About Braiding Knowledges Canada
Beginning April 1, 2024, the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) was awarded funding under Canada’s Strategic Science Fund (SSF) to continue its work as Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC), focused on braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledges to advance environmental conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being.
BKC’s goal as stated in its Strategic Plan (2024-2029) is to advance Reconciliation through Research by enhancing the influence of self-determined, place-based, and co-produced knowledge within Canada’s science culture such that, over time and on a path towards reconciliation, Indigenous and local knowledge approaches equitably contribute to public policy, decision-making, and the advancement of federal science priorities.
A core activity within BKC’s Talent and Capacity Building Program is a Youth Development Pathway focused on Land-Based Learning and knowledge braiding
Purpose of the “Land-Based Learning” Program
BKCs Land-Based Learning (LBL) program aims to provide an immersive education experience to nurture talent and build knowledge braiding capacity across diverse learning pathways. The Land-Based Learning program supports the braiding of knowledges, cultures, and languages, fundamental to learning place-based knowledge from Elders, knowledge holders, and researchers. Land-based learning activities can provide transformative educational experiences that strengthen connections with Indigenous ways of knowing while weaving together Indigenous and Western knowledges to foster intercultural competencies and create improved understanding.
Eligibility & Key Dates
Through BKC’s inaugural call for Land-Based Learning proposals, we invite proposals describing collaborative partnerships supporting youth, students, researchers, knowledge holders, and leaders in land-based learning initiatives focused on the braiding of knowledge systems. BKC will support Land-Based Learning Camps over the next four years, but the current call invites proposals for initiatives running through Summer and Fall 2025 and Winter 2025/26 (until March 2026). Future opportunities for funding will be informed by this initial effort.
Eligible projects include Land-based Learning Initiatives in Canada, including urban, rural, and remote learning camps, that involve youth and have an emphasis on the braiding of knowledges. Initiatives should prioritize Land-Based Learning and knowledge braiding, while equipping youth with essential skills for personal development, career advancement, and successful employment transitions.
We welcome projects and collaborative partnerships with the potential for long-term programming and multi-year funding, aiming to establish, build upon, and scale best practices in land-based learning, while also building local and institutional capacity over the long term.
For further details on eligibility, matching funds, etc., please refer to the most recent Strategic Science Fund Program Guide here.
Budget Considerations
BKC welcomes proposals with estimated costs up to $100,000 CDN (total including a maximum of 15% overhead) for 2025/26. Applicants must provide matching funds of a 1:0.8 ratio (i.e., 80% of the budget must be matched from non-federal sources, including both cash and in-kind contributions). For example, if the applicant applies for the full $100,000 CDN from Braiding Knowledges Canada, they must also outline the source and amount of at least $80,000 in cash or in-kind contributions as a match. Additional guidelines for matching can be found here.
Ineligible costs include:
- Costs associated with the construction of, or major renovation to building and structures;
- The purchase or lease of land;
- Flat-rate charges for overhead costs (indirect costs); and
- The acquisition of major research equipment (with a net federal cost above $250,000).
Application Process and Adjudication of Proposals
Applicants will submit their proposal using the application form and describe how the proposed initiative meets BKC’s following adjudication criteria:
- Braiding of Knowledges
- All Our Relations
- People of Place
- Mutual Benefits
- Recognition of Gifts
Additional proposal sections assess the project’s potential Environmental Impact, Knowledge and Technology Transfer, Feasibility of Implementing the Proposal, and potential contributions to Federal Science Priorities.
Please also complete the Talent and Capacity section of the proposal form.
You are not required to complete either the Knowledge Hub or Impact Connector sections of the proposal form.
Adjudication of proposals will be according to BKC’s Project Review, Funding and Appeals Policy. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Dan Slavik at researchandtraining@braidingknowledges.ca.
Apply Now!
BKC’s inaugural call for Land-based Learning proposals opens on April 30th, 2025.
Please download and complete this Proposal Application Form and Budget.
Return both documents by email to researchandtraining@braidingknowledges.ca.
The deadline for submissions is midnight (MST) on June 2nd, 2025. The results of the adjudication are anticipated to be announced in July 2025.
