A new First Nations-led climate health program has been initiated as a powerful response to the growing challenges of climate change, food insecurity and cultural erosion. One that is rooted in the ancestral wisdom and stewardship traditions of the St'át'imc people.
Matthew Davidson, Food Systems Coordinator with Xwísten First Nation, recently shared the Nation's vision for The Xwísten Ancestral Food System Revitalization program. The program's core mission is to revitalize the community's traditional food systems by reconnecting community members with ancestral knowledge, land-based practices and seasonal rhythms. The program includes:
- Identifying and monitoring traditional food and medicine locations across Xwísten territory
- Tracking climate impacts on local ecosystems, including trees, shrubs and plants
- Developing a climate database and an annual harvesting calendar to inform sustainable gathering practices
- Hosting seasonal day camps that blend harvesting, processing and food preservation with cultural teachings and healing practices
The program's seasonal day camps will bring together youth and families, offering opportunities to learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, engage in hands-on learning about stewardship and strengthening community ties. The heart of the program places emphasis on wholistic wellness in the face of climate change, recognizing that time on the land nourishes the body and spirit and fosters intergenerational connections.
“The land takes care of us, we should take care of the land," said Andrew Michel, Project Supervisor for the Xwísten Ancestral Food System Revitalization Program.
The initiative has drawn strong support and funding from FNHA's Climate Health Action Program (CHAP), the Red Cross, Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (ISPARC), BC Hydro, Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. The program has been strengthened by in-kind support from nearby First Nations and local organizations, including the Lillooet Regional Invasive Species Society. Collaboration with the environmental team at Sekw'el'was/Cayoose Creek— a connection first made during a CHAP knowledge exchange workshop hosted by FNHA in February—has also played a key role.
Seeing the Xwísten Ancestral Food System Revitalization Program in action
Andrew Michel, project supervisor for the Xwísten Ancestral Food System Revitalization Program at the Xwísten community garden (July 2025).
In July, FNHA's CHAP team had the opportunity to experience this community-driven project in action by attending an engagement dinner hosted by the project team. The event featured updates on climate monitoring and land stewardship efforts, and presentations from team members. Andrew Michael shared valuable teachings like “A wise person told me there is no such thing as a weed, it's all medicine" and “Don't grow cabbage in raised garden beds – they take up too much space."
The dinner drew strong community turnout with members expressing enthusiasm and interest in the gardens, the new greenhouse, and the future of the project. Families took home food grown on the farm, reinforcing how climate health action programs can nourish relationships, restore food sovereignty, and promote wholistic wellness.
Have a project idea for your community? Apply for a FNHA CHAP grant
FNHA's CHAP is now accepting expressions of interest (EOIs) for projects beginning in spring 2026 and beyond. EOIs will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the available funding has been allocated.
To learn more about projects that have previously received FNHA's CHAP funding, find the 2024-25 Annual Report at FNHA Climate Health Action Program. If you're interested in applying, please contact us at climate.health@fnha.ca to request a copy of the EOI template.
