About the EcoFund

Funding for Cree-Led Environmental Projects in Eeyou Istchee

Navigation

Please use the quick links to navigate the page

About the EcoFund

The Eeyou EcoFund supports Cree-led environmental projects across Eeyou Istchee. Through a partnership between the Cree Nation Government and the Gouvernement du Québec, the fund helps communities protect nature, improve water stewardship, and address climate challenges, all under a single integrated platform.

Examples of project types: Land-based restoration, Youth and Elder workshops, Monitoring or mapping,

NB: $2.8M Currently available for the Nature/Biodiversity stream in 2025-26

Eligibility

Who Can Apply:

  • Cree local governments and organizations
  • Cree-owned businesses
  • Projects must take place in Eeyou Istchee
  • Projects must align with one of three priority areas:
    • Nature Plan 2030 (Nature/Biodiversity)
    • Stratégie québécoise de l’eau (Water)*
    • Plan d’action pour un économie verte (PEV 2030 – Climate)*

*Not yet open for applications

Process

Submission & Review Process:

  1. Submit application online
  2. Internal review by Support team (check for missing docs / info)
  3. Reviewed by Selection Committee (recommend projects that are ready)
  4. Validated by Steering Committee (confirms final details for funding)
  5. Proponent confirms and submits any missing materials within 45 days (permits, letters of support, authorizations etc.)
  6. Agreement is signed and funds are released
  7. Reporting (mid-journey and final report)

Governance Structure

CNG serves as the Secretariat for the Eeyou EcoFund, while the Selection Committee evaluates project proposals and provides funding recommendations to the Steering Committee, and the joint CNG-Quebec Steering Committee serves as the administrative body and who approves funding.

  • Steering Committee Members
    1. Nadia Saganash, Director, Environment and Remedial Works (CNG)
    2. Anthony MacLeod, Director, Commerce and Industry (CNG)
    3. Martin Desgagné, Senior Assistant Director, Capital Works and Services (CNG)
    4. Christine Gélinas, Direction principale de la biodiversité (MELCCFP)
    5. Up to 5 additional seats open for MELCCFP representatives
    6. Olivier Kölmel, Manager of Eco-Investments & Strategic Partnerships (CNG)*
  • Selection Committee
    1. Robyn Baxter, Manager – Program Development, Department of Commerce & Industry (CNG)
    2. Lucas Del Vecchio, Manager – Sustainable Development, Department of Commerce & Industry (CNG)
    3. Laurence Truong, Coordinator – Water Quality, Capital Works & Services (CNG)
    4. Chantal Tetreault, Manager – Protected Areas Unit, Environment & Remedial Works (CNG)
    5. Graeme Morin, Manager of Environmental and Social Assessment, Environment and Remedial Works (CNG)
    6. Olivier Kölmel, Manager of Eco-Investments & Strategic Partnerships (CNG)*
    7. MELCCFP Representative (observer)

Upcoming Events

august

No Events