First Nation Adapt Program
During the coronavirus outbreak, some communities may not be in a position to submit a proposal to access funding.
- We continue to accept project proposals for the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year
- If you are a current recipient whose project has been affected by the outbreak, we can help
Contact us at aadnc.adaptation.aandc@canada.ca for more information.
On this page
About the program
This program provides funding to First Nation communities located below the 60th parallel to assess and respond to climate change impacts on community infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.
The program works with First Nation communities to identify region-specific priorities, impacts, and opportunities for climate change projects. The program prioritizes First Nation communities most impacted by climate change related to sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, drought, fisheries and winter road failures. These disruptive and costly impacts present significant challenges to meeting First Nation communities' infrastructure needs.
The program provides support for communities to address one or more of the following types of projects:
- risk assessments of climate change impacts on community infrastructure or emergency management
- development and assessment of adaptation options
- cost benefit analysis of adaptation options
The additional funding from Budget 2017 will support climate impact assessments and adaptation planning efforts in communities at significant risk of flooding. The program will work closely with communities to integrate the best scientific and Indigenous Knowledge on climate indicators, flooding exposure and future climate projections.
The floodplain mapping portion of the program provides support for communities to:
- participate in regional watershed management processes
- collect and share regional watershed data
- develop floodplain maps on a smaller scale in order to identify flood risks to local infrastructure
- develop best practices, tools and adaptation options for flood management
Budget 2016 announced, starting in the 2016 to 2017 fiscal year:
- $24 million over 5 years to identify and address climate change related impacts on infrastructure in First Nation communities on reserve
Budget 2017 announced, starting in the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year:
- $27 million over 5 years to support efforts to effectively reduce long-term flood risk for First Nation communities
Who can apply?
- First Nation communities
- band or tribal councils
- Indigenous organizations
This program supports climate change adaptation projects in First Nation communities south of the 60th parallel. Northern First Nation communities looking for funding for their climate change adaptation projects should consult the Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program.
Deadlines
There is no deadline to apply. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
How to apply
- Review the program funding guidelines 2021 to 2022 and the budget spreadsheet
- Contact the program to discuss a potential project idea
- Seek and confirm community support for your project with a band council resolution or other proof of community support
- Complete a 3 to 5 page project proposal as described in the guidelines, as well as the budget spreadsheet (MS Excel)
- Submit the project proposal, budget spreadsheet, and band council resolution to aadnc.adaptation.aandc@canada.ca