The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) aims to advance reconciliation by supporting Indigenous-identified priorities to accelerate First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups’ awareness, influence, inclusion and leadership in the forest sector.
Objective
The IFI provides funding for Indigenous-led projects in the forest sector for activities such as:
- Gathering, developing, using and protecting Indigenous Knowledge and science
- Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship
- The identification, consideration and pursuit of economic development opportunities
Learn about past IFI-funded projects
Funding and services
Grant funding
Funding opportunity coming soon
You should apply for Grant funding if your project meets all of the following criteria:
- You need support to prepare for, and/or participate in industry- or government-led forest and land use policy development, sustainable forest management planning or other instances where free, prior and informed consent is sought for forest sector development
- You are an Indigenous community or other entity that holds collective Indigenous and/or Treaty rights
- Your project requires less than $45K in funding support
Contribution funding
Funding opportunity coming soon
You should apply for Contribution funding if your project meets all of the following criteria:
- You need support to lead your own forest sector project related to Indigenous Knowledge and science, forest stewardship or economic development
- You identify as Indigenous or are working on behalf of one or more Indigenous partners
The Canadian Forest Service uniquely features a team of Regional Liaison Officers dedicated to Indigenous forestry, working from our Forestry Centres across the country. They are available to learn about your interests in forest stewardship and the forest economy and support your efforts to develop projects and partnerships.
Please feel free to contact us:
- Atlantic Forestry Centre (NB, NS, PE, NL)
- Mary Knockwood (NB, NS, PE)
- Andrew Penney (NL)
- Laurentian Forestry Centre (QC)
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre (ON)
- Northern Forestry Centre (MB, SK, AB, NT, NU)
- Pacific Forestry Centre (BC, YK)
Progress and results
- Since 2017, the IFI has funded 241 First Nations, Inuit and Métis–led projects, investing $48 million
- Since 2023, 48% of projects report activities focused on the creation, safeguarding, and use of Indigenous Knowledge and science to influence sustainable forest management
- Since 2023, 41% of projects report activities focused on Indigenous-led forest stewardship
- Since 2023, 85% of proponents report an increased sense of inclusion in the forest sector
- Since 2017, 43% of projects reported participation by Indigenous women (876 individuals; 19 projects were led by Indigenous women)
- Since 2017, 31% of projects reported participation by Indigenous youth (513 individuals)
- Since 2017, 1278 Indigenous people received training
- Since 2017, 709 new jobs were created
- Since 2017, 68 Indigenous businesses were created or expanded
Program updates
On August 5, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the renewal of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative beyond March 2026, as part of Canada’s forest sector transformation strategy in response to US tariffs and duties on softwood lumber. Stay tuned for updates on the total investment and calls for proposals.
In 2023, the Government of Canada announced a three-year $16.6 million renewal of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, including $13 million in total investments to communities. This was in addition to a re-focused mandate to advance reconciliation in the forest sector by supporting Indigenous-identified priorities to accelerate awareness, influence, inclusion and leadership.
In 2024, Natural Resources Canada engaged and worked with Indigenous organizations and communities from coast to coast to coast to explore Indigenous forest sector priorities, current strengths of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative and opportunities for the program to better align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Contact us
Email us at nrcan.ifi-ifa.rncan@canada.ca if you would like to know more.
Related link
Forest sector funding programs