Indigenous Forestry Initiative
Canada
Funding to support Indigenous-led activities in the forest sector
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 30, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding of up to $50,000 to prepare and participate in industry or government-led sustainable forest management planning and forest policy development. er à la planification de la gestion durable des forêts et à l'élaboration de la politique forestièr
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several eligible projects or activities for this grant.
- Influencing forest management plans by industry and government
- Influencing forest policy development by government
- Developing forest sector strategies
- Pursuing access to forests and forest tenure
- Gathering Indigenous knowledge to inform sustainable forest management practices in traditional territories
- Leading the development of sustainable forest management plans
- Identifying, considering, and pursuing economic development opportunities in forestry and forest products manufacturing
- Supporting forest sector diversification and filling labour-force needs through training and skills development
- Developing forest-related tools, technologies, products and services
- Providing capital and other support for forest sector start-ups, expansions, and joint ventures
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$50,000
Halifax
Support the expansion of a forest sector startup focusing on eco-friendly products
$50,000
Yellowknife
Gather Indigenous knowledge to enhance sustainable forestry practices
$50,000
Thunder Bay
Train Indigenous community members in sustainable forestry techniques and practices
$50,000
Vancouver
Develop innovative tools and technologies for forest health monitoring
$50,000
Toronto
Influence forest management policies by collaborating with government agencies
$50,000
Saskatoon
Develop a sustainable forest management plan focusing on local ecosystem conservation
grant_single_labels|admissibility
IFI grants are targeted towards Indigenous communities and entities holding collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982). For contributions funding, a wider range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities working with or on behalf of Indigenous partners are eligible.
- Indigenous communities and governments (Indian Act bands, self-governing First Nations, Métis community organizations, modern treaty implementation organizations).
- Tribal councils or entities fulfilling a similar function (e.g., general council).
- National and regional Indigenous organizations, as well as tribal organizations.
- Indigenous organizations (with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership) legally registered or incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures, partnerships, associations, cooperatives, and institutions
- Non-Indigenous entities, validly incorporated or registered in Canada, working with or on behalf of endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s), including not-for-profit organizations, academia and research associations, and various levels of governments.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies that can apply for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative grants and contributions, provided they meet specific criteria. Eligible recipients include Indigenous organizations, non-Indigenous entities working with Indigenous partners, and various legally registered or incorporated entities.
- Indigenous communities and governments (Indian Act bands, self-governing First Nations, Métis community organizations, modern treaty implementation organizations including economic development corporations constituted under a modern treaty, etc.)
- Tribal councils or entities that fulfill a similar function (e.g., general council)
- National and regional Indigenous organizations, as well as tribal organizations
- Indigenous organizations (with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership) that are legally registered or incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions
- Non-Indigenous entities, validly incorporated or registered in Canada, who are working with or on behalf of one or more endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s), including not-for-profit organizations, academia and research associations, and provincial, territorial, municipal, and regional governments
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Non-Indigenous entities that are not working with or on behalf of one or more endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s)
- For-profit organizations without greater than 50% Indigenous ownership
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include a range of activities aimed at advancing Indigenous influence and leadership in the forest sector. Below is a list of specific eligible activities supported by the grant.
- Influencing forest management plans by industry and government
- Influencing forest policy development by government
- Developing forest sector strategies
- Pursuing access to forests and forest tenure
- Gathering Indigenous knowledge to inform sustainable forest management practices in traditional territories
- Leading the development of sustainable forest management plans
- Identifying, considering, and pursuing economic development opportunities in forestry and forest products manufacturing
- Supporting forest sector diversification and filling labour-force needs through training and skills development
- Developing forest-related tools, technologies, products and services
- Providing capital and other support for forest sector start-ups, expansions, and joint ventures
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant cover all provinces and territories in Canada. Specific regional liaison officers are assigned to each region to provide assistance.
- Atlantic Forestry Centre (NB, NS, PE, NL)
- Laurentian Forestry Centre (QC)
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre (ON)
- Northern Forestry Centre (MB, SK, AB, NT, NU)
- Pacific Forestry Centre (BC, YT)
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) includes evaluation and selection criteria to ensure projects align with its objective to advance reconciliation in the forest sector. The applications are assessed based on their relevance, feasibility, impact, and alignment with Indigenous-identified priorities.
- Relevance to the objectives of the IFI and alignment with Indigenous-identified priorities.
- Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project plan and methodology.
- Potential impact on advancing Indigenous influence, inclusion, and leadership in the forest sector.
- Evidence of the applicant's capacity and qualifications to successfully carry out the project.
- Involvement of Indigenous communities and demonstration of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
- Quality and comprehensiveness of the Gender and Diversity Plans, if applicable.
- Innovation and potential for replication or scalability of the project outcomes.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders.
- Budget justification and cost-effectiveness of the proposed activities.
- Compliance with regulatory and environmental considerations.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Access NRCan’s online application portal and create your profile.
- Step 2: Complete the IFI Expression of Interest form.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The IFI focuses on enhancing Indigenous influence and participation in sustainable forest management practices in Canada through grants and contributions.
- Grants up to $50,000 target Indigenous preparation and participation in SFM planning, policy development, and FPIC-related activities.
- Contributions are available for engagement, consultation, knowledge activities, economic development, conservation, and workforce diversification.
