Grant increases First Nations’ engagement

Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will allow the Chiefs of Ontario to take a key environmental assessment initiative to the next level. The foundation will provide $116,900 over the next two years to support the second phase of a training program, which will help build the capacity of First Nations to align the processes of environmental assessments with negotiations regarding resource extractions. “This grant will help to increase capacity within First Nations communities to understand and engage in effective Environmental Assessments and Impact Benefit Agreement processes,” said Regional Chief Stan Beardy in a news release. Funds from the foundation will be used to organize province-wide, multi-day training workshops and conduct online webinar series  for First Nation leaders. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has also filled a funding request from the Ontario Waterpower Association with the OWA using those funds to support the efforts of the Chiefs of Ontario in delivering environmental assessment and business planning training to First Nations communities in Ontario’s Far North.