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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Regional Chief of Ontario First Nations says resources being mined in the North belong to the First Nations.
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.
All-Cree team retrieves 'priceless' data from the bottom of James Bay.
House fires are a major safety hazard in communities that rely on wood for heating.
The United Nations released two major reports recognizing the leadership of Indigenous Peoples in sustaining our planet.
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 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 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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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.