Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Values Mapping and Data Management stream under the Aboriginal Participation Fund supports Indigenous communities in Ontario to engage more effectively in mining-related regulatory processes under the Mining Act. The program funds projects such as traditional knowledge mapping, GIS training, oral history collection, and data management to strengthen participation in mineral exploration and development decisions. Eligible applicants include Indigenous communities and organizations in high mineral activity regions of Ontario.
Values Mapping and Data Management Stream Overview
The initiative is part of Ontario’s efforts to improve Indigenous participation in mineral exploration and development governance. It focuses on strengthening the ability of Indigenous communities to engage in consultation, regulatory processes, and decision-making related to mining activities.
The program supports collaborative, knowledge-based, and technical capacity-building projects that help communities document, organize, and apply traditional and modern data systems.
Key Focus Areas
The funding stream supports activities related to:
- Traditional knowledge and values mapping
- Oral history collection and documentation
- Data management systems and database development
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) training and mapping
- Shared territory and overlapping land-use solutions
- Community capacity building for regulatory participation
- Understanding mineral exploration and development processes
- Collaboration between Indigenous communities and organizations
Program Objectives
The stream aims to:
- Strengthen Indigenous participation in Mining Act regulatory processes
- Improve access to and management of community knowledge systems
- Support informed engagement with government and industry stakeholders
- Build technical and institutional capacity in Indigenous communities
- Promote collaborative approaches to shared territorial issues
The broader Aboriginal Participation Fund is designed to enhance Indigenous engagement in resource development and regulatory decision-making in Ontario.
Eligible Projects and Activities
Eligible projects may include:
- Traditional knowledge and values mapping initiatives
- Multi-year or one-year community research projects
- Oral history documentation and archiving
- GIS training and spatial data development
- Creation of data management systems and tools
- Workshops and capacity-building sessions
- Collaborative projects between multiple Indigenous communities
These activities aim to strengthen both cultural knowledge preservation and technical capacity.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Indigenous communities in Ontario
- Indigenous organizations located in high mineral exploration regions
- Tribal Councils
- Indigenous economic development organizations
- Joint applications from multiple Indigenous communities or organizations
Joint applications must include Band Council Resolutions from each participating community.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may cover:
- Salaries and mandatory employer-related costs
- Professional and technical consulting fees
- Travel expenses for project activities
- Honoraria for Elders and knowledge holders
- Workshop and meeting costs
- Equipment purchase or rental
- Administrative costs directly related to the project
Expected Impact
The program is designed to:
- Improve Indigenous participation in mining-related decision-making
- Strengthen community knowledge and data systems
- Enhance regulatory engagement under the Mining Act
- Support collaboration across Indigenous territories
- Build long-term capacity for resource governance participation
Conclusion
The Values Mapping and Data Management stream under the Aboriginal Participation Fund provides targeted funding to strengthen Indigenous capacity in mineral sector governance. By supporting knowledge mapping, data systems, and technical training, the program helps Indigenous communities in Ontario engage more effectively in regulatory processes and resource development decisions.
For more information, visit Government of Ontario.