About the Grants
The Indigenous People’s Day of Wellness (IPDoW) Grant events are community-specific events that focus on supporting First Nations communities to implement culturally specific wellness activities rooted in their cultures and aligned with the First Nations Health Authority’s four wellness streams. It is also an opportunity for First Nations communities and First Nations not-for-profit organizations to celebrate culture, connection and their approaches to summer solstice and community wellness.
As a wellness organization, it's important that we continue to build on our strengths and resiliency through wholistic wellness programs and initiatives. With this in mind, the FNHA is pleased to continue to support community-based wellness initiatives, gatherings and events through the Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness grant cycle to honour and celebrate First Nations people.
These wellness events are intended to celebrate culture, resilience and community wellness.
Grant Criteria
- The grants are intended to support in-person and virtual initiatives that encourage First Nations in BC to celebrate and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day.
- Activities must be conducted through methods that align with the current orders of the Provincial Health Officer.
- Eligible recipients include First Nations communities and BC First Nations health and social not-for-profit organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC
- Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring communities and organizations if practicable.
Eligible recipients are able to access a single grant of up to $3,000 (for First Nations Communities or health or social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC). Successful applicants with be required to provide the FNHA with a brief closing report to capture the highlights of their initiative.
Who Can Apply?
The FNHA Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Grants are open to:
- a First Nations Community, band or village council
- a BC First Nations not-for-profit organization or agency that services First Nations people and is a registered society
Grants are not awarded to individuals. If you are an individual with an idea or concept, we encourage you to partner with one of the types of group described here. The FNHA will require written confirmation your partnership. Funds will be distributed to the nation or registered organization.
For example, if you are a certified yoga instructor who wants to provide online courses, this may be an opportunity to work with a First Nations community.
When Should My Event Take Place?
The specific timeframe for each event or initiative to take place will depend on that wellness grant cycle. Look out for the launch posts on our website and on social media.
If there are goals outside this timeframe, please contact active@fnha.ca.
How the Funds Can be Used
The funds can be used to provide an honorarium to an Elder for their services.
Funds cannot be used for:
- the purchase of alcohol
- the purchase of concession items
- prize money
- illegal purchases
The grant funds may be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards.
Community Stories
Here are some community stories to help inspire your Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness event:
- Pa'La7Wit Society of the Lower Lillooet Lake hosted a community scavenger hunt and provided food hampers and a recipe to cook and follow along to virtually.
- Kwantlen First Nation hosted a full-day “Amazing Race" style relay, incorporating culture and traditions of the community and fitness.
- Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre supported a virtual and in-person live performance of the internationally acclaimed music group The Spiritual Warriors.
- Nicola Valley Institute of Technology provided 25 mini-moccasin kits to families and hosted a virtual and small in-person moccasin-making workshop.
- Stz'uminus First Nation hosted a community-wide National Indigenous Peoples Day event with over 1,500 people gathering throughout the day at Transfer Beach. The community celebrated cultural songs and dances with two Stz'uminus Group performances including Patrick Aleck's song and dance group, Smanukusun Smenam, and Nate Harris, Stz'uminus guitarist and entertainer. There were activities available all day such as a bouncy castle and activities for the youth, vendors, resource booths and a traditional barbeque of sockeye salmon for everyone to enjoy.
- Hagwilget language and cultural team hosted two intergenerational drum workshops and two rattle-making workshops, with a total of 40 community members participating. Along with the workshops, traditional foods of fried oolicans, hagwiljum, herring eggs, potatoes, rice and hamburger soup were enjoyed by all.
- Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations hosted a wellness day for their community, which consisted of a writing and artwork contest for community members to express what “Indigenous Wellness" means to them. In addition to this, there was a “show and tell" and storytelling of special artifacts such as very old basket weaving, games for the youth and a bouncy castle to celebrate the completion of the school year. The day ended with a fresh salmon feast for all to enjoy.
- Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day Parade, where the band had over 20 people over four days build and decorate the communities float The theme was, “Bring Our Culture Back". The band purchased a new trailer that was safe for children and Elders to ride on and together alongside staff and community members, they painted the trailer, cut out different landscapes and added lots of sparkle to create a beautiful community float. On June 21, the band had over 30 community members and staff who participated in the parade, handing out candy to the town.
