Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well as winter marches on.

In the lead-up to the First Nations Major Project Coalition's virtual   Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference we have prepared an overview, or "Coles Notes" version, of the conference primer.  We also share the  Panel #2 lineup for this not-to-be- missed event. 

Some very exciting news is shared in The SVS News section this week. SVS team member Mitchell Avis published his article "Exploring the truths about planning." Be sure to check it out! 

Stay well, everyone!

Putting the “I” in ESG: Overview of the FNMPC Conference Primer

On March 18 and 19, 2021, the First Nations Major Project Coalition is hosting The Indigenous Sustainable Investment Virtual Conference - of which Shared Value Solutions is a proud sponsor. Mark Podlasly, Max Lindley-Peart and Suzanne von der Porten have written a conference discussion primer that gives an overview of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment standards. In particular, it highlights the emerging Indigenous approach to ESG and summarizes the issues, risks, and rewards of meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples in the development of ESG investment standards in Canada. Read our "Coles Notes" version of the primer in our latest blog post HERE.

Download the full primer HERE. 

Seizing the Moment

Moderated by Dr. Dara Kelly, Simon Fraser University, Panel #2 - Seizing the Moment: After decades of division, common ground has opened up around the economy, environment and Indigenous rights – will feature  Dave Nikolejsin, McCarthy Tetrault, Edward Greenspon, Public Policy Forum, Rhona DelFrari, Chief Sustainability Officer, Cenovus, and Chief Crystal Smith, Haisla Nation.

Real progress requires everyone operating from a position of strength. Canada is approaching an historic balance of power in the energy field among governments, industry, Indigenous peoples and environmentalists. Net zero, predictable carbon pricing, support for innovation, a post-pandemic need for growth, UNDRIP’s affirmation of Indigenous rights, the ESG movement – they all point to a different energy future filled yet one filled with new promise. Next up: getting the pieces in the right array.

Taking place March 18th & 19th, the Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference will focus on delivering programming related to the advancement of an Indigenous worldview of Environmental, Social, and Governance Standards (collectively called ESG standards) and their impact on the social and economic interests held by Indigenous people in the context of major project and energy development.

The two-day virtual Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference will bring together Indigenous communities from across Canada with government and project finance sectors for focused expert discussions on the following topics:

• Measuring the impact of incorporating Indigenous interests into ESG standards 
• Examples of real-time equity ownership in major projects by Indigenous communities 
• Highlighting climate-change leadership by Indigenous communities

Conference Agenda: https://www.fnmpcindustryevent.com/agenda

#renewableenergy #ESG #leadership #lowcarbon #economy #FNMPC #UNDRIP

Register today! Registration is free for all First Nations Members.

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."

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Funding for Culturally Appropriate Mental Health and Addictions Services 

The Ontario government is investing over $12.8 million to immediately expand and enhance culturally appropriate mental health and addictions services for Indigenous peoples, families and communities across the province. This funding is part of the $176 million being invested in the government's mental health and addictions plan, Roadmap to Wellness. The plan is delivering high-quality care and building a modern, connected and comprehensive mental health and addictions system.

Read More

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. 

• Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) draft Northern Ontario Transportation Plan is open for comment from December 10, 2020 to March 10, 2021.

• 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. 

• MENDM is offering opportunity for comment or feedback on Ontario’s long-term energy planning framework.
• Participant funding available for Orano Canada Inc.’s licence amendment application for the expansion of the JEB Tailings Management Facility at the McClean Lake Operation. Applications  due April 1, 2021. Up to $100,000 available.
• Participant funding available for Beaver Dam Mine Project. Applications due by March 12, 2021
• IAAC is making PFP available for the Joyce Lake Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project. Deadline is April 14, 2021. Joyce Direct Iron Inc. is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open-pit iron ore mine located in Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Schefferville, Quebec.
• The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is seeking feedback on ways to grow the size of the Greenbelt.

News Digest 

Standup comedian and mother team up for Anishinaabemowin lessons in new podcast | CBC News

Paul and Sophia Rabliauskas started a podcast to help people learn as she teaches him the language

Read more

First Nations lead efforts to monitor salmon populations| Coast Funds

First Nations’ stewardship departments are leading efforts to ensure salmon populations are managed with the best available data. 

Read more

Vancouver councillor proposes city implement U.N. declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples| CBC News

Motion has support from leaders in Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh

Read more 

Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq chiefs say Ottawa's new fisheries plan is unacceptable| Globe and Mail 

'It is a right': Eskasoni harvesters gather to write fishery plan ahead of spring launch | APTN News

SVS Update

Congratulations to SVS's Mitchell Avis on having an article published in  the Winter 2021 edition of Y Magazine, a publication put out by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. 

The article "Exploring the truths about planning"  examines the common perceptions of the planning process through an Indigenous lens, highlighting the racist and colonial practices that so often shape decision making.

"Upon contact with European nations, Indigenous Peoples had been planning and building communities for millennia using Indigenous planning and architectural practices rooted in the belief that the land and water are sacred and to be cared for communally, not a commodity that can be privately owned."

Mitchell's article is one of several that make up the Truth and Reconciliation themed winter issue. The magazine can be accessed through a member and non-member login from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute website. 

Great work Mitchell! 

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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. 

Core Services:

• Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiation Support 
• Technical Reviews and Regulatory Process Support 
• Community and Economic Development Planning 
• Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use Studies 
• Environmental Monitoring 
• Guardians Program Development 
• Climate Change Readiness 
• GIS and Mapping 
• and a whole lot more...www.sharedvaluesolutions.com