How much funding can be received?

The Reserve Land and Environment Management Program provides up to $30 million over five years to support First Nations in building capacity to manage reserve land, resources, and the environment. Funding covers activities including land manager training, land use planning, leasing, permitting, environmental assessments, and the operation of community lands offices.

Financing terms and conditions

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.

Eligible projects & activities

Building capacity for First Nations to manage reserve land, resources, and the environment.
Training and certifying community land managers through recognized programs.
Establishing and operating a community lands management office.
Undertaking land management activities such as leasing, permitting, surveys, and land use planning.
Overseeing environmental and natural resource management on reserve lands.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 41,000

Land manager certification through accredited PLMCP training and mentoring

$ 89,000

Implementing annual compliance monitoring and enforcement activities

$ 67,000

Comprehensive land use planning and community consultation project

$ 105,000

Developing an advanced digital land use mapping system

$ 118,000

Conducting comprehensive environmental site assessments on reserve lands

$ 145,000

Establishing a fully operational community lands management office

Eligibility criteria of the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program program

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).

How to apply to the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program program

Prepare application documentation

Review the program requirements and eligibility criteria
Gather relevant information about land management activities in your community

Complete the Expression of Interest form

Complete the First Nation Expression of Interest form (PAW# 6978371)
Ensure all required fields and supporting documents are included

Submit application to regional office

Submit the completed form to your nearest Indigenous Services Canada regional office
Confirm the submission process and contact details

Await evaluation and prioritization

Wait for assessment and prioritization by Indigenous Services Canada
Monitor for communications or requests for additional information

Complete acceptance and resolution

Once accepted, pass a band council resolution agreeing to the program terms
Finalize implementation steps according to program guidelines

Additional information

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.