights and interests using remote tools?
During the pandemic, pretty much everything about how we live and work has been turned on its head. Social distancing, isolation and community shut downs to protect the most vulnerable - including the Elders whose wisdom usually guides decision-making - mean that business as usual is impossible. However, regulatory processes for development projects such as mines and power projects are marching on in the name of economic recovery. We recently published a blog series on field work during COVID-19. In case you missed it, check out these posts:
Remote Research Adventures with the Algonquins of Ontario: Gathering Indigenous Knowledge in a Pandemic
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
We get that your plate is likely more than full at the moment, but here are some opportunities we didn't want you to miss out on.
Opportunities Round-up:
- Serpent River First Nation is looking for an engineering firm to modify the existing Zebra Mussel Control System.
- The public comment period for the draft Application Information Requirements for the Tenas Coal Project is open.
- The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is seeking a contractor to conduct the election of the Algonquin's of Barriere lake Band Council.
- Defence Construction Canada is requesting abbreviated proposals for environmental consulting services for contaminated sites in the Atlantic Region. Deadline is July 7, 2020.
- Cowichan Tribes is seeking planning and engagement professionals to implement an outreach and engagement program to gather input from Koksilah community members and stakeholders on their Water Sustainability Plan.
- DFO Indigenous Habitation Participation Program. Applications due September 9, 2020.
- IAAC Indigenous Capacity Support Program. EOIs due June 30.
- Government of Canada launches a second call for proposals under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund.
- Proposal to amend the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
- City of Calgary is seeking an Indigenous Curator to play a key role in developing and implementing opportunities for artists and help the city build relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
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."
News Digest
Ginoogaming First Nation Chief Celia Echum won back land owed to her community
At 5 foot 2, Ginoogaming First nation Chief Celia Echum was below average in height, But despite her size, she held enormous influence in her community.
AFN national chief calls for overhaul of policing in Canada
"This pattern is too systemic, too much violence, too much people getting hurt and too much people ending up dead, and it doesn't have to be that way," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde.
Opinion: There have always been two Canadas. In this reckoning on racism, both must stand together for Indigenous people now
Important read: Anishinaabe author and journalist Tanya Talaga published this essay in the Globe and Mail yesterday - before, for the second time this month, police in northern New Brunswick shot and killed an Indigenous person - Rodney Levi from the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation.
First Nations appeal Alberta Energy Regulator decision to suspend monitoring requirements
First Nations appeal Alberta Energy Regulator decision to suspend monitoring requirements.
Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation wins international prize from United Nations
Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation wins international #EquatorPrize from United Nations - Recognized for decades of work put into establishing Thaidene Nëné or "Land of the Ancestors" National Park Reserve.
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: Virtually united to celebrate Indigenous Histories and Cultures
In recognition of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples day on June 21, the Reconciliation Circle spent some time this week discussing ways to acknowledge these important dates.
While we can’t gather together as a community this year, we can still find ways to connect. Some of the ideas that we have shared included:
- Gathering together for a virtual lunch
- Sharing recipes
- Sharing the work of favourite Indigenous artists and musicians
- Creating a list of books by Indigenous authors to read and discuss
- Attend the virtual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
- Recommending Indigenous films, documentaries, and tv shows to watch and discuss virtually
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.