About the Program: The Water Governance Fund for First Nations honors Canada’s commitment, under Article 9.05 of the Settlement agreement to provide $9 million in funding through the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026 to assist First Nations that wish to develop their own water-related governance initiatives. The fund will provide investments to support: (a) research; (b) technical advice; (c) by-law drafting; and (d) the implementation of pilot projects on reserves.

Who is Eligible: First Nations that have accepted the Settlement, or as determined by the First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water, and that meet the eligibility criteria of the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program.

Application Criteria: Eligible water governance projects will be considered based on:

• Focus on water governance, including research, technical advice, by-law/law/regulatory drafting, and implementation of pilot projects on reserves;
• Identification of project benefits and importance to First Nation communities;
• Inclusion of work plan; and
• Alignment with First Nation self-determination.

Click here for a complete copy of the Terms of Reference for the FNAC which include the Terms of Reference for the Water Governance Fund.