The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is pleased to announce that 35 communities across all five health regions in British Columbia (BC) have been approved for funding through this year's HIV Community Wellness Initiative (CWI). These successful applicants will advance sexual health care, expand access to HIV services and provide wholistic, culturally safe care.
The CWI is shaped by the voices and lived experience of community members and is guided by a dedicated advisory circle. The initiative aims to uplift communities and walk alongside them as they support the health and well-being of First Nations people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
“We were very pleased to see our interview application for HIV-POC funding being led by black and First Nations voices." said Catherine Tanski, PSUP/Outreach Nurse and Lisa Lawley, Circle of Life Program Director from Kermode Friendship Society reflecting on their application experience. “The lived experience among the table resulted in a richer interview, a deeper understanding of the systemic and social factors our people face that end in higher risk and poorer health outcomes."
From Elder-led school workshops and youth-driven media campaigns to self-testing initiatives in remote areas, each project reflects resilience, culture, and strengths of its community.
"We raise our hands in gratitude to everyone who applied for the HIV Community Wellness Initiative." said Gary Housty, FNHA Chief Nursing & Allied Health Officer, VP Quality. “We are confident that this funding will support First Nations in providing valuable services that First Nations people and their families living with HIV need to access wholistic wellness."
2025–2026 HIV Community Wellness Initiative Recipients
Fraser Salish:
- Kwikwetlem First Nation
- Leq'á:mel First Nation
- Seabird Island Band
- Sqwá (Skwah) First Nation
- Spuzzum First Nation
Vancouver Coastal:
- Xa'xtsa - Douglas First Nation
- Líl̓wat Nation
- Nuxalk Nation
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw - Squamish Nation
- Tla'amin Nation
- Kílala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative
Vancouver Island:
- Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations
- Klahoose First Nation
- Ligwilda'xw Health Society
- Tsakwa'lutan Healing Centre - We Wai Kai Nation
- AVI Health and Wellness Services Society
- Namwayut Cultural and Wellness Society
- Peer2Peer Indigenous Society
Interior:
- ʔaq̓am – St. Mary's Indian Band
- Xwísten - Bridge River Indian Band
- Ktunaxa Nation Council Society
- Simpcw First Nation
- Splatsin First Nation
- Tl'esqox First Nation (Toosey Band)
- Ulkatcho First Nation
Northern:
- Anspayaxw Health Services (Kispiox Band)
- Lake Babine Nation
- Lax Kw'alaams Band
- Lheidli T'enneh First Nation
- Saulteau First Nations
- Takla First Nation
- Tsay Keh Dene Nation
- Kermode Friendship Society
- Positive Living North: No khēyoh t'sih'en t'sehena Society
- Soonats'ooneh Health Society
About the HIV Community Wellness Initiative
Launched in 2025, this initiative supports community-based HIV programs across BC with grants of up to $50,000. Funding is available for:
- Community-led health promotion: Projects that raise awareness, educate, and reduce stigma around HIV/STIs through schools, workshops, and media.
- Improving access to HIV point-of-care services: Initiatives that remove barriers to HIV testing, treatment, and ongoing care.
- Wholistic support: Programs offering culturally safe counseling, support groups, and services that meet the emotional, social, and practical needs of people affected by HIV.
To learn more about the HIV Community Wellness Initiative and other opportunities, please visit the HIV CWI webpage on the FNHA website or email us at HIVProjects@fnha.ca.
