Reserve Land and Environment Management Program

• A First Nation in the training phase (RLEMP Level 1) is eligible for 80% of their operational funding to set up and start running a lands office.
• Once a certified land manager is in place (RLEMP Level 2), First Nations receive 100% of their operational funding to fully undertake lands and environmental management responsibilities.

• The applicant must be a First Nation or a tribal council.
• The First Nation or tribal council must submit a completed First Nation Expression of Interest form to their nearest Indigenous Services Canada regional office.
• Applicants must be willing to train and certify a land manager through the Professional Lands Management Certification Program.
• A band council resolution agreeing to the terms of the program is required after acceptance.

Who is eligible?

• First Nations
• Tribal councils

Who is not eligible

• Private sector businesses and corporations that are not First Nations or tribal councils.
• Organizations that are not federally recognized as First Nations or tribal councils.
• Companies or industries operating outside of reserve lands or not involved in land and environmental management on behalf of a First Nation.

Eligible expenses

• Training and certification costs for land managers through the Professional Lands Management Certification Program.
• Operational costs to set up and run a community lands office.
• Salaries and expenses for certified land managers responsible for reserve land administration.
• Costs related to land management activities, such as leasing, permitting, and land use planning.
• Expenses for environmental management activities, including environmental site assessments, monitoring, and audits.
• Compliance management costs, such as promotion, monitoring, and enforcement of land and environmental regulations.

Eligible geographic areas

• First Nations communities with reserve lands across Canada.

• Experience with land administration under the Indian Act.
• Land management activity registered in the Indian Lands Registry System (ILRS).
• Environmental management knowledge and capacity.
• Potential for economic development opportunities.
• Prior land management interest.
• A low General Assessment (indicating fewer potential issues in the delivery of funded services).

• There are three distinct program levels, with funding and responsibilities increasing as First Nations progress.
• Program enrollment is dependent on available funding, and not all applicants may be accepted immediately.
• Progression through the levels can prepare communities for comprehensive land management or self-government models.
• Certified land managers are trained through the Professional Lands Management Certification Program administered by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association.