Open
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
Indigenous Forestry Initiative - Contribution funding
Open
Federal contributions support Indigenous-led forestry projects in knowledge, stewardship, and economic development.
Indigenous Forestry Initiative - Grant funding
Open
Federal grants up to $45K support Indigenous forest planning, policy engagement, and knowledge mobilization.
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. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $16.9 million 2026-2029 renewal of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative as part of a broader package of measures to transform the softwood lumber industry. This includes a direct investment of $13 million in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership in the forest sector.
Contact us
Email us at ifi-ifa@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca if you would like to know more.
News releases
- 2026-02-25: Government of Canada launches $500 million in support for retooling Canada’s forest sector
- 2026-02-25: Government of Canada invests in Atlantic Canada’s forest sector
Related link
Forest sector funding programs