Closed
Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative
Support for Indigenous-led bison stewardship
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Overview
This 2025–2028 initiative provides up to $5 million to support Indigenous-led bison stewardship and economic development across the Prairies. It focuses on capacity building and a regional learning herd network for bison ranching, conservation, and local food systems.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Bison ranching.
- Bison conservation.
- Integrating bison into local food systems.
- Capacity building for Indigenous participation in the bison sector.
- Regional knowledge-sharing and collaboration through a learning herd network.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations communities
- Métis communities
- Inuit communities
Who is not eligible
- Communities outside the Prairie provinces
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- AAFC and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food will contact communities directly.
- Interested communities will be engaged to identify local priorities, current herd activities, and collaboration opportunities.
- Collected information will be used to map existing herds and guide resource use.
Additional information
- The initiative is jointly funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.
- It is a 3-year initiative running from 2025 to 2028.
- There is no application intake; communities are contacted directly.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative?
This 2025–2028 initiative provides up to $5 million to support Indigenous-led bison stewardship and economic development across the Prairies. It focuses on capacity building and a regional learning herd network for bison ranching, conservation, and local food systems.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative program, you must:
First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities
Located in the Prairie provinces
Interested in bison-related activities
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative?
Bison ranching.
Bison conservation.
Integrating bison into local food systems.
Capacity building for Indigenous participation in the bison sector.
Regional knowledge-sharing and collaboration through a learning herd network.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.ipbi-iabp.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative available?
The Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.
Is the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative?
Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)