Nawalakw garden, Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw territory. Photo: Cheyenne Bergenhenegouwen
Indigenous Grants Stream
These grants support Indigenous-led, land-based projects — as directed by the Indigenous Community Leaders Circle
Overview
Guided by a diverse group of First Nations leaders, the Indigenous Grants Stream supports Indigenous-led, land-based projects across what’s known as BC.
As directed by REFBC’s Indigenous Community Leaders Circle, funding from the Indigenous Grants Stream goes to projects that:
- Support Indigenous people in getting out on the land and water
- Build Indigenous community leadership (especially among youth)
- Center Indigenous culture and knowledge
- Advance Indigenous governance
- Contribute to the assertion of Indigenous rights and title
At this time, Indigenous Grants Stream applications are by invitation-only. The Indigenous Community Leaders Circle awarded the first grants in 2023.
Indigenous Community Leaders Circle
Norm Allard Jr.
Secwépemc
Norman Allard is known for his expertise in wetland science and conservation. He has contributed significantly to research and management efforts aimed at protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems. His work often focuses on the ecological importance of wetlands, the biodiversity they bring, and their role in mitigating environmental issues such as flooding, adding fire resistance to areas, carbon capture, and climate change adaptiveness. Allard aims to work on initiatives related to land conservation, restoration, and sustainable resource management, drawing on many sources including Indigenous wisdom to promote ecological balance and resilience.
Marilyn Baptiste
Tŝilhqotʼin
Marilyn Baptiste is former chief of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, where she led her community in defeating one of the largest proposed copper and gold mines in BC. She spent her childhood in Xeni Gwet’in Caretaker Territory, where she grew up with her parents and sisters. She often joined her father, then chief of the Nemiah Valley Indian Band, on his trips to survey the territory.
Lana Lowe
Dene
Lana Lowe is Dene-Canadian from the Fort Nelson First Nation in unceded Treaty 8 territory in northeast British Columbia. She holds a master’s degree in Indigenous governance and a bachelor’s degree in natural resource geography from the University of Victoria. Lowe is the former director of the FNFN Lands Department and is currently pursuing a PhD in Indigenous law at the University of Victoria. She is the recipient of the 2018 Land Champion Award from the Real Estate Foundation of BC and a former member of the Environmental Appeal Board/Forest Appeals Commission/Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal.
Taylor Wale (Luu’Maja)
Gitxsan
Taylor Wale is Lax Gibuu from Wilps xGwoimtxw and worked as a fisheries biologist with the Gitksan Watershed Authorities, where she played a key role in watershed stewardship and fisheries management in Gitksan territory. Wale has a BSc in natural resources conservation and an MSc in forestry from UBC, where she was recognized with the Peter H. Pearse Forestry Award and Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth. She honours the Elders and role models who have guided her and serves as a mentor to youth in her community. Wale volunteers as a girls’ basketball coach and plays for the Gitxsan Mystics.
Stories
Guiding Values
Equity
Decolonizing
Reciprocity
Sustainability
Integrity
Special Thanks
For serving on the Indigenous Community Leaders Circle:
Patrick Michell (2022–23)
For facilitation:
Jessie Hemphill, Robbie Knott, Ren Roberts (Sa̱nala Planning)
For advice on the development of the Indigenous Grants Stream:
Mavis Underwood, Tiwenomot (REFBC Governor)
Tara Marsden/Naxginkw (Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions)
Kris Archie (The Circle on Philanthropy)
“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 Nations
Looking for Funding?
While the Indigenous Grants Stream is currently invitation-only, REFBC’s General Grants stream opens for applications once a year. We encourage and prioritize General Grants applications from Indigenous-led organizations and First Nations.