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Above: Leeland Askew, co-owner of Coyote Cultural Society, interviewing beloved Elder Spelexilh, Squamish Nation, is once again aiming their focus on utilizing film and storytelling as a way to preserve and revitalize Squamish language and culture. They gathered, recorded, and archived Squamish words, phrases, and songs and legends to help further the education and revitalization of their Squamish culture, especially for young adults and next generations.

The grant applications are open until Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 4 p.m.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to announce another cycle of Winter Wellness Grants (WWG). This year, the theme of the grants and the selection process will be prioritizing wellness initiatives for young adults.

Young adults are the next generation and our future. By prioritizing their wellness, voices, and wisdom, we can help support community and Nation wellness.

This year's WWG cycle is intended to fund initiatives that encourage young First Nations people in BC to host community-led wellness celebrations, events, and honour culture, community, and connection this winter.

First Nations communities, First Nations-run health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people and First Nations educational institutions (schools) will be eligible for up to $3,000 to conduct their own Wellness for Young Adults Winter Initiative. All communities and organizations must be based in BC.

Here are some examples of past community events that can inspire your Wellness for Young Adults Winter Wellness Initiative:

• N'Quatqua Nation hosted two wonderful events for their community. The first was a young adults and family dinner and informational support session where they shared food and talked about land-based healing. A second event took place on Whistler Mountain, where young adults and families were able to come together and enjoy a fun-filled day snowboarding, skiing, and playing in the snow. The group focused on balance, mobility, core and leg strength and ensuring they stayed hydrated (photo above).   
• Sepaq'cin School of the Osoyoos Indian Band hosted a fun-filled day for 116 students that included a local storyteller, sharing tea and traditional snacks. The students had an opportunity to engage in some physical activity with a scavenger hunt and guided snowshoeing expedition.
• Lower Kootenay Indian Band hosted three separate events for six young adults in their community. The first event saw young adults enjoying two days of skiing and snowboarding supported by instruction and different activities. The second had young adults try their first “escape room" in Nelson followed by sharing a meal together. In the last event, the young adults explored the caves around Nupika Wuu, a natural hot spring in their territory.  

Below are some additional Young Adults Winter Wellness Grant ideas:

• Healthy Eating: Canning workshops, traditional foods, plant harvesting, community feasts, food hampers, cooking classes.
• Being Active: Canoeing, cultural games and activities, community relays, dancing, powwow Zumba, yoga workshops, working on the land, walking and wellness challenges.
• Nurturing Spirit: Making medicine bags, drums, moccasins, ribbon skirts, beading workshops, language workshops, Elders teachings, drumming, harm reduction workshops, talent shows, wellness planning.
• Respecting Tobacco: Tobacco and traditional medicines workshop, growing or harvesting traditional tobacco and other medicines, gifting tobacco.
  

Grant Criteria:​

1. The grants are intended to support gathering initiatives that encourage First Nations young adults in BC to gather, celebrate and strengthen their wholistic wellness this winter.
   
   
2. Eligible First Nations communities, First Nation-run not-for-profit organizations/societies, and First Nations educational institutions (schools) that are focused on young adults' wellness and young adults led initiatives are able to access a single grant of up to $3,000. Followed by the completion of a brief closing report, which will be required to capture the highlights of your initiative.
   
   
3. Please note: For-profit organizations and Métis Chartered Communities/organizations are ineligible for wellness grants. All applicants must be based in BC.
   
   
4. Please note: For Nation-run health and wellness centres and schools, funds will be distributed to the host Nation.
   
   
5. Please Note: All First Nations not-for-profit organizations in BC applying for Wellness Grants must email your updated Certificate of Good Standing to active@fnha.ca.
   
   
6. One grant per community, organization, and/or educational institution (school). Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring communities and organizations where feasible if more than one application is submitted.
   
   
7. Eligible recipients need to ensure any outstanding closing reports from previous wellness grants are submitted. If you are unsure of whether previous closing reports have been submitted, please email active@fnha.ca.
   
   
8. FNHA recommends that events or initiatives take place between January 6 and January 31, 2025.
   
   
9. Closing Reports are due no later than February 21, 2025.

How to Apply:

The deadline to submit an application is Thursday November 7, 2024, at 4 pm.

You can submit an application by completing the online app​lication form.

Please note that if you require more information and/or experience any challenges with the online application form you can email active@fnha.ca or call (604) 785-2216.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Winter Wellness for Young Adults Grants?

The funding applications for a Winter Wellness Grant must be received from (1) a First Nations community/band/village council. (2) First Nations-run health and social organizations in BC that provide wellness services to young adults who are First Nations living in BC and is a registered society, or (3) a First Nations school or educational institution in BC.

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 match and connect with a group that meets the criteria described in question one.

For example: if you are a certified yoga instructor who wants to provide a workshop, either in person or online, this may be an opportunity to work with a local First Nations school or First Nations community. 

3. When can the event or initiative take place?

The FNHA recommends that the event or initiative take place between January 6 and January 31, 2025. If there are goals outside this timeframe, please contact active@fnha.ca. 

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

Yes. The funds can be used to provide an honourarium 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.