Supporting Traditional Medicines: ‘What’s Your Tobacco’ Initiative Opens January 6

Press Release

Nations can apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support the revitalization of traditional medicine practices within their communities.​

​As we start another year together, we take time to enjoy practices that can nurture our spirits during the winter months, whether that be spending time on the land, gathering with loved ones, or nourishing our bodies.

With this in mind, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to re-launch the “What’s Your Tobacco” Initiative to continue to support Nations to revitalize knowledge and access to traditional tobacco, and other traditional medicines that support community wellness. Nations can apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support them in revitalizing traditional medicine practices in their communities.

Nations are encouraged to utilize the funds to grow, harvest or choose activities that promote wellness through traditional tobacco and other traditional medicines. There is no obligation to grow tobacco if that does not meet a Nation’s needs and protocols.

Criteria and eligibility

1. This initiative is intended to support Nations to revitalize knowledge and access to traditional tobacco, and other traditional medicines that support community wellness. Applications must detail how the initiative supports these goals.
2. All BC First Nations Communities are eligible for this initiative. Nations may partner with their Nation-operated health and social organizations that provide wellness services to their community, but funds will be disbursed to the host Nation.
3. For-profit organizations, Métis Chartered Communities and organizations, non-BC First Nations-run health and social organizations, and non-BC First Nations educational institutions are not eligible for this initiative.
4. Eligible First Nations communities located in BC can access a single grant of up to $10,000, depending on proposed community project.
5. Completion of a brief closing report is required to capture the highlights of your initiative.
6. We recommend that events or initiatives take place between March 4 and August 22, 2025.
7. Closing reports are due no later than August 29, 2025.

How to apply

Submit your application by completing this online application form. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 20, 2025 at 4 p.m.

If you have questions or experience any technical difficulties with the online application form, please reach out to us at respectingtobacco@fnha.ca or phone (604) 834-8145.

IHT4