Economic Development Funding

ISC BC Region is accepting applications for economic development funding for fiscal year 2024-25. Applications for the first intake are due on March 1, 2024. To meet with an ISC economic development officer to discuss your project’s funding needs, please email bcecdev@sac-isc.gc.ca. For more information about program guidelines, visit the Lands and Economic Development Services Program and Community Opportunity Readiness Program websites.

Reserve Land and Environment Management Program Accepting New Entrants

In partnership with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA), ISC is now seeking First Nations interested in participating in the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP). RLEMP provides funding to First Nations to develop the capacity to exercise increased responsibility over their reserve lands, resources, and environment under the Indian Act. Interested First Nations are asked to complete an Expression of Interest form (PAW# 6978371), which is available on ISC’s website. Once completed, please submit the form via email to rlemp@sac-isc.gc.ca. There is no deadline to apply, and forms may be submitted at any time. If you have questions about RLEMP or the application process, you are welcome to contact ISC’s Lands Modernization team at modernisationdesterres-landsmodernization@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Additional Inflation Relief Funding 2023-24

In light of the high inflation in Canada, as well as hardships that Income Assistance clients continue to face, Indigenous Services Canada provided 8 months of funding in fiscal year 2023-2024 to alleviate the rising costs of living under the Income Assistance Program. In January 2023, ISC will provide two additional months of funding for Income Assistance clients on reserve with the rising cost of living. This will help First Nations individuals and families who rely on income assistance to cover their essential living expenses.

Options for eligible expenses include direct client support, bulk food purchases, wage subsidies, and the purchase of appliances for income assistance clients. Please note that the terms and conditions for the Income Assistance Program will continue to apply for this funding along with existing reporting requirements. Budget adjustments will be processed in January 2023 for payment in February 2023.

For more information on this funding, including a detailed list of eligible expenditures, please contact the Band Social Development Worker (BSDW) Policy Support Line by toll-free phone at 1-888-440-4080 or by email at tsdbsoutien-bsdwsupport-bc@sac-isc.gc.ca.

BC Region Program Guide

The BC Region Program Guide contains important program and budget information intended for the administrators and program managers of First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and ISC staff. The information contained in the 2022-23 Program Guide remains valid for fiscal year 2023-24, and will be updated for 2024-25. For your convenience, it can be found on the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC website: https://afoabc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2022-2023-BC-Region-Program-Guide.pdf. For questions on the guide, please contact your Funding Services Officer or reach out through one of our regional mailboxes:

fso-northeast@sac-isc.gc.ca

fso-northwest@sac-isc.gc.ca

fso-vancouverisland@sac-isc.gc.ca

fso-southeast@sac-isc.gc.ca

fso-southwest@sac-isc.gc.ca

Environment and Climate Change Canada Launches the Indigenous Leadership Fund to Support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Climate Action

On November 14, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the Indigenous Leadership Fund, a new program developed in collaboration with First Nations representatives, Inuit organizations and Métis governments. The Indigenous Leadership Fund provides up to $180 million to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon heating projects. As of October 30, 2023, up to $73.9 million will be available for First Nations-led projects through a continuous intake process that will be open until March 31, 2027.

Proposals for the First Nations funding stream will be accepted until March 31, 2027, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until available funding is allocated. More information on the program is available on the Indigenous Leadership Fund webpage.

Infrastructure Canada Invests in Innovative Research to Respond to Housing and Infrastructure Challenges

The Research and Knowledge Initiative call for proposals has launched and will be accepting applications until February 9, 2024. Through the initiative, the federal government is providing funding to eligible applicants for research projects that tackle housing and infrastructure challenges in our communities. This call for proposals will support a variety of projects that will generate critical knowledge for addressing housing and infrastructure needs in meaningful ways. For example, projects may include: piloting innovative ways to increase new housing starts; assessing how changing environmental conditions affect region-specific infrastructure needs; understanding successful strategies that have generated positive infrastructure and housing outcomes in at-risk communities; or evaluating how international best practices could support community resiliency and improved quality of life in Canadian communities. More information about the initiative, details on eligibility, and how to apply can be found on Infrastructure Canada’s website. Please contact RKI-IRC@infc.gc.ca should you have any questions.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Launched New Initiative to Support Indigenous Tourism

On November 17, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s (ITF) Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS). The $10 million MSBS will be rolled out in partnership with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, except in Ontario, where details regarding the administration of the program will be announced shortly. Through this Indigenous-led approach, qualifying micro and small Indigenous tourism businesses and organizations will have access to non-repayable contributions of up to $25,000.

The ITF’s MSBS will support Indigenous tourism in several key areas, it will provide financial assistance to Indigenous tourism operators, and will leverage the expertise of provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to maximize its positive impact on Indigenous communities and the tourism industry. For more information, please visit the full news release.

Natural Resources Canada Launches $1.5 Billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund

On November 20, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the Call for Proposals (CFP) of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF). The CMIF will address key infrastructure gaps to enable sustainable critical minerals production and connect resources to markets. With up to $1.5 billion available over 7 years, the fund will support clean energy and electrification initiatives, as well as transportation and infrastructure projects that will enable the sustainable development of Canada’s critical minerals.

This CFP will be the first of several under CMIF, with up to $300 million in contribution funding available under 2 streams: the Pre-construction and Project Development Stream and the Infrastructure Deployment Stream. Through these streams, applicants – including Indigenous groups and governments – can seek access to up to $50 million per project. Information on funding opportunities and the applicant guide are now available online. Applications for the first CFP must be submitted online by February 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Funding Available from Library and Archives Canada to Support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Documentary Heritage Projects

Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) new funding cycle of its Listen, Hear Our Voices initiative is now open. First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations striving to digitize and preserve language and culture materials and build digitization and preservation capacity for their communities are welcome to apply. Up to $100,000 per project is available for eligible organizations. First Nations, Inuit and Métis governing entities and non-profit organizations are invited to submit applications until January 30, 2024, 11:59 p.m. local time.

Interested organizations can consult the Listen, Hear Our Voices web page for information on eligibility and how to apply. Webinars are available to support prospective applicants, where LAC officials will provide information about the Listen, Hear Our Voices initiative and application process. For more information, please visit the full news release.