Description
The objective of the BC Capacity Initiative is to enhance the capacity and expertise of First Nations who have asserted Aboriginal title to prepare to negotiate and implement land and resource components of their Aboriginal claims settlements.
Funding information
From 1999 to 2001, $5 million was allocated per year, and since 2002, $5.25 million has been allocated per year to the BC Capacity Initiative to fund a total of 319 capacity building projects up to the end of March 2004. Projects include strategic plans, consultation practices, traditional use studies, Geographic Information System applications, Land Stewardship and other First Nations initiatives.
First Nations within and outside the BC treaty process who have asserted Aboriginal title are eligible to apply.
How do First Nations access this initiative?
The BC Capacity Initiative call for proposals is sent out to First Nations and First Nations organizations once a year. Proposals are submitted to the Capacity Initiative Secretariat by a specified closing date and are evaluated and reviewed according to the proposal evaluation criteria in the proposal guideline. The Capacity Initiative Council meets annually to review proposals and make funding recommendations to INAC.
Linkages
- Provincial: BC Treaty Negotiation Office; Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management; Ministry of Forests
- Federal: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, Human Resources and Development Canada, and other INAC programs
- Capacity Council: BC Federation of Labour, CN Railways, First Nations Summit, Tribal Resources Investment Corporation, and First Nations members from Ahousaht, Heiltsuk, Nak’Azdli and Skeetchestn
Where can I get more information?
Contact: Merle Marchessault, LTS, Manager, Governance and Capacity Development, or Alice Wong, Secretariat Administrator
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, BC Region
600-1138 Melville St.
Vancouver, BC V6E 4S3
Call: (604) 666-0270 or 775-5118
Fax: (604) 666-2670
E-mail: marchessaultm@inac-ainc.gc.ca or wongal@ainc-inac.gc.ca