Participant funding to support Indigenous participation in major projects consultations

First Nations, Inuit, Métis Peoples and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing nations are key partners in the development of major projects in Canada.

The Government of Canada has allocated $40 million over two years to enhance the capacity of Indigenous Peoples to participate in consultations on major projects.

Funding will primarily support participation in consultation under the Building Canada Act. A portion of the funding may also support broader capacity-building and consultation activities related to major projects referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO). Funding is specifically designed to support consultation on projects, and projects that evolve out of transformative strategies will become eligible for funding once they advance to that stage.

Eligible recipients

Indigenous communities and governments who may be impacted by projects that are contemplated for potential listing under the Building Canada Act and who wish to participate in consultation processes under the Act to inform this process are eligible for funding.

Representative Indigenous organizations with a mandate from Indigenous governments to represent them in consultation activities under the Building Canada Act may also be eligible for funding.

What the funding covers

Eligible expenses include the following activities and services:

• Community consultations activities: such as expenses related to meetings, workshops, information sessions, travel, honoraria and ceremonial offerings.
• Professional and advisory services: such as legal counsel, technical experts, and Indigenous Knowledge advisory services.
• Administrative and reporting costs: such as reporting on deliverables, bookkeeping, accounting, and other expenses.

How to access funding

There is no open call for funding. The MPO will contact potentially impacted Indigenous Peoples to offer funding to support participation in consultation activities on projects considered for listing under the Building Canada Act.

If your community meets the eligibility criteria or if you would like to inquire about funding opportunities linked to projects referred to the MPO, please contact us at indigenous-autochtones@mpo-bgp.gc.ca.

Other funding programs

Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program

The Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program facilitates access to affordable capital to Indigenous communities to acquire equity ownership in major projects. For more information about the program, including the application process and eligibility requirements, visit the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation website.

Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program

The Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) Program aims to increase the economic participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in the development of natural resource projects that support the transition to a clean energy future. This includes contributions in funding for projects that increase the capacity of Indigenous communities to engage in, benefit from, actively participate in and/or capitalize on economic development opportunities in the natural resource sectors.

Northern Regulatory Initiative

The Northern Regulatory Initiative (NRI) supports clear, trusted and functional resource management regimes in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut that respect and reflect unique northern contexts, accelerate responsible project development, and build a stronger economy in northern Canada. The NRI strengthens the efficiency of these regimes by advancing Indigenous and system readiness initiatives that increase project certainty and reduce delays. 

Northern Participant Funding Program

The Northern Participant Funding Program (NPFP) provides funding to assist Indigenous peoples and other Northerners to participate meaningfully in impact assessments and regulatory processes of major projects in the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. Funding may also be provided for impact assessments in the Eeyou and Nunavik Marine Regions.

Contact us

For more information about the funding, please contact us at indigenous-autochtones@mpo-bgp.gc.ca.