The 2024 Winter Wellness Grants Are Now Open!
Press Release
Grant applications are open until Friday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.
As we approach another winter season there is an opportunity for us to focus on what nurtures our spirit during the winter months, whether gathering with family, being on the land or nourishing our bodies with good food and medicine. We hope you find the time to participate in activities that bring you joy. With this in mind, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to provide another year of Winter Wellness Grants to support community-led celebrations and events.
First Nations communities in BC, First Nations-run health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC, and First Nations-run schools in BC will be eligible for up to $3,000 to conduct their own Winter Wellness Celebration.
Here are examples of community events that can inspire your wellness initiative:
- Cayoose Creek Indian Band gathered on the land for a day of drumming and singing. Everyone enjoyed a campfire where food and teachings about winter foraging were shared (photo above).
- Okanagan Indian Band hosted a 30for30 Challenge which encouraged all members of their community to get outside and walk for a minimum of 30-minutes per day for 30 days. This was not limited to walking as many others incorporated sports such as hockey, ringette, basketball or volleyball.
- Qualicum First Nation delivered fresh fruit and vegetable hampers to families in the community to support nutritional wellness.
Below are some additional Winter Wellness Grant ideas for you to consider:
- Healthy Eating: Canning workshops, traditional foods and plants harvesting, community feasts, food hampers, and cooking classes.
- Being Active: Snowshoeing, sledding, ice-skating, tobogganing, cultural games and activities, dancing, powwow Zumba, and yoga workshops.
- Nurturing Spirit: Making medicine bags, drums, moccasins, ribbon skirts, beading workshops, language workshops, Elders teachings, and drumming.
- Respecting Tobacco: Tobacco and traditional medicines workshop, growing or harvesting traditional tobacco and other medicines, and gifting tobacco.
Grant Criteria:
- The grants are intended to support gatherings and initiatives that encourage First Nations people in BC to celebrate and honour the winter season.
- Activities must follow the current orders of the Provincial Health Officer. There are currently no orders restricting gatherings in BC. However, this may change and may require you to adjust your initiatives to comply with orders as needed. See provincial and regional restrictions – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) for more information.
- Eligible recipients include First Nations communities in BC, First Nations-run health and social organizations in BC that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC, and First Nations educational institutions (schools) in BC.
- Please note: For-profit organizations, Métis Chartered Communities/organizations, non-BC First Nations-run health and social organizations and non-BC First Nations educational institutions are ineligible for wellness grants.
- One grant per community, organization, and/or educational institution (school). Recipients are encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring communities, where feasible if more than one application is submitted.
- Eligible First Nations communities, First Nation run not-for-profit organizations/societies, and First Nations educational institutions (schools), located in BC are able to access a single grant of up to $3,000. Completion of a brief closing report will be required to capture the highlights of your initiative.
- FNHA recommends that events or initiatives take place between December 15, 2023 and January 20, 2024.
- Closing Reports are due no later than February 19, 2024.
How to Apply:
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 3, 2023 at 4 p.m.
You can submit an application by completing the online application form.
Please note that if you require more information and/or experience any challenges with the online application form, please send an email to active@fnha.ca or phone (604) 785-2216.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Wellness Grants?
The funding applications for a Winter Wellness Grant must be received from (1) a First Nations community/band/village council in BC. (2) First Nations-run health and social organizations in BC that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC and is a registered society, or (3) a First Nations school or educational institution in BC. (Please Note: For-profit organizations and Métis Chartered Communities/organizations, non-BC First Nations not-for-profits organization/societies, and non-BC First Nations educational institutions are ineligible for wellness grants).
2. Can an individual apply for a grant?
No. The funds cannot be distributed to an individual. The FNHA encourages people with an idea or concept to match and connect with a group that meets the criteria described in question one.
For example: if you are a certified yoga instructor who wants to provide a workshop, either in person or online, this may be an opportunity to work with a local school or First Nations community.
3. When can the event or initiative take place?
The FNHA recommends that the event or initiative take place between December 15, 2023 to January 20, 2024. If your event or initiative takes place outside this timeframe, please contact Wellness@fnha.ca.
4. Can I use the funds for an Elder Honourarium?
Yes. The funds can be used to provide an honourarium to an Elder for their services. Funds may not be used for the following: (1) the purchase of alcohol, (2) the purchase of concession items, (3) prize money, or (4) illegal purchases. The grant funds may be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards.
5. Who can I contact for more help or to answer other questions?
If you have any questions, please email active@fnha.ca.
If you would like to speak to a team member by phone, call 604-785-2216.
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