About the Grants
The FNHA recognizes the impact that the Indian residential school findings, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the overdose crisis has had on the health and well-being of First Nations individuals, families and communities. It has been a challenging few years, but we also have a lot to celebrate as First Nations peoples. For example, during the pandemic, communities have found innovative ways to continue to practice traditions, promote culture and take care of one another. These examples of intergenerational strength and wisdom support our overall wellness.
As a wellness organization, it's important that we continue to build on our strengths and resiliency through wholistic wellness programs and initiatives. With this in mind, the FNHA is pleased to launch the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness grant cycle to honour and celebrate First Nations people.
This year's theme is Celebrating Generations: Honouring our Ancestors, Elders, Youth and Future Generations through Culture, Language and Traditions.
These wellness events are intended to celebrate culture, resilience and community wellness.
Grant Criteria
- The grants are intended to support in-person and virtual initiatives that encourage First Nations in BC to celebrate and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day.
- Activities must be conducted through methods that align with the current orders of the Provincial Health Officer.
- Eligible recipients include First Nations communities, BC schools and health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC
- Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring communities and organizations if practicable.
Eligible recipients are able to access a single grant of up to $3,500 (for First Nations Communities or health or social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC) and $2,000 (for BC schools). Successful applicants with be required to provide the FNHA with a brief closing report to capture the highlights of their initiative.
Deadline
The deadline for this year's grant is Monday, April 18, 2022 at 4 p.m.
How to Apply
There are three ways to submit an application:
- Complete the online application form (this is the preferred method)
- Download the fillable application form (click “Fill & Sign" in the pdf to complete the form electronically) and email it to active@fnha.ca
- Download the application form, fill it in by hand, and fax it to 604-666-3867. Note: if you are faxing, it is your responsibility to confirm that the application has been received. Please call 604-785-2216 to confirm
Who Can Apply?
The FNHA Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Grants are open to:
- a First Nations Community, band or village council
- an organization or agency that services First Nations people and is a registered society
- a school or educational institution
Grants are not awarded to individuals. If you are an individual with an idea or concept, we encourage you to partner with one of the types of group described here. The FNHA will require written confirmation your partnership. Funds will be distributed to the nation, registered organization or education institution.
For example, if you are a certified yoga instructor who wants to provide online courses, this may be an opportunity to work with a local school or First Nations community.
When Should My Event Take Place?
The FNHA recommends the event or initiative take place on June 21 in honour and celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. However, the event or initiative can take place any time from June 20 to July 8, 2022.
If there are goals outside this timeframe, please contact active@fnha.ca.
How the Funds Can be Used
The funds can be used to provide an honorarium to an Elder for their services.
Funds cannot be used for:
- the purchase of alcohol
- the purchase of concession items
- prize money
- illegal purchases
The grant funds may be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards.
Community Stories
Here are some community stories to help inspire your Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness event:
- Pa'La7Wit Society of the Lower Lillooet Lake hosted a community scavenger hunt and provided food hampers and a recipe to cook and follow along to virtually.
- Kwantlen First Nation hosted a full-day “Amazing Race" style relay, incorporating culture and traditions of the community and fitness.
- Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre supported a virtual and in-person live performance of the internationally acclaimed music group The Spiritual Warriors.
- Nicola Valley Institute of Technology provided 25 mini-moccasin kits to families and hosted a virtual and small in-person moccasin-making workshop.
