Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
In this issue we begin by recognizing the latest manifestation of systemic racism that is currently playing out in Nova Scotia. We share the frustration and outrage many of you, our clients, are feeling about the acts of violence against Mi'kmaq fishers and stand in solidarity with them and all Nations in the fight to assert their Indigenous Rights. We've included some background information on the topic below.
This week we share a new post in our popular Indigenous Knowledge Matters blog series - highlighting how grid maps can be used to protect the exact locations of your Traditional Knowledge values while still telling a compelling story with your land use maps. Read on for our usual roundup of interesting new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island. Stay safe and well, everyone!
As we watch the events in Nova Scotia unfold, we recognize that the struggle faced by Mi’kmaq fishers is reverberating through our clients’ communities. We share in the outrage and frustration that many are feeling as we watch the acts of vandalism and violence toward those who are exercising their Indigenous Rights. We are again reminded of the importance of reflecting on Canada’s colonial history and on the racism that continues to affect the lives of Indigenous Peoples.
We stand in solidarity with Mi’kmaq fishers and every Nation from coast to coast to coast in the fight to assert their Indigenous Rights. The pervasiveness of systemic racism in our society is once again in the spotlight. And once again, we are confronted by the need to acknowledge what’s happening and take real action. In order to create a more just and equal society, we must first reflect on our own internal processes and actions and ask ourselves how we can be part of a better future. Our team maintains our commitment to be part of the change required to bridge gaps, create mutual understanding, and take our own steps on the path to reconciliation.
"Conservation is not at the heart of the ongoing dispute."
"By commencing their self-regulated commercial fishery, Sipekne’katik has taken the position that the status quo of unfulfilled Treaty promises is no longer acceptable. "
"When it comes to the issue of the fishery itself, the Mi'kmaq people clearly have a right that is a higher right than the commercial fishers have, and the commercial fishers don't recognize that."
'The dispute over a Mi'kmaw-regulated lobster fishery in Nova Scotia has caught the attention of Indigenous people across the country and many are getting creative with how they're lending support to the fishers.
People from across Mi'kmaw territory helping fishers at federal wharf in Saulnierville, N.S.
'"The (non-Indigenous) commercial fishery has systematically boxed us out of the market," Sack said in a statement.
Sipekne’katik Chief Mike Sack held a news conference Tuesday on the wharf where the violence over the Mi’kmaw moderate livelihood fishery started a month ago and a day after an emergency debate was held by members of Parliament in Ottawa.
"We felt like it's a very small gesture that we an make in support and solidarity of stopping the violence that's taking place right now."
Any Indigenous Nation who has worked on an Indigenous Knowledge study has faced the issue of how to protect sacred and precious knowledge while also using it to protect rights and interests. This week's blog post in our series Indigenous Knowledge Matters, highlights a new approach to protecting Indigenous Knowledge: Grid Mapping.
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.
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
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.
The MNRF is asking for comments on their proposed changes to Ontario’s aquaculture licensing The proposed changes include exempting certain low-risk research facilities culturing fish from requiring an aquaculture license, providing the ability to change licenses and authorizations, and changing the decision-making power about what fish may be cultured from the Lieutenant Governor in Council to the Minister. Deadline is November 20, 2020.
The MECP is accepting comments on their proposal to streamline provincial approvals for dam owners by removing the need for certain types of dams to obtain a permit to take water. Deadline is November 20, 2020.
Recovery from the pandemic is creating important, new opportunities for rural communities to build back more diverse, more local, and therefore more resilient economies.
The organization tasked with cleaning up oil spills around Vancouver Island, the Strait of Georgia and Metro Vancouver’s coastline has signed a deal with the Sc’ianew First Nation to build a response base in its East Sooke territory.
This month the federal government announced money for some new ecological research projects on some First Nations in northern Ontario.
'Honest and true' cook showcases Indigenous ingredients in 7-episode run.
Herd population is estimated to be 8,100 animals, up from 5,500 in 2018.
Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:
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.
In our team meeting this week, one of our members shared the link to The Secret Path. This project by Gord Downie tells the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve year-old boy who died fifty years ago while trying to return home from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School. The video in the link combines Downie's music with illustrations by Jeff Lemire to tell Chanie's story and includes moving interviews with his family members.
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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.