Open
Source verified July 10, 2026
Reserve Land and Environment Management Program
Supports First Nations in managing reserve lands and environment
Funding available
Up to 80% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 80% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1 employees minimum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Documents Needed
- First Nation Expression of Interest form (PAW# 6978371)
- Supporting documents, if applicable
Official resources
Application form
PAW 6978371 - Reserve LAND and Environment Management Program (Rlemp) - First Nation Expression of Interest
PAW 6978371 - Reserve LAND and Environment Management Program (Rlemp) - First Nation Expression of Interest
PAW 6978371 - Reserve LAND and Environment Management Program (Rlemp) - First Nation Expression of Interest
Eligibility
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.
Selection criteria
- 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
- Step 1: Complete Expression of Interest Form
- Obtain and fill out the First Nation Expression of Interest form (PAW# 6978371).
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Send the completed Expression of Interest form to the nearest Indigenous Services Canada regional office.
- Step 3: Wait for Assessment
- Indigenous Services Canada will evaluate applications based on available funding and prioritization criteria.
- Prioritization factors may include experience with land administration, land registry activities, environmental management capacity, economic development potential, prior interest in land management, and results of the General Assessment.
- Step 4: Accept Program Terms
- If accepted, pass a band council resolution agreeing to the terms of the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program Program
What is the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Reserve Land and Environment Management Program Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program program?
To be eligible for the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program program, you must:
Be a First Nation or tribal council
Submit a Letter of Intent
Eligibility depends on available funding
What expenses are eligible under Reserve Land and Environment Management Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at rlemp@sac-isc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-567-9604.
Where is the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program available?
The Reserve Land and Environment Management Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Reserve Land and Environment Management Program is a Grant and Funding