The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is pleased to announce a new cycle of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Wellness Grants (IPDoW). These grants will support efforts to encourage and support First Nations in British Columbia to host community-led health celebrations and events and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2024. The purpose is
B.C.’s First Nations communities, First Nations-operated health and social organizations that provide wellness services to B.C.’s First Nations, and B.C.’s First Nations educational institutions (schools) are holding their own Indigenous Day Wellness Celebrations. be eligible to receive up to $3,000 to carry out the .
Here are some examples of community events that inspire wellness initiatives.

- The Gichawa Nation held a ceremony and welcome for the stone mask and repatriated cultural artifacts at the Lux Clan Pier. A drumming and dancing group led the procession to the community center, where a blessing ceremony was held, followed by a community banquet in the gymnasium. The community also hosted a temporary exhibition in the community hall displaying stone masks and other returned treasures, as well as cultural artifacts shared by community members. (Photo above).
- The Ukukulsat Tribal Government hosted a walking challenge at a local track, followed by a traditional salmon feast with fresh berries and salad. The event provided an opportunity for the community to come together and encourage increased physical activity.
- The Lil’wat Nations Youth Crime Prevention, Health and Healing Program took youth to the water slides at Cultus Lake. Participants included 11 of her youth and their families, totaling 95 community members. Food sharing, water healing techniques, and self-reliance teachings were provided. Additionally, each family member received a summer activity package that included bubble makers, water balloons, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, markers, coloring books, and more.
Below are more ideas for Indigenous Health Day grants.
- Healthy Eating: Canning workshops, traditional food and plant harvests, community feasts, food baskets, cooking classes, and more.
- Stay active: canoeing, cultural games and activities, community relays, dancing, powwow Zumba, yoga workshops, walking and wellness challenges, and more.
- Spiritual development: making medicine bags, drums, moccasins, ribbon skirts, beading workshops, language workshops, elder teachings, drumming, etc.
- Respect for Tobacco: Tobacco and traditional medicine workshops, growing or harvesting traditional tobacco and other medicines, tobacco gifts, etc.
Grant criteria:
- This grant is designed to support efforts to encourage First Nations in British Columbia to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2024.
- Activities must comply with current orders from state health officials. There are currently no orders in place restricting public gatherings in B.C. However, this is subject to change and you may need to adjust your efforts to comply with the order as necessary. For more information, see Provincial and Territorial Restrictions – British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).
- Targets include First Nations communities in British Columbia, First Nations-run health and social organizations that provide health services to First Nations in British Columbia, and First Nations educational institutions (schools) in British Columbia.
- Please note: For-profit organizations, Métis Charter communities/organizations, First Nations-run health and social organizations, and BC First Nations educational institutions located outside of British Columbia are not eligible for wellness grants.
- One grant per community, organization, or educational institution (school). If multiple applications are submitted, recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighboring communities, if possible.
- Eligible recipients must ensure that any outstanding termination reports from previous wellness grants have been submitted. If you are unsure whether prior financial statements have been filed, please email us at active@fnha.ca.
- Up to $3,000 in a single grant is available to eligible BC First Nations communities, BC First Nations-run non-profit organizations/associations, and BC First Nations educational institutions (schools) . Next, create a quick closing report to capture the highlights of your efforts.
- FNHA encourages events and initiatives From June 17th to June 28th, 2024.
- Financial statements must be submitted by the following date at the latest: July 19, 2024.
How to apply:
The deadline for submitting the application is Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
You can fill out the required information and submit your application. Online application form.
If you require further information or have any issues with the online application form, please email active@fnha.ca or contact us by phone. (604) 785-2216.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for wellness grants?
Applications for Indigenous Health Day grants must be received from (1) the Indigenous community/band/village council; (2) a First Nation operates a health and social organization that provides health services to First Nations in B.C. and is a registered association, or (3) a school or educational institution of a First Nation in B.C. (please note: For-profit organizations and Métis Charter communities/organizations, Indigenous non-profit organizations/associations, and Indigenous educational institutions located outside of British Columbia are not eligible for wellness grants).
2. Can individuals apply for the grant?
No, funds cannot be distributed to individuals. FNHA encourages people with ideas and concepts to match and connect with groups that meet the criteria outlined in question 1.
For example, if you are a certified yoga instructor and would like to offer workshops in-person or online, this could be an opportunity to collaborate with a local Indigenous school or Indigenous community.
3. When can events and initiatives be held?
FNHA We recommend holding your event or initiative between June 17, 2024 and June 28, 2024. If you have commitments outside of this period, please contact wellness@fnha.ca.
Four. Can funds be used for elder honorariums?
yes. This fund can be used to provide honoraria for elders’ service. The fund is do not have Cannot be used for (1) the purchase of alcohol, (2) the purchase of reward items, (3) prizes, or (4) any illegal purchases. Grants may be used for other forms of prizes, such as gift cards.
Five. Who can I contact for further assistance or to answer other questions?
A team member is available by phone or email during normal business hours.
If you have any questions, please email active@fnha.ca.
If you would like to speak with a team member by phone, please call (604) 785-2216.
