BC NEIHR May 1, 2023

Wood Frogs are the only frog in North America that lives north of the Arctic Circle. They are found across Canada; in B.C. they live in the central and northern interior in marshes, wet meadows and other moist areas. Wood frogs start breeding in spring and each female lays a mass of up to 3000 eggs that look like pond algae. Tadpoles once hatched take about two months to grow into adult frogs and a wood frog can live for three or four years. Lots of creatures eat wood frogs including shrews, birds, and snakes. Frogs are very sensitive to environmental changes and any pollution or chemicals will affect them. Learn more here.

Mission Statement: The BC NEIHR facilitates and supports capacity for and engagement in Indigenous-led health research that is woven from the values, knowledge systems, protocols, priorities and leadership of Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations (ICCOs), academic researchers and students in BC. Our collective goal is to ground BC NEIHR structures, relationships and processes in the values and principles of self-determination, Indigenous knowledge, wholistic population health and wellness, as well as intersectionality, equity, and transparency. We also aspire to promote and support Indigenous and/or decolonizing (ID) methodologies, ethics and OCAP® in Indigenous research. In BC NEIHR activities, we acknowledge and will uphold the cultural safety and cultural humility that is modeled by the work of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the work yet to come from other ICCOs.

The BC NEIHR is guided by three Indigenous-governed, community-led organizations that are leading health and wellness research across BC. The three salmon in our logo represent these key partners:

If you would like to join the British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, fill out the BC NEIHR Registration Survey Form.

Being part of the BC NEIHR will connect you to research and student funding, trainings, events, employment and other unique opportunities in British Columbia and across Canada!

Already a BC NEIHR Member? Do not forget to update your Registration Form each year to ensure we have accurate records.

BC NEIHR UPDATES

The BC NEIHR is excited to share our Podcast, Research DE-Colonized!

Join the BC NEIHR and members of the Indigenous Health Research Facilitator team as they connect with inspiring Indigenous health and wellness scholars, healthcare professionals, and communities sharing their stories of how they’re decolonizing health and wellness research, changing healthcare and academe along the way. Topics of conversation will cover pathways into health and wellness research, techniques and research design, funding research, past and present health and wellness projects, and ethical research protocols when involving Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations. Our first episode features Indigenous Health Research Facilitator, Laura, as she introduces listeners to the Who, What, and Why of the BC NEIHR, our programming and funding opportunities, and what to expect in future episodes. Episodes will be released on the last Friday of every month. To listen, find us at: https://researchdecolonized.buzzsprout.com. This podcast is also hosted on Spotify, Podchaser, Player FM, and Podcast Addict. For more information on the podcast or the material presented, please contact lauramcnabcoombs@uvic.ca.

S1E4 - In this episode, Laura sits down with the amazing Harley Eagle to talk all things cultural safety. This episode is highly recommended as a resource for those offering cultural humility/safety training and for those hoping to start their own journey on how to create and contribute to safer spaces for Indigenous peoples.

Research Funding

BC NEIHR Pilot Project Grants: for more information and all application materials visit: https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/bcneihr/pilot-project-grants/ or email bcneihr@uvic.ca.

Convening & Collaborating Program (C2): The Michael Smith Health Research BC C2 Program promotes knowledge exchange and meaningful collaboration by supporting researchers, trainees and research users* in co-developing research that can directly impact patients and a diverse range of stakeholders. Co-developing research by engaging with stakeholders helps ensure the research is relevant, and can increase the likelihood of leveraging the award into additional funding from national and international sources. It also helps build knowledge translation (KT) capacity, experience and skills in BC’s research and health professional trainees. Researchers who need support to develop a research agenda, identify key research practice priorities or evaluate a peer support initiative should consider applying to the C2 Program. *Research users might include patients, caregivers, health practitioners, government policy makers, health charities or the public. For more information and how to apply, click here.

