First Nations communities in BC can apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support the revitalization of traditional medicine practices
The FNHA is excited to relaunch the 'What's Your Tobacco' initiative. This funding opportunity is designed to support First Nations communities in BC reconnect with traditional tobacco and other medicines that support community wellness.
Communities can apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support revitalizing traditional medicine practices in their communities. Successful applicants are encouraged to use the funds to grow, harvest or engage in activities that promote wellness through traditional tobacco and other traditional medicines. There is no requirement to grow tobacco if that does not meet your community's needs and protocols.
Examples of ideas that are eligible for the 'What's Your Tobacco' Initiative include:
- Hosting Elder- and Knowledge Keeper-led workshops on traditional medicine teachings (e.g., space rental fees, honoraria, food, etc.)
- Building infrastructure to grow traditional tobacco and other medicines (e.g., irrigation systems, garden beds, greenhouses).
- Purchasing materials for planting (e.g., pots, lumber for garden beds, soil and mulch, fertilizers and tools like gloves, spades or watering cans).
- Improving accessibility to new or existing gardens for Elders or those with accessibility needs (e.g., raised beds, paved pathways, ramps).
- Developing walking or harvesting trails with signage, including the equipment needed to build and maintain the trails and develop the signage.
- Organizing trips to traditional territories to learn about traditional medicines, identification, harvesting and other related cultural practices (e.g., transportation, snacks, honoraria).
'What's Your Tobacco' community spotlights
This past year, several First Nations communities across BC led many different initiatives to revitalize traditional medicine practices in their communities. Here is a look at some of those initiatives:
- Xwisten built a greenhouse, hosted a seed starting workshop with youth and planted their traditional medicines. They also hosted workshops on traditional tobacco teachings for community members.
- Ayas Menmen Child and Family Services (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation) created a new medicine garden space for community members to enjoy and planted many different medicines in the garden for community access.
- Ts'uubaa-asatx created a community garden and invited Knowledge Keepers to teach community members how to plant, grow, harvest and use the medicines.
- Soowahlie Indian Band added a greenhouse to their community garden to plant and grow traditional tobacco for ceremonial use.
- Tahltan Central Government hosted six land-based field trips to harvest plants and berries for health and wellness, later preparing teas, tinctures and oils with a Tahltan knowledge keeper.
Eligibility Criteria
This initiative is open to all First Nations communities in BC. Communities may partner with their Nation-operated health and social organizations that provide services to their community, but funds will be disbursed to the host Nation.
If your community has previously received What's Your Tobacco funding, you are eligible to apply again with a new initiative or an expansion of your previous initiative.
The following are not eligible:
- For-profit organizations
- Métis chartered communities and organizations
- Organizations from outside BC
- Organizations that are not Nation-operated health or social organizations.
Grant Details
- Eligible First Nations communities located in BC may receive a single grant of up to $10,000, depending on the proposed community project.
- Applications must detail how their initiative supports their goals.
- Completion of a closing report is required to capture the progress of your initiative.
- We recommend that events or initiatives take place between Jan. 17 and Sept. 22, 2026.
- Closing reports are due no later than Sept. 29, 2026.
How to apply
Submit your application by using this online application form. The deadline to apply is Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 4 p.m.
If you have questions or experience any technical difficulties with the online application form, please reach out to us at respectingtobacco@fnha.ca or call (604) 834-8145.
