Honouring Our Sovereignty: $100,000 in Support for Indigenous-Led Resurgence
From hide camps to harvests, from ceremony to creative resistance — Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) is proud to stand with our people as we reclaim what’s always been ours.
The Sovereignty in Action (SIA) Awards are back! This year, we’re distributing up to $100K in support of Indigenous-led individuals, grassroots groups, and community projects that embody sovereignty in action. Each recipient will receive up to $2,500 to support their work — whether it's on the land, in language, or acts of resistance and care.
This is not a grant. This is a gift — one rooted in reciprocity, recognition, and the strength of our communities.
The purpose of SIA is to award recipients $2,500 towards small, grassroots Indigenous-led groups, individuals and projects.
Honouring Indigenous-led Climate Justice
At ICA, we are committed to further building up the Indigenous Sovereignty in so-called Canada, and informing the ways we continue to work towards a world with sovereign and thriving Indigenous Peoples and cultures leading climate justice for all. The SIA Awards are an opportunity to extend those practices to as many indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island.
The SIA Awards celebrate and support grassroots efforts by putting Indigenous voices and actions at the centre, building stronger communities and bringing different Nations together – showcasing the important link between sovereignty and caring for the environment.
Where It Began:
The Spirit Behind SIA
The Sovereignty in Action Awards were created during the COVID-19 pandemic to support grassroots initiatives while prioritizing community health and safety by shifting away from in-person events. Since its inception, SIA has served as a way to honour our communities through supporting their work towards climate justice, climate change and Indigenous sovereignty.
As part of our commitment to the Pathway of Supporting Indigenous Sovereignty, ICA stands alongside land defenders, water keepers, knowledge holders, community helpers and leaders by providing support through initiatives like the Sovereignty in Action (SIA) Awards. The bravery, commitment and devotion these individuals, communities, and organizations show are truly honourable and deserve to be celebrated and recognized.
Last year, ICA had the opportunity to grant 25 awards to community groups and members who demonstrated the different ways that Indigenous sovereignty can look – from food sovereignty, cultural support, treaty rights advocacy and beyond.
What SIA Strives to Achieve
ICA intends to provide low-barrier supports to applications in order to pursue projects that align with ICA’s goals and framework by:
Award up to $100K annually through two intakes to support Indigenous grassroots organizations and individuals across so-called Canada.
Recognizing and strengthening existing Indigenous initiatives. The Sovereignty in Action Awards is not intended to seed new projects, but rather uplift meaningful work already being stewarded.
ICA is proud to support sovereign Indigenous-led strategies for climate solutions. We recognize that Indigenous protection of Indigenous lands and territories are critical climate mitigation strategies.
Have a project in mind or want to nominate an individual for a project? This next intake of awardees could be you or someone you know!
When to Apply
ICA will accept nominations twice a year. This current intake runs from June 18 to July 15, 2025, with recipients to be announced later this summer. Dates for the Fall intake will be announced at a later date.
Timeline:
Deadline to apply:
July 15, 2025Selection Process with Sovereignty in Action Committee:
July 21 - 24, 2025Awardee Announcements to Recipients:
July 28 - 31, 2025Social Media Recipients Announcements:
Announcements will be made periodically over the month of August 2025
Take Action to Support Indigenous-led Projects
Stand with Sovereignty – Stand with Us: Join the movement to uplift, support and empower Indigenous-led and grassroot initiatives.
Stand with Us – Share Your Vision: Indigenous Climate Action is proud to support YOUR sovereignty in action. Apply now for a chance to receive up to $2,500 to advance your Indigenous-led initiative.
Share with Your Networks: Help us reach wider audiences and potential recipients by sharing our blog and social media posts about SIA across your networks.
For more information about Sovereignty in Action Awards, click here:
