In 2014, Steve Ellis, the recently appointed Northern Lead for MakeWay (previously known as Tides Canada), found himself with a bit of money for an on the land camp in the Dehcho region of the NWT. He quickly realized the money wouldn't go very far. Aware that his was not the only organization supporting land-based programs in the territory, Steve arranged a meeting with Debbie Delancey, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.
The Department had recently devoted a million dollars in funds to support on the land healing programs, based on feedback they had received from communities during the 2012 Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness. However, given the expense of on the land programs and the demand, it was inadequate in meeting community needs. The department, like MakeWay, was looking for ways to leverage other funding.
In November 2014, Health and Social Services and MakeWay co-hosted a meeting of stakeholders to explore the feasibility of a collaborative funding model for land-based programming in the territory. Representatives from other collaboratives, including the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative attended, as did organizations with an interest in delivering or funding land-based initiatives. From the beginning, it was important to all involved that whatever approach was taken reflect local priorities and ways of working. For this reason, community representatives, the people who are actually applying for funding and running the programs, have been at the table since day one, articulating the need for a collaborative approach to funding, but also what that approach should look like.”
That meeting laid the groundwork for the NWT On The Land Collaborative, which was officially launched in the fall of 2015. The following were key design elements of the Collaborative:
In year one, the Collaborative gave out $381,850 to 35 projects. In 2017, the pot of $634,845 was spread across 35 projects. In 2018 and 2019, we distributed one million dollars to 48 projects each year. This year, the Collaborative again had a million dollar pot which was spread across 55 projects that connected NWT residents with their land, cultures, and traditions.
Today, the NWT On The Land Collaborative provides funding, resources, and support for programs that centre land-based education and cultural revitalization. Youth engagement is a very important component of these programs as is the development of skills and knowledge that enhance community strength and resiliency. We support projects that restore traditional ways, foster justice, and build better economies. Grants also help with environmental monitoring and stewardship programs that ensure the health of the land for future generations. Mental health, addictions, healing, and family wellness are concerns in communities across the NWT; they are also priorities for the Collaborative.
The Department had recently devoted a million dollars in funds to support on the land healing programs, based on feedback they had received from communities during the 2012 Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness. However, given the expense of on the land programs and the demand, it was inadequate in meeting community needs. The department, like MakeWay, was looking for ways to leverage other funding.
In November 2014, Health and Social Services and MakeWay co-hosted a meeting of stakeholders to explore the feasibility of a collaborative funding model for land-based programming in the territory. Representatives from other collaboratives, including the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative attended, as did organizations with an interest in delivering or funding land-based initiatives. From the beginning, it was important to all involved that whatever approach was taken reflect local priorities and ways of working. For this reason, community representatives, the people who are actually applying for funding and running the programs, have been at the table since day one, articulating the need for a collaborative approach to funding, but also what that approach should look like.”
That meeting laid the groundwork for the NWT On The Land Collaborative, which was officially launched in the fall of 2015. The following were key design elements of the Collaborative:
- Consensus governance and decision-making amongst all Partners, including Community Advisors nominated by the Indigenous governments of the NWT;
- Simple and user-friendly application and reporting process; and
- Few limitations on proposals to encourage innovation and respect local needs.
In year one, the Collaborative gave out $381,850 to 35 projects. In 2017, the pot of $634,845 was spread across 35 projects. In 2018 and 2019, we distributed one million dollars to 48 projects each year. This year, the Collaborative again had a million dollar pot which was spread across 55 projects that connected NWT residents with their land, cultures, and traditions.
Today, the NWT On The Land Collaborative provides funding, resources, and support for programs that centre land-based education and cultural revitalization. Youth engagement is a very important component of these programs as is the development of skills and knowledge that enhance community strength and resiliency. We support projects that restore traditional ways, foster justice, and build better economies. Grants also help with environmental monitoring and stewardship programs that ensure the health of the land for future generations. Mental health, addictions, healing, and family wellness are concerns in communities across the NWT; they are also priorities for the Collaborative.