Alaksen National Wildlife Area. Photo: Taylor Roades
Our Approach
We fund projects, connect people, and share knowledge in support of a healthy environment and thriving, resilient, liveable communities.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) is committed to supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and working in partnership with First Nations.
We’re trying to start and stay on a path of reconciliation that is grounded in truth. And the truth is the colonization of what are now known as British Columbia and Canada is built on the genocide of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples’ connection to their lands, waters, languages, cultures, spirituality, and human rights has been systematically stripped and denied. Without consent or treaty, colonization super-imposed a comprehensive set of approaches to laws, learning, language, and land, while attempting to erase or make illegal those of First Nations. Land was stolen from First Nations by the Crown. There’s no way around it. We support calls for justice and restitution.
It’s not lost on us that we are a settler-created philanthropic organization with a focus on land use and real estate, and our ability to provide public benefit is made possible through the trade of property in unceded territories. This makes it especially important for us to address how past and present patterns of colonialism and systemic racism connect to our work, cause harm, and call on us to build relationships based in respect and reciprocity.
REFBC has heeded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action as a signatory to The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action and by embarking on a journey of learning, supporting land-based projects led by First Nations and Indigenous organizations, and committing to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (see our Transformative Actions for UNDRIP Advancement plan).
Our commitment to this work has been at its best when done with the direction and insight of Indigenous leadership. We are grateful for the generous contributions of time and wisdom shared with us by Indigenous people, First Nations, and Indigenous-led organizations. We are recognizing that the doing of this work is as rewarding as it is difficult; improves policies, practices, and relationships; and strengthens our ability to make a difference in the lives of lands, waters, and people. We invite you to join us on our path to be better in our learning and action.
Nexwagwezʔan. Photo: Stephen Hui
Our Strategy
Our Strategic Plan — along with the wisdom of partners, rights holders, staff, advisors, governors, and the community — guides us on our path. With this plan, we commit to working together with people and communities across BC in ways that advance sustainable, equitable, and socially just relationships with land and real estate.
Strategic Directions
Just Investments
Strong Relationships
Transformative Stories
Good Roots
Core Values
Equity
Decolonizing
Reciprocity
Sustainability
Integrity
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Our Priorities
Our Guide to Funding Priorities is meant to help organizations wishing to apply for a grant to assess how their work and ours aligns. We share these criteria — refined over the years with guidance from diverse community leaders and knowledge holders — to provide insight into decision-making on grants.
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Our Impact
Through our grants, impact investments, and initiatives, REFBC aims to help build strong communities and protect our shared land and water. Assessing our impact is key to ensuring our work is effective and accountable.
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Our Accessibility Plan
REFBC is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in ways that respect and maintain dignity and independence. We believe in inclusion. We are committed to meeting the needs of people who face accessibility barriers. We will do this by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers.
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To request our Accessibility Plan in an alternative format, such as large print or high contrast, contact us at info@refbc.ca.
“Tsilhqot’in Elders always said that all the fish and wildlife spoke the same language. We as Indigenous people have practiced, attended meetings, lobbied, provided direct action and legal action throughout this Turtle Island about our Indigenous rights and title.”
— Dr. Roger William, Chief, Xeni Gwet’in First Nations