Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
This week we share some of our favourite Indigenous businesses and artists who offer beautiful and unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Read on for our usual roundup of interesting new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island. Stay safe and well, everyone!
Shop Indigenous! SVS's Gift Giving Guide
Talk around the SVS virtual watercooler lately has been on Indigenous businesses for our holiday shopping this year. We put together a list of some of some of our favourites businesses and artists who are creating beautiful and unique items sure to please everyone on your list. But there's more! We want your help expanding our list! Read on for our gift guide and leave us a comment with your favourite Indigenous businesses.
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 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 has been accepting applications beginning on June 16th, 2020 and is 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 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.
- 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.
- Goldcorp – Porcupine Gold Mines has submitted a Mine Closure Plan Amendment for filing by ENDM as required under the Mining Act. This Closure Plan proposes rehabilitation measures for the McIntyre Mine Tailings and Coniaurum Mine property, an inactive mine site.
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Government of Ontario are reopening an Environmental Assessment process for the Marathon Palladium Project, with a new proponent - Generation PGM Inc. and a new joint review panel. The Agency and the Government of Ontario invite the public and Indigenous groups to review and provide comments on the draft Amended Joint Review Panel Agreement and Terms of Reference.
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has accepted an initial project description for the proposed Castle Project, the expansion of an existing metallurgical coal mine located about 29 kilometres north of Elkford, British Columbia. The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to review the summary of the initial project description and provide feedback related to the proposed project.
- Newfoundland Power IN. is proposing to rebuild a 58-kilometre section of the 124L power transmission line from Gambo to Port Blandford. This proposed work will include the construction of a new corridor adjacent to the existing easement and a new power transmission line. The Project will be built in two phases, with Phase 1 being completed in 2021 and Phase 2 in 2022.
- Funding available for participation in the public hearing for Trans Mountain's West Route variance application. Due November 30, 2020.
- The MNRF is inviting public comment on their Stage 2 of the review of the proposed Long-Term Management Direction Ottawa Valley Forest 2021- 2031 Forest Management Plan.
News Digest
Canada Post unveils new Indigenous and northern reconciliation strategy | CBC
"Canada Post unveiled its plan to improve service to indigenous communities in the North on Monday."
Massive Indigenous-owned solar farm opens in remote northern Alberta community | CBC
The solar farm is expected to replace 800,000 litres of diesel a year, equivalent to about 2,376 tonnes of carbon emissions.
'This is our land': How a new map is helping Innu children learn more about history| CBC
The three-year project — focused on the idea to teach children about the history of their home — is now complete.
New Indigenous protected area created in the Canadian Arctic |RCI
The federal government is investing $1.43 million for the creation of a new Indigenous protected and conserved area in the Canadian Arctic in partnership with the Inuit community of Inukjuak in northern Quebec.
'Reconciliation in Canada': The Clearwater deal marks Indigenous nations' growing clout | Leader-Post
For 13,000 years Mi’kmaq have fished the waters of Atlantic Canada, now they are about to become a global leader in seafood
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 
Last week, in honour of Aboriginal Veterans Day, we shared a short video on how the Cree language was used during the Second World War to disguise military intelligence.
"Cree Code Talker" tells the story of Charles "Checker" Tomkins and the development of the code talkers communication system, which became a vital secret weapon. Be sure to check out this award-winning short documentary!
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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.