• Full application deadline (applicants): May 15, 2023, 4:30 p.m PT
• Full application deadline (host institution): May 23, 2023, 4:30 p.m PT

Reach program: The Michael Smith Health Research BC Reach Program promotes knowledge translation (KT) activities by supporting researchers and research users* in disseminating research evidence through co-developing events, activities and/or tools to “extend the reach” of their work. This helps teams “reach” audiences who can directly use the knowledge to ultimately improve health and care for British Columbians and their communities. Reach awards also help build KT capacity, experience and skills in BC’s research and health professional trainees. Researchers who need support to disseminate their research through projects like a social media initiative, patient forum or a learning curriculum should consider applying to the Reach Program. *Research users might include patients, caregivers, health practitioners, government policy makers, health charities or the public. For more information and how to apply, click here.

• Full application deadline (applicants): May 15, 2023, 4:30 p.m PT
• Full application deadline (host institution): May 23, 2023, 4:30 p.m PT

Transforming Health with Integrated Care (THINC) – Knowledge Mobilization and Impact Hub Funding Opportunity. The CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR), in partnership with the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative, have launched a funding opportunity to foster initiative-wide coordination, learning and collaboration, capacity development, knowledge mobilization (KM) and collective impact. For more information, view this opportunity on ResearchNet. Application Deadline: May 16, 2023.

Student Funding

Research Experience Award. The objective is to support Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) graduate students studying in British Columbia (BC), who are pursuing Indigenous wellness-related research and seeking to gain additional research-related experience. Eligibility: Indigenous graduate students in BC who have partnered with an Indigenous community, collective or organization (ICCO) to engage in a wellness-related research project that is mutually beneficial. Partnerships can form in response to a placement advertised by BC NEIHR or can be a pre-existing relationship. Applicants must be studying in and conducting research in British Columbia. Applicants must also have an Academic Mentor at an eligible institution for funds to be transferred. For more information and how to apply, click here. No deadline: Research Experiences will be reviewed on a rolling basis, pending opportunities available for placements within ICCOs. Any student who has a pre-established relationship with an ICCO is eligible to submit an application with their ICCO partner at any time.

The 2023-2024 Call for Applications for Individuals. Payments from the NIB Trust Fund for education programs for individuals include, but are not limited to:

• Scholarships, bursaries, or financial assistance for costs associated with attending post-secondary institutions;
• Financial assistance to individuals to access opportunities in arts, science, or athletics;
• Funding to applicants that will assist First Nations and Métis with job skills training;
• Support for research of First Nations and Métis culture, history, and language to inform curriculum development and educate the public;
• Support to foster personal development by providing access to programs that address harms resulting from Indian Residential schools, including access to counseling, family development, and health promotion.

To learn more about Individual funding available, visit https://www.nibtrust.ca/help/individuals. To apply, visit https://www.nibtrust.ca/granting/how-to-apply. Application deadline is June 9, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).

Build your own bright future with just one application! Hundreds of bursaries, scholarships, and awards. Since 2004, Indspire has provided over $153 million in financial support to more than 49,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.

Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards for Post-Secondary Education and Skilled Trades. Full and part time studies in college, university, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and technology programs for the September 2022 – August 2023 academic year. There is one application for all of Indspire’s bursaries, scholarships, and awards (*with a few exceptions). You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries, scholarships, and awards. Deadlines: August 1, November 1, and February 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. *For more information and to apply, click here.

First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program. The First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program provides financial awards to Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education. Bursaries between $700-$1,200 are awarded to students who meet all eligibility requirements and who demonstrate significant financial need. Students apply for the bursary after they successfully complete a semester of post-secondary school. For more information and to apply, click here. Applications must be completed and submitted to the Education Coordinator by 5 pm on the application deadline. Students must submit a new application for each semester. Application Deadline:

• May 15th, 2023 – for students applying for the Winter 2023 Semester (January-April)

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) provides eligible First Nations students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level, including university and college entrance preparation programs. For more information and to apply, click here. Application Deadline:

• July 1, 2023 – For students applying for the Fall 2023 & Winter 2024 Semesters (September-April)
• November 1, 2023 – for the Winter 2024 semester (January-April)
• March 31, 2024 – for students applying for the Summer 2024 semester (May-August)

The BC First Nations Forestry Council Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program (IFSP) is designed to provide support for First Nations, Inuit or Métis students interested in attending full-time studies in the following applicable areas: Forestry Technician; Natural Resources; Environmental Technology; Business Management; Business Administration; Geographic Information Systems; and Forestry Trades. For more information and how to apply, click here. No Deadline.

