Engagement funding for the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign
This funding is available for Indigenous-led engagement activities that will inform the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign.
This call for proposals is now closed. The deadline to submit a proposal was May 19, 2023 at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. For more information, please contact: politique.aar-policy.atr@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca.
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Background
Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada allocated funding to work with Indigenous partners as a first step in redesigning the Additions to Reserve Policy. The objective of this funding is to support engagement activities led by First Nations and Indigenous organizations that result in policy options, considerations and recommendations for the Additions to Reserve redesign.
The Government of Canada is committed to building a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Recognizing that land is central to First Nation identity and economic resilience, returning lands to First Nations is critical to advancing reconciliation and self-determination.
Since being first introduced in 1972, the Additions to Reserve Policy has been updated in 1991, 2001 and 2016. The Additions to Reserve Policy is due for a significant change to ensure First Nations can create and add to reserves effectively and efficiently. Creating or adding land to reserves enables First Nations to seek strategically located lands to support their community and economic development objectives.
Federal responsibility for Additions to Reserve and Reserve Creation is shared between the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is responsible for the Addition of Lands to Reserves and Reserve Creation Act (ALRRCA) and the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act, including the authority to issue ministerial orders pursuant to these acts to set land apart as reserve. The Minister of ISC is responsible for the administration of the Additions to Reserve process.
Purpose
To align with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the redesign initiative began with seeking guidance from First Nations and Indigenous organizations through preliminary engagement to receive feedback on how to have meaningful engagement grounded in the needs and priorities of First Nations and Indigenous organizations.
In response to direction received and to ensure the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign is informed by lived experiences of Indigenous partners, this funding supports First Nation-led engagement. Supporting First Nation-led engagement is an important first step in co-developing options for the Additions to Reserve redesign.
The purpose of this engagement is to identify considerations and recommendations that will contribute to co-developing options for the Additions to Reserve redesign.
After engagement activities are complete, the next phase of the Additions to Reserve redesign will focus on validating policy options, considerations, and recommendations in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners. This next phase will also include opportunities for broader engagement with provinces and industry and is anticipated to start in the winter of 2024.
Progress Timeline
Summer 2022 to Fall 2022: Preliminary engagement (completed)
Spring 2023 to Spring 2024: Funded First Nation-led engagement
Fall 2024: Internal analysis
Winter 2024: Validation process and co-development of policy options
March 2025: Policy options developed
Who can apply
Recipients eligible to receive funding under this initiative are:
- Indigenous nation entities as self-defined and representing nation-based collectives (can be linked by cultural or linguistic background, geographical area or historical treaty lines)
- First Nations
- tribal councils and associations
- governments of self-governing First Nation communities
- Indigenous organizations representing or providing services to Indigenous people
- national or regional Indigenous organizations
- Indigenous non-governmental and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-profit organizations and corporations
Multiple Indigenous partners may be included in 1 application. Preference will be given to applications representing multiple Indigenous communities. Applicants are encouraged to identify all active partners in their application.
Funding Type
| Funding type | Example recipient(s) | Maximum funding available |
|---|---|---|
| Single community |
|
$40,000 |
| Multi-community |
|
$175,000 |
| Regional organizations |
|
$200,000 |
| National organizations |
|
$300,000 |
The level of funding within the maximum allotment will be based on a number of elements, including, but not limited to:
- amount requested
- number of people and/or communities being engaged
- number and/or breadth of the engagement activities
Application process
General considerations for proposal submission
Funding is available for fiscal year 2023 to 2024 and will be allocated to applicants based on submitted proposals and funding availability. Each proposal must be unique and will be assessed independently for reasonableness.
If you are unable to submit a proposal for funding but still wish to participate in the engagement process, please send your feedback through a written submissions on the Additions to Reserve Policy by email or by mail to the address in the Contact us section of this page.
Applications may be submitted in either English or French.
Proposal requirements
All proposals must include, at minimum:
- application form
- a workplan that includes activities, objectives and timelines
- the scope of engagement (how many people, groups, or organizations will be included in your activities)
- budgeted expenditures that link to planned activities
- clear outcomes/deliverables, including a report or summary of findings that includes feedback from participants that will contribute to co-developing policy options to redesign the Additions to Reserve Policy
Proposal submission process
- Complete the Additions to Reserve Policy Redesign Engagement Funding Application. For the 2023 to 2024 application form:
- enter 1071595 in the filter items box on the Proposals, applications, work plans web page
- Submit the completed Additions to Reserve Engagement Application Form electronically to politique.aar-policy.atr@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca, by fax to: 403-292-5393, or by mail address to:
Additions to Reserve Policy Unit
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
25 Eddy Street, 6th Floor - 25E-32
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4
Deadline
The deadline to submit a proposal is May 19, 2023 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time. Mailed proposals must be post marked no later than the deadline stated. Applications received after the deadline will be considered if resources permit.
Contact us
If you require assistance, please contact the Additions to Reserve Policy Unit.
E-mail: politique.aar-policy.atr@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Mail: Additions to Reserve Policy Unit
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
25 Eddy Street, 6th Floor - 25E-32
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4