Canada Indigenous Habitat Participation Program (DFO)

Enriched government · Found: 2026-03-10 22:16

Grant funding for Indigenous Nations/organizations to participate in consultation on fish/habitat protection under Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act. Proposals up to $21,000; larger amounts for complex consultations.

Source: https://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ecosystems/ihpp-ppha/form-formulaire-eng.html

Funding Details

Funder

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Funding Goal

Grant funding to support the participation of Indigenous Nations, Indigenous groups, communities and Indigenous organizations in Crown consultation processes related to regulatory decisions affecting fish and fish habitat protection under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act. Specifically supports engagement in decisions about Fisheries Act authorizations, Species at Risk Act authorizations, and fish habitat bank arrangements.

Funding Amount

Preference given to proposals up to $21,000. Proposals above $21,000 may be accepted for deep and complex consultation activities. (up to 21.000 €)

Deadline

Rolling basis (Rolling)

How to Apply

Download and complete application form (PDF or Word format available at the DFO website). Sign and return to regional DFO contact. A consultation approach must be developed with DFO before submission. Activities undertaken prior to grant approval will not be reimbursed. For applications exceeding $21,000, contact the relevant regional DFO Indigenous Relations Unit directly before submitting.

Target Region

Canada

Contact

Regional DFO Indigenous Relations Unit or regional Indigenous Habitat Participation Program contact. See DFO website for regional contacts: dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Last Checked

2026-03-15 12:40

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Must be an Indigenous Nation, community, tribal council, or Indigenous government in Canada
• Aboriginal or Treaty rights must be potentially affected by the specific DFO regulatory decision

Project Scope

• Activities must relate directly to a specific Fisheries Act or Species at Risk Act regulatory decision

Required Documents

• Consultation approach must be developed jointly with DFO before submission
• Disclose any other federal/provincial funding sought for same consultation

Constraints

• Grant is non-refundable — activities begun before approval will not be reimbursed
• Preferred maximum grant amount is $21,000; higher amounts require advance contact with DFO regional office
• Administrative overhead capped at 15% of total expenses

Summary

The Indigenous Habitat Participation Program (IHPP) is a grant program administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) that provides financial support to Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations to participate in Crown consultation processes. These consultations relate to regulatory decisions under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act, specifically decisions about projects that could cause the death of fish, harmful alteration or destruction of fish habitat, or affect species at risk. Thematic scope focuses on fish and fish habitat protection, regulatory permitting decisions, and consultation on works, undertakings or activities affecting fish habitats. This includes Fisheries Act authorizations, Species at Risk Act authorizations, and fish habitat bank arrangements. Eligible activities include supporting internal community engagement with rights holders and leadership, reviewing studies and reports about proposed projects, preparing for and participating in formal consultations, and providing information about effects on Aboriginal or treaty rights. Eligible activities that can be funded include: internal discussions with rights holders and leadership; reviewing technical studies or reports; preparing for and participating in meetings, workshops, and formal consultations; provision of information and data on project impacts to Aboriginal/treaty rights; and related consultation support costs. Budget categories include salary/wages, professional services, software/equipment, printing, communications, travel, honoraria for Elders and Indigenous Knowledge holders, ceremonial offerings, and administrative overhead (capped at 15%). The program is specifically for Canadian Indigenous groups and communities. There is no geographic restriction within Canada, though the consultation must relate to a specific DFO regulatory decision affecting that Indigenous group's territory or rights. Applicants must demonstrate their Aboriginal or Treaty rights may be affected by the specific project being consulted on. Eligible applicants are Indigenous Nations, bands, settlements, tribal councils, Indigenous governments, and representative organizations for rights-holding communities. Organizations applying on behalf of multiple communities may receive adjusted funding consideration. DFO discusses and jointly develops the consultation approach with each applicant organization. Grants are provided up to $21,000 per application, though proposals above this threshold may be accepted for more complex consultations. The program is non-refundable — activities commenced before grant approval will not be reimbursed. Organizations must not have already received funding for the same consultation activities from other federal/provincial departments. Applications should seek minimum funding needed to carry out the consultation activities.

Historical Context

Application form last updated April 29, 2024. Program is part of DFO's ongoing Crown consultation obligations under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act.

Why it was added

R13-RF3: Canadian First Nations fisheries/habitat participation grants

Sources

• https://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ecosystems/ihpp-ppha/form-formulaire-eng.html

Similar Programs

← Back to list