Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Indigenous Grants

Overview of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Indigenous Grants program:

The CMIF Indigenous Grants Program provides funding to Indigenous organizations involved in projects that develop clean energy or transportation infrastructure to support critical minerals production. This grant focuses on projects that facilitate Indigenous participation, whether through gathering and sharing knowledge, engaging in project consultations, or enhancing local capacity to support sustainable resource development. Projects can span various stages, from planning and environmental assessments to more advanced infrastructure initiatives, and can include clean energy solutions like wind power for nearby mining operations. The program offers flexible support for both national and regional Indigenous organizations, including those in northern or remote communities where critical minerals resources are prevalent. Eligible activities encompass consultations with stakeholders, community meetings, and data collection to ensure culturally relevant and effective engagement.

Benefits of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Indigenous Grants program:

• Participants benefit from financial support to engage in infrastructure projects crucial for critical minerals development. The program enhances Indigenous engagement, enabling communities to partake meaningfully in decision-making, acquire essential skills, and contribute local knowledge to critical mineral infrastructure projects.

Eligibility criteria of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Indigenous Grants program:

• Eligible applicants include:
• Indigenous Organizations: Indigenous communities, tribal councils, regional or national Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous for-profit or not-for-profit organizations.
• Non-Indigenous Organizations: Applicants may apply in partnership with Indigenous entities, provided they include a letter of endorsement from Indigenous leadership, verifying collaboration with or representation of the Indigenous partner.
• Projects must focus on infrastructure that supports critical minerals development, involving activities such as:
• Engagement: Community consultations, meetings with stakeholders or rights holders.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing skills, tools, or resources to support Indigenous involvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Collecting and distributing Indigenous or Western knowledge relevant to the project.