Wilp Wii Litsxw Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area, Gitanyow Lax’yip. Photo: Ryan Dickie
REFBC Grants Support Indigenous Protected Areas and Refugee Housing Research
At their December 2023 meeting, the Real Estate Foundation of BC’s Board of Governors approved four grants totalling $1.1 million.
REFBC grants support law and policy reform, applied research, community engagement, and professional and public education to advance sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use and real estate practices across BC.
In our work, we are committed to upholding and advancing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It is important for us to prioritize grants to Indigenous-led organizations and projects that support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Since 1988, REFBC has awarded more than $100 million to non-profit organizations working to strengthen BC communities and protect our shared land and water. Our grants support projects led by First Nations, charities and societies, non-governmental organizations, universities and colleges, trade associations, and local and regional governments.
The Winter 2023 grants are listed alphabetically by recipient organization below.
Winter 2023 Grants
Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs (Gitanyow Huwilp Society)
Wilp Wii Litsxw Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area
To implement the management plan for the Wilp Wii Litsxw Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area in the T’aam Mats’iiaadin (Meziadin River) watershed, in accordance with Gitanyow Ayookxw (laws) and with monitoring by Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians.
$450,000
Peace and Unity Program (Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition)
Peace and Unity Project
To build alliances between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities, with leadership from Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en people, and advance Indigenous governance and ecosystem stewardship through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collective action.
$150,000
Solid State Community Industries
Growing Roots: Understanding Refugee Housing Needs in Surrey
For City in Colour Cooperative to undertake participatory and trauma-informed research on Arabic-and Swahili-speaking refugees’ experiences with housing in Surrey and to raise awareness of tenancy rights.
$50,000
Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Secwépemc Watchmen Development: Indigenous Foodland Conservation in Action
To implement a Secwépemc Watchmen program in an Indigenous foodland conservation area (IFCA) in Secwepemcúl̓ecw and create practical resources in support of IFCAs.
$450,000
Funding Opportunities
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