The Government of Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative Is Accepting New Applications

September 21, 2023        Ottawa, Ontario                Natural Resources Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing economic reconciliation, closing socio-economic gaps and providing more sustainable solutions that tackle climate change and grow a prosperous low-carbon economy. Enhancing Indigenous leadership in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers and governance is an important step in this direction.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, launched a call for expressions of interest (EOI) for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI). This Initiative supports Indigenous-identified priorities, awareness, influence, inclusion and leadership in the forest sector.

From now until Monday, October 30, the IFI is accepting applications for projects that contribute to building and preserving Indigenous knowledge and science; support Indigenous participation and leadership in the sustainable management of forests; inform business planning and decision-making; and increase the participation of Indigenous communities in forest sector development and conservation.

The Government of Canada announced investments of $16.6 million over three years, starting in 2023, for the renewal of the program, and the expansion of its mandate to support broader Indigenous-identified priorities related to forests, inclusive of forest stewardship as well as economic development.

This call for expressions of interest comes during National Forest Week, which provides an opportunity to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage and raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource. This year’s theme is “Canada’s Forests: Supporting Biological Diversity.”

By promoting local job growth and contributing to advance Indigenous priorities, Canada continues to support initiatives that support sustainable jobs in the forest sector.