The Government of Canada has created the Own-Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative (OSRICI) to support communities that have experienced a reduction in own-source revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a result, have struggled to continue providing core community programs and important services to community members. The call for applications is now open and communities can apply to access funding.
“Own-source revenue” is defined as funds communities collect from business ventures, property taxes, or other activities, including commercial leasing and tax revenues. Specific programs and services enabled by own-source revenue vary from community to community. A non-exhaustive list of examples include initiatives such as language preservation and cultural programming, as well as income support for Elders.
To be eligible, communities must be able to demonstrate a decline in own-source revenue. Support is available to assist with the preparation of applications and financial statements.
The OSRICI will provide $332.8 million to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Indigenous Peoples and communities also have access to other measures provided through the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, including the recent proposed extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit and of the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.
The deadline to apply for this funding is August 31, 2021.
For more information and for details on how to apply and access application supports, please visit the OSRICI webpage.
