Closed
Source verified June 30, 2026
Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program
Support for First Nations specific claims research
Funding available
$ 40,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
First Nations entities mandated by bands and First Nations to conduct specific claims research on their behalf, known as claims research units
See full eligibility
Overview
Provides financial assistance to First Nations to research, develop, and submit specific claims. It supports eligible activities such as community engagement, preliminary research, legal analysis, and claim submission.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Conduct research and development activities
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community engagement and consultation in the identification and assessment of potential claims
- Preliminary research
- Research and information gathering, including Elder interviews and archival research
- In-depth document research
- Write-up of claims research reports
Documents Needed
- Band council resolution or other proof of mandate
- Annual or multi-year work plan
- Annual or multi-year budget
- Measurable progress report, if applicable
- Details of salaried positions and professional services, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations entities mandated by bands and First Nations to conduct specific claims research on their behalf, known as claims research units
- Bands and First Nations
- Indigenous representative organizations
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and wages
- Accommodations
- Administrative and reporting costs
- Information retrieval and storage
- Travel costs within the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's guidelines as specified in the Travel Directive in effect at the time of travel
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities that are not related to the research and development of specific claims
- Activities that are already funded through loan funding in support of negotiations
- Activities associated with the costs of litigation and the Specific Claims Tribunal
- Travel costs which exceed the rates set for in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Travel Directive
- Honorariums for First Nations representatives who receive a salary through band administered funding
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Atlantic Canada
Selection criteria
- Annual research funding available
- Work plan quality and clarity
- Budget submitted for eligible costs
- Measurable progress and previous-year expenditures
- Other funding sources declared
How to apply
- Applications for the research, development and submission of specific claims must be submitted to the Cross-Sector Initiatives Directorate by the claims research unit or band or First Nation in accordance with the application deadline.
- Applications must include a band council resolution or other means of mandate given, where applicable.
- Applications must include an annual or multi-year work plan and an annual or multi-year budget.
- Applications must include a measurable progress report, where applicable.
- Applications are to be submitted via email to dsnprp-nsdscp@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications for the research, development and submission of specific claims must be submitted to the Cross-Sector Initiatives Directorate by the claims research unit or band or First Nation in accordance with the application deadline.
- Application for funding to support the planning and hosting costs of the National Claims Research Workshop, travel costs for delegates to attend and annual research directors meeting must be submitted by the hosting community or hosting claims research unit by January 31 of each fiscal year.
- Applications are to be submitted via email to dsnprp-nsdscp@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca.
- Reporting requirements are listed in the recipient's contribution agreement.
- Specific claims contribution research and development funding must be reported separately from any other funding received by the First Nation.
Additional information
- The application must be submitted by email to the Cross-Sector Initiatives Directorate.
- Reporting requirements are set out in the recipient’s contribution agreement.
- Funding must be reported separately from other funding received.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program Program
What is the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program?
Provides financial assistance to First Nations to research, develop, and submit specific claims. It supports eligible activities such as community engagement, preliminary research, legal analysis, and claim submission.
How much funding can be received?
Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program Funds up to $40,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program program?
To be eligible for the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program program, you must:
First Nations, claims research units, or Indigenous representative organizations
Claims must be actively being researched and progress reported
Work plan and budget must be included
What expenses are eligible under Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program?
Community engagement and consultation in the identification and assessment of potential claims
Preliminary research
Research and information gathering, including Elder interviews and archival research
In-depth document research
Write-up of claims research reports
Who can I contact for more information about the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program?
You can contact Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) by email at dsnprp-nsdscp@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program available?
The Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program is a Grant and Funding