Sovereignty in
Action Awards
Honouring Indigenous-led Climate Justice
The Sovereignty in Action (SIA) Awards are an ICA initiative.
Offering up to $2,500 to small grassroots Indigenous-led groups and projects.
Through this initiative, we are honouring the bravery and commitment of our communities demonstrating Indigenous sovereignty and climate justice that is vital to further building up Indigenous climate action in so-called Canada. Rooted in reciprocity, this initiative informs the ways we continue to work towards a world with sovereign and thriving Indigenous Peoples and cultures, leading climate justice for all.
What SIA Strives to Achieve
We believe the dedication of Indigenous communities upholding climate action and sovereignty and self-determination deserves recognition and support, and hope that this low-barrier nomination will allow us to help in achieving our goals to:
Award up to $100K annually through two intakes to 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.
When/Where to Apply
ICA will accept nominations twice a year as follows:
Summer Intake: June 18 to July 15, 2025. Award recipients will be announced later in the summer.
Fall Intake: Dates to be announced.
Submit here to nominate yourself or an individual for an upcoming project that aligns with ICA’s initiatives to support climate justice and Indigenous sovereignty:
Eligibility Requirements:
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Must be Indigenous-led. Not exclusive to reserve, or within First Nations, Metis or Inuit Communities. Urban applicants are also welcomed.
Applicants can nominate leaders in their communities, or themselves!
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. ICA strives to distribute across a variety of age demographics with 15% reserved for youth-led initiatives.
Applicants must be located in Canada. ICA strives to equally distribute in supporting funding across all biomes. This is considered in our selection process.
Applicants must be able to provide brief oral, written or creative testimonials, photos and or blog contributions.
Applicants must already be working on a project, a grassroots community group, an initiative, or any action-oriented contribution to Indigenous resurgence. SIA funding is not intended to seed new projects, but rather, uplift meaningful work already being stewarded.
Examples of Past Work Funded
Previous awardee projects/groups led efforts in:
Food sovereignty
Cultural revitalization
Land and water protection
Mental health and healing
Community organization
Language and traditional knowledge
Direct action
Emergency response;
Ceremonies
Creative assistance;
And more!
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Ace Harry. Kamloops, BC .
Anishinaabe Moose Committee. La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve. Western QC/Eastern ON.
Nepisultik Counselling. Millbrook First Nation, NS .
Camp Morningstar. Wanipigow, MB.
Dakota Randall. Toronto, ON.
Revitalizing Our Sustenance. Six Nations.
Ethan Paul. Unama'ki, Mi'kma'ki.
Jason Michellin. Nunatsiavut.
Kayla Houle. Maskwacis, Treaty 6.
Mawikuti'k Society. Shubenacadie, NS.
Meghan Young. Winnipeg, MB.
Ntisinen Language Nest. Potlotek First Nation.
Willow River Centre. Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest Region, Ontario.
Strong Earth Alliance. Ontario.
Talisa Condo. Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation.
Nekem. Edmonton, AB
Ivan Harper. Garden Hill First Nation.
Indigenous Harm Reduction. Edmonton, AB
Ross River, Caribou Project. Yukon.
Sii-am Hamilton. Vancouver, BC.
Tasheena Sarazi. Unceded Algonquin Territory.
Aboriginal Outfitters. Colville Reserve, WA.
Esgnoopetitj Watershed Association. Esgenoôpetitj and Tabusintac Watersheds, NB/.
okimaw kihêw mêkwanak. Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan. Edmonton, AB.
William Singer. Kainai Nation.
2024 SIA Award Winners
In this spirit, we granted 25 SIA Awards distributing $65,000 directly into the hands of those leading powerful work across their territories and communities.
We granted the awards to:
General Inquiries
For more information or general inquiries, fill out the form and we will respond in a timely manner.
Why This is a Low-Barrier, Decolonial Offering
Removing gatekeeping: Self-nomination is allowed, and no formal project proposal is required.
Uplifting what already exists: Instead of asking applicants to create something new, SIA honours and amplifies the work people are already doing.
Photos and stories are collected at the application stage: Not to gatekeep, but to uplift and amplify your work through our social media, with care and consent. This helps bring visibility to your leadership and builds broader public support for Indigenous climate justice.
No non-profit status needed: Individuals, collectives, and grassroots groups are all eligible.
Storytelling as reporting: Final contributions can be oral, written, visual, or creative — centering relational accountability over institutional metrics.
Accessible eligibility: Open to Métis, First Nations, and Inuit individuals and groups — whether rural, urban, on or off-reserve, status or non-status.
Twice-a-year intake: Gives folks more than one chance to apply and reduces urgency or pressure.
