Welcome to Shared Value Solutions' biweekly funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.
As we continue to feel the impacts of COVID-19 in how we go about our work and personal lives, we are revisiting our Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations eBook. The stories that we share are as applicable now as they were in the early days of the pandemic.
We also present our usual roundup of interesting new funding opportunities and inspiring stories from across Turtle Island. Stay safe and well, everyone!
Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations
In the early days of the pandemic, as pretty much everything about how we live and work turned on its head, we wondered how to continue our work and research for Indigenous Nations - and if indeed it would be possible at all. Social distancing, isolation and community shut downs to protect the most vulnerable - including the Elders whose wisdom often guides decision-making - meant that business as usual was impossible. However, regulatory processes for development projects such as mines and power projects were marching on in the name of economic recovery.
We are now well beyond those initial days of the pandemic and "the new normal" is more than a catch phrase, it's a reality. As the numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to climb and new outbreaks are happening as people venture out into the community for school, work, or social gatherings, we need to remember the importance of protecting the most vulnerable.
As we wait to see the impacts of the upcoming flu season in the COVID-19-context, we want to reassure you that we still have our clients' health and safety in mind. Back in the summer, we shared the good news that not only was research still possible during the pandemic, it could be made better than ever! A happy benefit from the pandemic-style innovation we've all been forced to explore is that we've stumbled on some ways to make research processes easier, more user-friendly, and more accessible to our clients. We'd go so far as to say it can even be more fun. Out of the necessity of innovation has blossomed a range of possibilities we hadn't imagined back when 2020 was young.
The stories in our Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations eBook were originally published as part of an ongoing blog series that highlighted how Indigenous Nations were continuing their important projects during COVID-19. As these innovations remain relevant now and for the foreseeable future, we hope you find it inspiring and useful in your own journey through these uncharted waters - and beyond.
Indigenous Funding Programs
Here are some opportunities to check out:
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is accepting Expression of Interest applications:
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program at CIRNAC is currently accepting Expressions of Interest for community-based climate monitoring projects. The program has $2.3 million in funding available for April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 for First Nations projects and $2.6 million in subsequent years. It is anticipated that 20 First nations projects will be funded per year. Applicants can apply for up to three years of funding. There are two streams of funding, “Emerging” and “Experienced.” First Nation band councils, tribal councils and associations, and governments of self-governing First Nation communities in Canada are eligible to apply. Applications are for projects that would begin in the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year (April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022). The deadline to apply is Friday, October 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.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
Investment Readiness Program Fund
The Canadian Women’s Foundation will be accepting proposals for last funding cycle of the Investment Readiness Program from Monday, September 14, 2020 to Friday, October 2, 2020 at 11:59pm PST. Each grant can be funded up to a maximum of $50,000. Organizations can apply for funding to access services/supports that will help advance a Social Purpose/Social Innovation/Business Initiative that they are developing, embedding, or scaling.
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.
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. Deadline for input is November 18, 2020.
- 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
- CRE's Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research has launched a second round of Indigenous youth research grants.
- Public comments are invited on Alamos’ Lynn Lake Gold Project in northern Manitoba. Deadline for input is October 10, 2020.
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is seeking input on a proposed list of projects that will be subject to the comprehensive environmental assessment requirements in Part II.3 of the Environmental Assessment Act.
- 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.
- The MNRF are inviting public comments on the development of the 2021-2031 Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the Bancroft Minden Forest. The public is invited to review and comment on the proposed Long-Term Management Direction (LTMD) for the forest, the areas that could reasonably be harvested, and the preferred areas for harvest operations during the ten-year period of the plan and to request contributions to the background information to be used in planning. Deadline for input is October 15, 2020.
- DFO is inviting comment on provisions that they could address in a new Aquaculture Act. Deadline for input is January 15, 2021.
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is making funding available for the participation of the public and Indigenous Peoples in the federal impact assessment for the proposed tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project, located on Tilbury Island, in Delta, BC.
News Digest
Fisheries conflict: Mi'kmaw Chiefs declare state of emergency
Sipekne’katik Chief Mike Sack spoke with reporters Thursday. “I always take it back to ignorance. People are not aware of what we’re fighting for,” he said.
Chief says First Nations must take ownership of minerals, infrastructure
The Regional Chief of Ontario First Nations says resources being mined in the North belong to the First Nations.
New program aims to boost Indigenous workforce in mining, construction industries
A new project is designed to train Indigenous workers for the construction and mining industries, including preparing them for employment with the planned Hardrock Project, an open-pit gold mine in Geraldton.
Cree partners keep large-scale eelgrass research on track during pandemic
All-Cree team retrieves 'priceless' data from the bottom of James Bay.
First Nations replacing dangerous wood stoves to save lives
House fires are a major safety hazard in communities that rely on wood for heating.
UN Biodiversity Reports Calls for Greater role for Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations released two major reports recognizing the leadership of Indigenous Peoples in sustaining our planet.
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
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.
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.