Canada launches call for applications for Own-Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have taken actions to protect their communities and have shut down or reduced operations, resulting in declines in their own-source revenue. In responding to partners' calls for support to address these declines, and to continue supporting communities that provide core programs and important services, the Government of Canada created the Own-Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced the launch of a call for applications for the Own-Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative.

Announced in the Fall Economic Statement, this initiative will provide Indigenous communities with $332.8 million to partially offset declines in own-source revenue.

To assist First Nations with completing and submitting their applications, Indigenous Services Canada has partnered with the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission.

Indigenous Services Canada will assist Inuit and Métis communities with completing and submitting applications, as required.

Partial replacement of own-source revenues will help communities to continue providing core community programs and important services for a safe restart, including in the areas of education, health, housing, water and community infrastructure.

Many communities have worked for years to build sources of own-source revenue that increase their capacity to exercise their self-determination and reduce their reliance on government transfers to provide their members with core community programs and important services. In keeping with this progress towards self-determination, it is important to ensure this pathway towards self-sufficiency is maintained.