We believe the dedication of Indigenous communities upholding climate action and sovereignty and self-determination deserves recognition and support, and in 2026 we hope that this low-barrier nomination will allow us to help in achieving our goals to:

1. Award up to $80K annually through four intakes to Indigenous grassroots organizations and individuals across so-called Canada.

2. 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.

• Eligibility requirements must be read through before submitting a nomination. 

• Must be Indigenous-led. Not exclusive to reserve, or within First Nations, Métis 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.

• 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: Submissions can be oral, written, visual, or creative - centering relational accountability over metrics.

• Accessible eligibility: Open to Métis, First Nations, and Inuit individuals and groups - whether rural, urban, on or off-reserve, status or non-status.