This year's theme is Celebrating Generations: Honouring our ancestors, Elders, youth and our future generations through culture, language and traditions

Sacred Cedar Centre's Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Event 2021: Singing to Pi'pom the Sacred Mountain. An event that gathered youth and Elders to share songs, culture and tradition.

The Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness grants are open until Monday April 18, 2022 at 4 p.m.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) recognizes the impacts of the Indian Residential School findings, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and overdose crises have 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, the FNHA is providing Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Grants to support community-led celebrations and events, in alignment with public health guidelines, in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2022.

This year's theme is Celebrating Generations: Honouring our ancestors, Elders, youth and our future generations through culture, language and traditions. These wellness events are intended to celebrate culture, resilience and community wellness.

First Nations communities and health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations in BC will be eligible for up to $3,500 and schools will be eligible for up to $2,000 to conduct their own celebration to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day and to encourage wholistic wellness.

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 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.

Grant Criteria

1. 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 on June 21, 2022.
2. Activities must be conducted through methods that are in alignment with current orders of the Provincial Health Officer. As of the time of this writing, there are currently no orders restricting gatherings in BC. However, this may change and may require you to pivot your initiatives to be in alignment with orders as needed.
3. Eligible recipients include First Nations communities, BC schools, and health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC
4. Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighboring communities and organizations where feasible.
5. Eligible recipients are able to access a single grant up to $3,500 for First Nations Communities and health/social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC and $2,000 to BC schools. Successful applicants with be required to provide the FNHA a brief closing report to capture the highlights of your initiative.

How to apply

Deadline to submit an application is Monday, April 18, 2022 at 4:00 pm.  

There are three ways​ to submit an application:

1. Complete the online a​pplication form (preferred method)
2. Complete the application form and email to active@fnha.ca
3. Complete the application form and fax to 604-666-3867  

Note: if faxing, it is your responsibility to confirm the application is received - please call us at (604) 785-2216 to notify.

For more information, please email active@fnha.ca or call (604) 785-2216.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Wellness Grants?

The funding applications for a Community Wellness Grant must be received from:
(1) a First Nations Community/Band/Village Council;
(2) an organization or agency that services First Nations People and is a registered society, or​
(3) a school or educational institution.

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 personally connect with a group that meets the criteria described in question one. We will require written confirmation of partnership and 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. Reminder – confirmation of partnership will be required.

3. When can the event or initiative 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 from June 20 to July 8, 2022.

If there are goals outside this timeframe, please contact active@fnha.ca.

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

Yes. The funds can be used to provide an honorarium to an Elder for their services.

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 grant funds may be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards.

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

Team members are available during regular business hours by phone or email.

If you have any questions, please email active@fnha.ca.

If you would like to speak to a team member by phone, call 604-785-2216.​