Indigenous Grants Stream Launches With 16 Land-Based Projects

With guidance from a diverse group of First Nations leaders, the Real Estate Foundation of BC has created a new funding stream to support Indigenous-led, land-based projects across what’s known as British Columbia.

REFBC’s Indigenous Community Leaders Circle (ICLC) determined that funding from the Indigenous Grants Stream should go to projects that support Indigenous people in getting out on the land and water, build Indigenous community leadership (especially among youth), centre Indigenous culture and knowledge, advance Indigenous governance, and contribute to the exercise of Indigenous rights and title.

The ICLC has approved a first round of $800,000 in grants to support 16 projects ($50,000 each).

We are grateful to ICLC members Norm Allard, Marilyn Baptiste, Lana Lowe, Patrick Michell, and Taylor Wale (Luu’Maja) for their leadership and generosity. Many thanks are due to Jessie Hemphill and Alderhill Planning for facilitation and Kris Archie of The Circle on Philanthropy for advice on the development of the Indigenous Grants Stream.

---

Meet the Projects

---

Quotes from the Indigenous Community Leaders Circle

“Sechanalyagh/thank you to my fellow leaders, REFBC, and Alderhill — amazing groups of people coming together to support our Indigenous communities in ways we never thought could happen. I hold my hands up to all of you and all of our communities participating. I am very thankful for the open hearts and minds that are making important changes to how funding is shared with Indigenous communities across what is otherwise known as BC. This is an important opportunity to work with our communities to support capacity-building and healing with the lands and waters, which also protects ourselves and the lands and waters for future generations.”

— Marilyn Baptiste, Former Chief, Xeni Gwet’in First Nation

“My work to date with REFBC has been empowering and transformative throughout my many layers of involvement. I have moved from grantee, to mentor, to leader of the work, all the while having space held to continuously learn from each of the incredible people involved in this new granting journey. As Indigenous leaders and movers in our communities, it’s necessary to be heard and valued for the work we offer and share with REFBC, which is something that is relentlessly acknowledged and emphasized by the staff and leadership at REFBC. To witness REFBC’s willingness to learn, unlearn, and redistribute decision-making power to Indigenous communities and leaders is a long-awaited gift and something that I will carry forward as the standard for other organizations I work with or come across. T’oyaxsi’nism (thank you all) for this opportunity to be a part of this transformation that will lead the way for bigger things to come.”

— Taylor Wale (Luu’Maja), Biologist, Gitksan Watershed Authorities

“REFBC has been making amazing strides and bringing forward room for real acts of reconciliation for First Nations people. The Indigenous Grants Stream is a great example of how they are not only listening to First Nations, but adapting to meet our needs by letting our own views guide the use of grants received. I am happy to see all of the projects this year and can’t wait for their impacts to ripple out beyond. It is an exciting thing to witness, and I am honoured to work with so many caring people!”

— Norm Allard, Community Planner, Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band)

REFBC is committed to supporting the advancement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Rights (UNDRIP). Ensuring Indigenous peoples are active in the decision-making processes for grants supporting land-based work is connected to upholding UNDRIP Articles 18, 26, and 28.