Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
As we watch kids head back to school this fall after an extended absence, we can't help but think about the world they will grow up in and inherit from us. In this week's edition of the Talon, we are sharing our Indigenous Planning Starter Kit to help guide us all toward the vision we have for the future of the next generation and the ones that will follow them.
We also present our usual roundup of interesting new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island. Stay safe and well, everyone!
Back to School, Back to Planning
The seasons are changing, kids are back to school - however that may look. What better time to turn our attention to planning! While the next generation is busy at school, we can focus on creating the foundation and pursuing our vision for their future.
A good plan charts a course to the future we want to see. But for many Indigenous nations, the planning process often seems long, time consuming and ultimately ineffective: how many expensive plans end up forgotten on a shelf?
Throughout the years, we've explored the many facets of the planning process and have brought it to you in a downloadable reference eBook.
Whether you are a Land Code community, thinking about becoming a Land Code community or just looking to develop a vision for how you want your community to grow and change while protecting what matters, we hope that the information in this eBook will help make sure your planning processes meet the unique needs of your community. As always, please let us know what you think of this content and what you'd like us to explore next. Enjoy!
Indigenous Funding Programs
Here are some opportunities to check out:
New Federal Funding Announcement for Indigenous Guardians Programs
The Canadian federal government has just announced that the 2021-2022 call for proposals for new (Tier 1) First Nations Guardians’ Initiatives will be launched on Monday, August 31, 2020. Ten new projects will be selected for $600,000 in total funding for the fiscal year, nationally.
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
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.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking feedback on its draft policies related to Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) in captivity to further understand stakeholder views and interests. You can submit ideas through the online form or through e-mail.
- Canada Ontario Resource Development Agreement (CORDA) funding is available for First Nations to conduct a project that promotes natural resource development, management, harvesting or conservation in Ontario. Projects can receive up to $35,000 and applications are due November 18
- Correctional Service Canada is seeking proposals to facilitate their Elder Helpers Program. Elder Helpers are engaged to ensure the accommodation of Indigenous spiritual practices and assist the Elders with the Indigenous offenders.
- Public comments are invited on Alamos’ Lynn Lake Gold Project in northern Manitoba.
- Participant Funding is available for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling east of Newfoundland and Labrador
News Digest
Northern Quebec wildlife officials rely on Cree to provide crucial data on wildlife
In an effort to better understand the animal life in James Bay and how it's changing, wildlife officials in northern Quebec are turning to the people who know the bay the best.
Land-based education key to Sask. First Nation's COVID-19 prevention plan
Classroom work is useful, (but) when we teach kids how to survive in the bush, they feel independent, successful.
B.C. planning up to 15 First Nations justice centres across the province
Services include legal advice and representation, advocacy and support in dealing with agencies such as police and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
New Indigenous-owned store will sell only personal protective equipment, other products needed during COVID-19
A store solely selling personal protective equipment will open its doors in Winnipeg's Exchange District this week.
Quarter century after killing of Dudley George, Ontario provincial park land returned to First Nation
"The return of the former provincial park lands is an important legal indicator for our ancestors and our future generations that we're home again and the land is legally ours," said Kettle and Stony Point Chief Jason Henry in a statement.
Clearwater gives up piece of offshore lobster monopoly to N.S. First Nation for $25M
"It's a big deal for us," says Membertou Chief Terry Paul
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.
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: Calls to action! Learn more about Indigenous Canada and Black Lives Matter
This week we wanted to highlight some calls to action we've been sharing around the office and beyond in our continued effort to learn from, and amplify Black and Indigenous voices. Join us by taking a look at these resources and sharing with your community, family, friends or workplace!
Learn more about Indigenous Canada by registering for this free course. The University of Alberta is offering a free Indigenous Canada Massive Open Online Course from the Faculty of Native Studies exploring Indigenous histories and key issues in Canada from Indigenous perspectives. Canadian actor Dan Levy has even asked his millions of social media followers to join in on the 12-lesson course and is working with the professors to host a Q&A each week on his social media accounts. At Shared Value Solutions, we’re hoping to create our own group to work through the course and continue our learning about Indigenous Canada together.
Support Black Lives Matter, learn more, and share these resources. Black Lives Matter has a variety of resources available on their website that we wanted to highlight and share this week. Here you’ll find Toolkits on a variety of topics including Healing Action, Healing Justice, Conflict Resolution and more. After you take a look, share these resources with your family, friends, coworkers or social media followers and join us in continuing to support #BlackLivesMatter.
We are always looking for new learning opportunities and resources to share with our community. Please reach out if you have any suggestions or ideas to share with us!
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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.