​​​As we start another year together, we take time to enjoy practices that can nurture our spirits during the winter months, whether that be spending time on the land, gathering with loved ones or nourishing our bodies.

With this in mind, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to announce the 'What's Your Tobacco?' initiative. The initiative supports First Nations in BC to revitalize knowledge and access to traditional tobacco as well as other traditional medicines that support community wellness. Nations can apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support them in revitalizing traditional medicine practices in their communities. Grant applications are open until January 15, 2024 at 4 p.m.

Nations are encouraged to utilize the funds to grow, harvest or choose activities that promote wellness through traditional tobacco or other traditional medicines to revitalize knowledge and access to traditional medicines in communities. Nations are not obligated to grow tobacco if that does not follow their protocols.  

Ideas that are eligible for the 'What's Your Tobacco?' initiative include:

• Supports to have Elders and knowledge-keepers share their traditional medicine teachings with community, including space rental fees, honorarium and food for community gatherings
• Infrastructure to grow traditional tobacco and other medicines such as irrigation systems, garden beds or green houses
• Materials to grow traditional tobacco and other medicines such as pots, lumber for garden beds, soil and mulch, fertilizers and tools like gloves, spades, or watering cans
• Modifications to new or existing gardens to add accessible infrastructure like raised beds, paved pathways and ramps or other additions to improve accessibility for Elders and others with accessibility needs
• The development of walking/harvesting trails with signage, including the equipment needed to build and maintain the trails and develop the signage​

About the initi​​​ative

Criteria

1. This initiative is intended to support First Nations in BC to revitalize knowledge and access to traditional tobacco and other traditional medicines that support community wellness. Applicants must detail how the funding will support this goal.
2. All First Nations communities in BC are eligible for this initiative. Nations may partner with their Nation-operated health and social organizations that provide wellness services to their community, but funds will be disbursed to the host Nation.
3. For-profit organizations, Métis Chartered Communities, non-BC First Nations-run health and social organizations and non-BC First Nations educational institutions are not eligib​le for this initiative.
4. One grant is allowed per community. Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring communities if they want to submit more than one application.
5. Eligible First Nations communities located in BC are able to access a single grant of up to $10,000, depending on proposed community project.
6. We recommend that events or initiatives take place between March 4 and July 4, 2024.
7. Completion of a brief closing report will be required to capture the highlights of your proposal. Closing Reports are due no later than August 4, 2024.

How to apply

The deadline to submit an application is Monday, January 15, 2024 at 4 p.m. You can submit an application by completing this online application form.

If you require more information, have any questions or experience any challenges with the online application form, please visit our Respecting Tobacco webpage, send an email to respectingtobacco@fnha.ca, or call (604) 834-8145.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the 'What's Your Tobacco?' initiative?

The funding applications for this initiative must be received from a First Nations community, band or village council in BC.

Nations may partner with their Nation-operated health and social organizations that provide wellness services to their community, but the application must be completed by the host Nation, and funds will be disbursed to the host Nation. 

Please note, for-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, Métis Chartered Communities or organizations, non-BC First Nations and educational institutions are ineligible.

2. Can an individual apply for a grant?

No. The funds cannot be distributed to an individual. The FNHA encourages people with an idea or concept to connect with a local community that meets the criteria described above.

For example, if you are a local farmer who wants to provide a workshop on greenhouse gardening, either in person or online, this may be an opportunity to work with a local First Nations community.

3. When can the event or initiative take place?

We recommend that the event or initiative take place between March 4 and July 4, 2024. Closing reports are mandatory and due on August 5, 2024.

If your event or initiative takes place outside this timeframe, please email respectingtobacco@fnha.ca.

4. Can I use the funds for an Elder honourarium?

Yes. The funds can be used to provide a honourarium to an Elder for their knowledge and wisdom relating to traditional medicines. Funds may not be used for the following: (1) the purchase of alcohol, (2) the purchase of concession items, (3) prize money, or (4) illegal purchases. The funds may be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards.

5. Who can I contact for more help or to answer questions?

If you have any questions, please email respectingtobacco@fnha.ca. If you would like to speak to a team member by phone, call 604-834-8145. ​​