​​​The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to announce another cycle of Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Grants (IPDoW). These grants are intended to support gathering initiatives that encourage and support First Nations in BC to host community-led wellness celebrations, events, and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2024. 

First Nations communities in BC, First Nations run health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC and First Nations educational institutions (schools) in BC will be eligible for up to $3,000 to conduct their own Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Celebration.

Here are some examples of community events that can inspire your wellness initiative:

• Gitxaała Nation hosted a ceremony and welcoming of a stone mask and repatriated cultural treasures at the Lax Klan dock. A drum and dance group led the procession to the community hall with a blessing ceremony followed by a community feast at the gym. The community also hosted a temporary exhibit in the community hall displaying the stone masks, other repatriated treasures and cultural items shared by members of the community. (photo above).
• Uchkucklesaht Tribe Government hosted a walking challenge at their local track, followed by a traditional salmon feast with fresh berries and salad. The event offered the opportunity for community gathering and the encouragement to increase their physical activity. 
• Lil'Wat Nations Youth Crime Prevention, Health, and Healing program brought their youth to the water slides at Cultus Lake, which included eleven youth and their families, for a total of 95 community members. A shared meal, water healing techniques and self-reliance teachings were offered. In addition, the families all received summer activity packages with bubble makers, water balloons, sidewalk chalk, frisbees, markers, coloring books and more. 
  

Below are some additional Indigenous People's Day of Wellness Grant ideas:

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

Grant Criteria:

1. The grants are intended to support gathering initiatives that encourage First Nations in BC to celebrate and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2024.
   
   
2. Activities must follow the current orders of the Provincial Health Officer. There are currently no orders restricting gatherings in BC. However, this may change and may require you to adjust your initiatives to comply with orders as needed. See provincial and regional restrictions – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) for more information.
   
   
3. Eligible recipients include First Nations communities in BC, First Nations run health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC and First Nations educational institutions (schools) in BC.
   
   
4. Please note: For-profit organizations, Métis Chartered Communities/organizations, non-First Nations run health and social organizations and non-BC First Nations educational institutions located outside of BC are ineligible for wellness grants.
   
   
5. One grant per community, organization, and/or educational institution (school). Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighboring communities, where feasible if more than one application is submitted.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. Eligible First Nations communities in BC, First Nations run not-for-profit organizations/societies in BC, and First Nations educational institutions (schools) in BC 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.
   
   
8. FNHA recommends that events or initiatives take place between June 17 and June 28, 2024.
   
   
9. Closing Reports are due no later than July 19, 2024. 
   

How to Apply:

The deadline to submit an application is Thursday May 16, 2024 at 4 pm.

You can submit an application by completing the online application form.

Please note that if you re​​quire more information and/or experience any challenges with the online application form, please send an email to active@fnha.ca or phone (604) 785-2216.​

Frequently Asked Questions ​​​

1. Who can apply for the Wellness Grants?

The funding applications for an Indigenous People's Day of 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 First Nations people in BC and is a registered society, or (3) a First Nations school or educational institution in BC. (Please Note: For-profit organizations and Métis Chartered Communities/organizations, First Nations not-for-profits organization/societies, and First Nations educational institutions located outside of BC are ineligible for wellness grants).​​

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 June 17, 2024 to June 28, 2024. If there are initiatives outside this timeframe, please contact wellness@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.