The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to launch another Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness (IPDoW) Grant cycle. These annual grants support First Nations communities in BC to host community-led wellness celebrations and events in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. 

Grant applications are open until Friday, April 3, at 4 p.m.

Eligible First Nations communities and health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC may apply for up to $3,000 to host their own Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Celebration.

Inspiration from previous community events

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

• Nuchatlaht Tribe hosted an event that featured cultural singing and drumming, ceder weaving, sun-drying fish, harvesting kelp and other land-based activities. Community members of all ages gathered to learn, share and support one another.
• Ashcroft Indian Band organized a luncheon and workshop on traditional and nutritious eating. Gardeners received seeds and plants, while community members received farm-fresh fruits and vegetable boxes. The community also launched a health and wellness challenge, walking club and harvest-sharing initiative.
• Witset First Nations welcomed approximately 125 community members to their Big House for activities including their annual 5K run/walk, traditional tea making, Devil's club bracelet making, Lahal set crafting, traditional salve preparation, mini pin doll button Blanket creation, orange shirt and red dress pin decorating, and rock painting. Elders from long-term care were also able to attend.
• Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation held sports day races and a community games night with youth support in organizing relay races, skipping, sack races and water balloon activities. It was a wonderful time in the warm sunshine, bringing all ages together to celebrate culture through arts and food.
• Fraser River Indigenous Society hosted a public celebration on the traditional, unceded territories of the Katzie and Kwantlen Nations. Cultural knowledge was shared through song, storytelling, language, and art, guided by the Elders, cultural teachers, and community leaders. These moments fostered intergenerational connection and helped nurture a sense of belonging and pride. 

Additional wellness grant ideas

Communities may consider ideas that align with one or more of FNHA's four wellness streams:

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

If you're unsure whether your idea fits within the IPDoW scope, please refer to the grant criteria on page two of the online application or  email active@fnha.ca. 

How to apply:

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, April 3, 2026, at 4 p.m.

Applications may be submitted by using our online application form.

For support or inquiries, including any challenges with the online application form, contact active@fnha.ca or call 250-883-8354