Indigenous Forestry Initiative

Eligibility: 

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

The scope of projects funded by the IFI is broad, with three general categories:

  • Environmental stewardship
  • Forest resource use and management
  • Forest bioeconomy participation (e.g. biomass for heat/energy; pellet manufacturing, etc.)

Examples of IFI funded activities include:

  • Preparing plans/assessments that cultivate economic opportunities in forestry
  • Training and skills development to support forestry projects
  • Planning for businesses, including startup or expansion
  • Developing forestry related tools, technology, products, and services

Note: Natural Resources Canada has other funding programs to promote participation in the forest bioeconomy to reduce reliance on diesel fuels.  See the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program for more information.


Who is eligible for funding?

  • Indigenous communities and governments such as:
    • Band and tribal councils
    • Governments of self-governing First Nations
    • Local governments of Inuit communities
    • Métis organizations
    • Economic development corporations
    • National and regional Indigenous organizations
  • Indigenous (50% or greater ownership by Indigenous peoples) for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures
  • Non-Indigenous not-for-profit entities working with an Indigenous partner
  • Provincial, territorial, municipal, and regional governments working with an Indigenous partner organization
  • Academic institutions and research associations working with an Indigenous partner organization
How to Apply: 

The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) provides financial support to Indigenous-led economic development projects in Canada’s forest sector. The funding aims to increase Indigenous participation in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers and governance.

The program has $13 million of funding over 3 years to support projects across Canada.

External Deadline: 
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Funding Source: 
External
Funding Level: 
Research