Trailmark Academy
Education and training that grows local expertise in social science research, governance, project management, and mapping / GIS.
Trailmark Academy is our approach to practical, applied learning for Indigenous stewardship, governance, and community-based research. It brings together the methods, tools, and experience we have developed through our work with communities to support training that is grounded, useful, and directly connected to real stewardship needs, and to our softwares. Our programs focus on building long-term local capacity in areas such as oral history, ethnographic methods, mapping and GIS, field data collection, data management, and land-based knowledge integration.
Education
One of Trailmark’s founding values is a commitment to continuous learning—for our clients, the public, and ourselves. We invest in training, mentorship, and post-secondary programming that helps grow local expertise in social science research, governance, project management, and mapping. We offer workshops, short courses, and collaborative programming for Indigenous stewardship staff, community researchers, collaborators, and policy partners. Whether delivered directly in community or in partnership with institutions such as Vancouver Island University, our education offerings are designed to equip participants with practical skills they can carry into environmental programs, research initiatives, and decision-making processes.
What We Offer
Mapping for Indigenous Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Management (with Vancouver Island University)
A practical 5 day course focused on oral history, ethnographic methods, participatory mapping, GIS, field data collection, and digital tools for traditional land use and stewardship work. Developed in partnership with Vancouver Island University, this accredited course is designed to help participants plan, conduct, and review community-based mapping and knowledge projects. Visit the VIU Natural Resources Extension Program for more info.
Managing Referrals
An applied introduction to managing your nation’s review of proposed projects that might interact with or undermine your rights and community needs.
Traditional Land Use, Knowledge, and Oral History Research Methods
An applied introduction to the methods used to gather, organize, and interpret traditional land use, oral history, and community knowledge in ways that support stewardship, governance, and decision-making.
Community-Based Monitoring and Field Data Collection
Training in the design and implementation of field monitoring, mobile data collection, survey methods, and data management workflows for environmental and stewardship programs.
GIS and Spatial Data for Indigenous Stewardship
Hands-on learning in mapping, spatial data organization, and GIS workflows that support territorial management, planning, research, and community-based monitoring.
Research Ethics, Data Governance, and Knowledge Integration
A course focused on ethical research practice, Indigenous data governance, and approaches to bringing together community knowledge, environmental data, and other forms of evidence in responsible ways.
News and Funding
This section shares updates on upcoming course offerings, training opportunities, partnerships, and funding streams that may help communities and organizations access education and capacity-building support. Check back for announcements about new intakes, program developments, and opportunities connected to stewardship training, research methods, and applied mapping.
Sound monitoring of the Saanich Inlet
June 12, 2026
Trailmark’s Dr. Peter Evans was out with the Tsartlip Guardians last week to conduct monitoring of the sounds of the Saanich Inlet. Tsartlip and Trailmark are working together to map the sonic environment both above and below the surface.
Cross-Canada First Nations Data Sovereignty Task Force Logo!
June 5, 2026
The Cross-Canada First Nations Data Sovereignty Task Force is happy to announce our new logo, created by Johnnie Bob. This initiative is a joint First Nations-DFO Task Force to co-develop national policy and guidance on Indigenous data sovereignty within DFO. Reach out to learn more!
Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Watercraft Conference 2026!
May 12, 2026
Alongside Tsartlip First Nation’s William Morris, Trailmark’s Dr. Peter Evans presented at the 2026 Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Watercraft Conference on a pilot project in the Saanich Inlet. They presented on a pilot project that was conducting Indigenous-led community-based monitoring of cumulative effects in the Saanich Inlet. We are grateful to be a part of such an important initiative, are proud to share this project with a wider audience!
Documentary filming of the Tsartlip First Nation and the Saanich Inlet
May 12, 2026
Trailmark’s Solveigh was visiting Vancouver Island during May to film a short film documentary that explores the relationship between Tsartlip First Nation and the Saanich Inlet. She focuses on how the cumulative effects of increasing vessel activity and noise are impacting both the marine environment and the community’s ability to practice traditional ways of life. The documentary will be grounded in community perspectives, combining personal stories, lived experience, and stewardship work. This film is about listening – to a place, to a people, and to what is changing. It will move between past and present, exploring how the Inlet has changed over time and what is at stake moving forward.
TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund - National
May 12, 2026
TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides funding from $5000-$25,000 for Indigenous-led social, health, and community programs. This fund covers a broad range of topics and could help support various projects.
McConnell Foundation: Reconciliation Focus Area - National
May 12, 2026
McConnell Foundation: Reconciliation Focus Area provides funding up to $1,000,000, and prioritizes Indigenous-led economic projects, as well as Indigenous-led collaborative projects.
Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program - National
May 13, 2026
Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program provides funding of various amounts for projects revolving around Indigenous community-based climate monitoring.
Blanket Fund Reconciliation Action Grants - National
May 13, 2026
Blanket Fund Reconciliation Action Grants Focuses on Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational events, activities, and initiatives that contribute to cultural revitalization.
Community Opportunity Readiness Program - National
May 13, 2026
Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) – Program Guidelines Eligible initiatives under CORP include: Economic opportunities, Business planning, advisory services and training, commercial development, and market development for a single community-owned business.
Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program - National
May 13, 2026
Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program supports Indigenous-led projects that monitor climate and the environmental effects of climate change within community boundaries and on traditional territories using Indigenous Knowledge Systems and western science.
Lands and Economic Development Services Program - National
May 13, 2026
Program Guidelines – Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP) provides support to First Nation and Inuit Communities to assist with enhancing the economic development, land and environmental capacity.
Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund - National
May 13, 2026
Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund supports efforts that protect and restore coastal as well as supporting the co-benefits of aquatic restoration activities.
WWF- Canada's IPCA Support Fund - National
May 13, 2026
WWF-Canada’s IPCA Support Fund supports Indigenous communities and organizations to consider, establish or maintain IPCAs, including overcoming hurdles and supporting capacity for long-term implementation of Indigenous knowledge and priorities in the context of IPCAs in Canada.
The Northern Fund - Northern
May 13, 2026
The Northern Fund provides funding up to $2,500,000 for projects that generate social, cultural, health, environmental or economic benefits to Northern communities.
Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program - Northern
May 13, 2026
Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program is designed to build capacity for climate change and health adaptation by funding community-designed and driven projects.
Northern Participant Funding Program - Northern
May 13, 2026
Northern Participant Funding Program for Indigenous peoples and other Northerners to participate meaningfully in impact assessments and some regulatory processes of major projects in Yukon, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories.
New Relationship Trust: Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
New Relationship Trust: Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative (GSTI) provides funding ranging from $50,000-$300,000 depending on the stream. Streams range from communities interested in beginning a Guardians program to providing further funding for training existing Guardians programs.
Heritage Legacy Fund - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
The Heritage Legacy Fund provides funding ranging from $5,000-$50,000 and focuses on projects surrounding heritage conservation, awareness, planning, and Indigenous partnerships.
Declaration Act Engagement Fund - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) will support and enhance sustainable capacity development within First Nation communities to provide knowledge, advice, and guidance that assists the Province of B.C. in amending or developing laws to align with the UN Declaration.
Funding for First Nations with Claims at the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada - National
May 13, 2026
Funding for First Nations with claims at the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada can provide funding to support First Nations who choose to file a specific claim with the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada.
Local Government Climate Action Program - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Local Government Climate Action Program provides funding for local governments and Modern Treaty Nations to plan and implement climate action that will reduce emissions, create new opportunities for people in the clean economy and prepare communities for future climate impacts.
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP): Stream 3 Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans supports Community Infrastructure, Climate Preparedness and Adaptation.
Climate Action Partners Program - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Climate Action Partners Program supports governments and other organizations throughout B.C. in achieving their climate action goals through the roles that communities and utilities play, as identified in the Province’s CleanBC Roadmap.
Small-scale Ecosystem Grants - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Small-scale Ecosystem Grants supports small-scale projects that can be completed in two years or less, that helps improve ecological health and native biodiversity in the Basin.
Community Based Justice Fund Application - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Community Based Justice Fund Application supports in applying culturally appropriate and least restrictive approaches at every point in time of an individual’s journey through the justice system.
Community to Community Program - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Community to Community Program supports the advancement of First Nation/local government reconciliation and relationship building through the development of agreements (such as protocols, MOUs, and service agreements etc.)
Salmon Resiliency Grant Program - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Salmon Resiliency Grant Program provides one-year and multi-year funding to support First Nations in British Columbia in leading initiatives that protect and restore wild Pacific salmon, strengthen watershed and habitat health.
Climate Emergency Grant Program - British Columbia
May 13, 2026
Climate Emergency Grant Program supports First Nations in BC to respond to urgent environmental emergencies affecting ecosystems and species in their territories.
Seeds Grant - Ontario
May 13, 2026
The Seeds grant provides funding up to $100,000 for organizational planning, piloting a new program, and building capacity to plan for future programs and services. The grant application period is from July 22, 2026 to August 19, 2026, for those interested!
Indigenous Participation Fund - Ontario
May 13, 2026
The Indigenous Participation Fund provides funding for projects to improve the capacity of Indigenous communities to participate in consultation related to mineral exploration and mine development, and economic opportunities associated with the minerals sector.
Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream - Ontario
May 13, 2026
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream provides financial support for up to $1.5 million for companies in capital equipment, technology adoption, and/or skills development.
First Nations Adapt Program - Southern Canada
May 13, 2026
First Nation Adapt Program is available for projects led by First Nation communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel that assess the impacts of climate change and increase climate resilience in support of self-determined priorities.
Indigenous Initiatives Fund - Quebec
May 13, 2026
The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV (IIF IV) is a financial assistance program for Indigenous communities in Québec that covers a five-year period (2022-2023 to 2026-2027) in the Lawrence region.
Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program - Coastal
May 13, 2026
Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program funds integrated regional-scale pilot projects on Canada’s three marine coasts – Atlantic, Pacific, and North – and in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region.
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Other Resources
Trailmark staff maintain active research programs and frequently author white papers and publications on applied and policy issues, which will be posted here.
Mobilizing Indigenous Knowledge in Resource Management Settings: A Practical Guide
How can Indigenous Knowledge move from research into decisions? This practical guide offers tools, methods, and curriculum to support community-based research, data governance, and the respectful use of Indigenous Knowledge in resource management settings.