| Introduction:
The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Indigenous Relations Team is pleased to announce a call for applications for its Indigenous Relations AFFES Funding Program for 2026-27.
The AFFES Indigenous Relations Team is committed to collaborating with our Indigenous partners, inclusive of communities and organizations, to support and fund the development of culturally appropriate resilience strategies using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), including enhanced understanding and shared stewardship related to use of fire, and to develop partnership programs to support fire management and public safety with Indigenous communities.
This Program is intended to encourage continued and improved interest among First Nations,
Tribal Councils and Provincial Territorial Organizations to partner with the Ministry, which will
care for the safety of communities and the public as well as support reconciliation.
How To Apply:
View the Call for Applications Framework 2026-2027 here: https://environment.chiefs-of-ontario.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Call-for-Applications-Framework-2026-2027.pdf
Access the Application Form here: https://environment.chiefs-of-ontario.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AFFES-Indigenous-Relations-Funding-Program-2026-27-Application-Form_Fillable.pdf
Funding And Application Requirements:
- Deadline to submit applications for review for this fiscal year is June 30, 2026.
- Project applications will be reviewed on July 1, 2026, with decisions rendered by July 31,
2026.
- All applicants will be notified of a decision in a timely manner as per eligibility, project timelines and funding availability.
- Project deliverables must be completed by February 28, 2027, to allow sufficient time to complete and submit final reporting by March 31, 2027.
- All expenditures must be based on the approved budget.
- Interim reporting may be required based on project complexity.
- Submission of the Final Report after the March 31, 2027, deadline may result in no additional project funding being released.
- Any unused funding must be returned to the government of Ontario by March 31, 2027.
Eligible Criteria:
Eligible projects will fall into one of the following categories:
- Prevention – Focuses on reducing the risk of wildfires before they start
- Mitigation – Aims to reduce the negative impacts of wildland fires before they occur
- Response – Supports readiness and action during wildfire events
- Use of Fire – Recognizes fire as a cultural and ecological tool to support cultural traditions and achieve community-led resource and environmental stewardship goals
- Traditional Knowledge Transfer – Supports culturally appropriate methods, vital for maintaining cultural identity, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management
Project Ideas in scope:
- Community education materials, youth programs & public awareness campaigns
- Traditional knowledge transfer and documentation support
- Gatherings for community land – use priority discussion and mitigation
- Training initiatives, interagency exercises and scenario-based planning
- Community-based After Action Review gatherings
- In-community values protection program development
- Exploring historic fire use & contemporary cultural burn pathways
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