- Applicants for contributions must submit or develop Gender and Diversity Plans; reporting against diversity-based performance indicators is required.
- IFI received a three-year $16.6 million renewal in September 2023, focusing on awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership in the forest sector.
- Contact regional liaison officers for assistance: Atlantic Forestry Centre, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Northern Forestry Centre, and Pacific Forestry Centre.
- More information and updates can be requested via communication with the IFI team.
Apply to this program
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) Grant Overview
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) grant supports Indigenous-led activities in the forest sector with the aim of advancing reconciliation by promoting Indigenous knowledge, stewardship, and economic opportunities. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for projects that enhance Indigenous influence in sustainable forest management and policy development.
Understanding the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) Grant
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) is a significant program established by the Government of Canada, designed to foster reconciliation and support Indigenous priorities within the forest sector. It offers financial aid to projects that underscore the importance of Indigenous participation, leadership, and influence in forest management and related economic activities.
Objective of the IFI
The primary goal of the IFI is to advance reconciliation in the forest sector by supporting activities that align with Indigenous-identified priorities. This includes initiatives that promote the gathering, development, use, and protection of Indigenous knowledge, as well as those that facilitate Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship. Additionally, the IFI seeks to aid in identifying and pursuing economic development opportunities within the forest sector.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the IFI grant funding focuses on Indigenous communities and entities with collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982). Indigenous entities that do not hold these collective rights but engage in similar activities are also welcome to apply under the contributions category, where their proposals will be assessed competitively.
Who Can Apply?
The grant is exclusively available to Indigenous communities and various other entities, such as:
- Indigenous communities and governments (Indian Act bands, self-governing First Nations, Métis community organizations, organizations involved in modern treaty implementation, etc.)
- Tribal councils or similar entities
- National and regional Indigenous organizations
- Indigenous organizations with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership, including businesses, cooperatives, and institutions
Furthermore, non-Indigenous entities working in collaboration with Indigenous partner organizations can apply for contributions funding, provided they are validly incorporated or registered in Canada.
Types of Projects Supported
The IFI grant focuses on aiding Indigenous preparation and participation in government or industry-led sustainable forest management planning, forest policy development, and other processes where free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) is necessary. The intent is to amplify Indigenous voices in sustainable forest management practices in Canada.
Additional projects eligible for contributions include:
- Engagement and consultation activities
- Knowledge and science activities
- Planning and decision-making activities
- Forest sector development, conservation, and workforce diversification activities
Examples of Eligible Projects
Examples of projects that could be eligible for funding under the IFI include:
- Influencing forest management plans developed by industry or government
- Participating in forest policy development initiated by government bodies
- Creating forest sector strategies
- Securing access to forests and forest tenure
- Collecting and applying Indigenous knowledge to inform sustainable forest management in traditional territories
- Leading the development of comprehensive sustainable forest management plans
- Exploring and pursuing economic development opportunities in forestry and forest products manufacturing
- Supporting diversification in the forest sector and meeting labor force needs through skills training and development
- Developing innovative forest-related tools, technologies, products, and services
- Providing capital support for forest sector start-ups, expansions, and joint ventures
How to Apply
Interested parties must follow a straightforward application procedure to apply for the IFI grant:
- Access NRCan’s online application portal to create a profile.
- Complete the IFI Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Following the submission of the EOI, applicants may be invited to submit full project proposals if their initial submission is considered for further evaluation.
Assessment Timelines
For grants, funding decisions are expected by mid-December 2023, with projects anticipated to start as early as January 2024. For contributions, additional time will be provided for full project proposals, with funding decisions anticipated by March 2024, and project commencement expected by April 2024.
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
NRCan emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the forest sector. Projects funded through IFI grants and contributions are expected to contribute to a diverse and inclusive forest sector by increasing Indigenous involvement in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers, and governance. While the development of Gender and Diversity Plans is voluntary for sovereign Indigenous governments, other grant and contribution recipients must report on diversity-based performance indicators.
History and Budget
The IFI was first announced in June 2017 as part of the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, with an initial $1 million/year on-going budget and an additional $10 million in funding over three years. In Budget 2019, the program was expanded with an additional $15.6 million over three years. In September 2023, a further renewal was announced, providing a three-year $16.6 million funding, including $13 million allocated directly to community investments.
Regional Liaison Officers
To assist applicants in different regions, NRCan has designated Regional Liaison Officers:
- Atlantic Forestry Centre (NB, NS, PE, NL)
- Andrew Penney (NL)
- Mary Knockwood (NB, NS, PE)
- Laurentian Forestry Centre (QC)
- Marie-Claude Gros-Louis
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre (ON)
- Stephanie Seymour
- Ray Wilson
- Northern Forestry Centre (MB, SK, AB, NT, NU)
- Keyara Carifelle
- Pacific Forestry Centre (BC, YT)
- Angela Preissl
- Chengdong Fang
- Vince Waring
Conclusion
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) grant represents a notable opportunity for Indigenous communities and entities to engage in meaningful and transformative projects within the forest sector. By promoting Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and economic opportunities, the IFI plays a vital role in advancing reconciliation and fostering a diverse and inclusive forest sector in Canada. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the resources provided, including regional liaison officers, to navigate the application process and maximize the impact of their proposed projects.