Employment Opportunities

• Indigenous Health Research Facilitators (IHRFs) - Northern and Fraser Valley Regions. Under the supervision of the Nominated Principal Applicant, Dr. Jeff Reading, and Network Coordinator, Tara Erb, as well as working with the BC NEIHR key partners (First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres), and the BC SUPPORT Unit, the IHRFs will undertake the following activities: Support Indigenous Communities, Collectives and Organizations (ICCOs); Knowledge Sharing and Mobilization (KSM), Event Coordination, Special Projects and Travel; and Communications and Training. For the full job posting and how to apply, click here. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled.

Program Coordinator, Indigenous Strategic Programming | OISI, UBC Vancouver Campus. This Program Coordinator (PC) will provide program support within the OISI team for guiding ISP (Indigenous Strategic Plan) implementation through workshops (e.g. support planning, developing materials); conducting research and analysis of data relating to OISI projects; programming and collaborative ISP initiatives; synthesizing materials and preparing briefs in preparation for ISP-related engagement and consultations; and coordinating strategic programs and projects for the OISI team. To learn more and apply, click here. Deadline: 11:59 pm, May 10, 2023.

• Research Assistant - AHMA is conducting an environmental scan which aims to better understand Indigenous housing and how that intersects and supports Indigenous people with diverse abilities across BC. We are seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to support on a contract part-time basis (3 days a week). The RA will assist the project team members in the implementation and execution of the project “Exploring Inclusive Housing for Indigenous Peoples Living with Diverse Abilities Across British Columbia: Literature Review & Environmental Scan”. The RA will assist in conducting a literature review/environmental scan, coordination and preparation of meetings, transcription, engaging in thematic qualitative data analysis, support report writing, liaising with project team members, and supporting various duties related to the project. For more information and how to apply, click here. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.
• To view all open positions, please visit the AHMA Job Board.

• Assistant Professor, Faculty of Native Studies - seeking applications for a full-time tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Indigenous health and wellness, specifically pertaining to determinants of health and well-being from the perspective of Indigenous peoples. Candidates should have knowledge and experience in areas such as, but not limited to the following: improving health and wellness in Indigenous communities; the relationship between wellness and cultural traditions and activities; and/or policy relating to Indigenous health and wellness. To view the posting and apply, click here. Open until filled.

• Vice-President, Research and Innovation. Reporting to the President, the VP, Research & Innovation, promotes and enhances the success of research by faculty, students, and partners of UNBC by taking a strategic approach to the University’s research priorities, and by providing faculty members with the support they need to develop outstanding research programs in all disciplines. Location: Prince George Campus. For more information and how to apply, click here. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Assistant Professor, Department of First Nations Studies. The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for a Term position in the Department of First Nations Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a proposed starting date of July 1, 2023. The successful candidate will be responsible for instruction and course development in the First Nations Studies program. Core duties will include teaching lower- and upper-division undergraduate courses. Location: Prince George Campus. For more information and how to apply, click here. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• To view all current UNBC career opportunities, click here.

• Faculty of Education - Endowed Chair, Salish Weave Art Practices (Assistant or Associate Professor). The Endowed Chair, Salish Weave Art Practices, is funded through the Victoria Foundation, specifically Christiane and George Smyth and their Salish Weave Art Collection, see here: https://salishweave.com/. This position was created in cooperation between the Smyths and the Faculty of Education with the aim of supporting the resurgence, and ongoing thriving, of Salish art through the enactment of Indigenous art as knowledge practices through an Indigenous knowledge transmission process that is intergenerational and inherently an aspect of enacting Indigenous pedagogies and practices. This Chair is expected to uphold and honour the artistic practices and traditions of the Salish peoples as a central tenet of their research and scholarship, and further programming and activities that build upon the Salish Weave collection that is held at SFU. For more information and how to apply, click here. Deadline: May 15, 2023.
• Faculty of Health Sciences - Child Health and Policy Assistant Professor. Seeking a scholar holding a PhD, and ideally having post-doctoral training or the equivalent, in a child health field relevant to public and population health policy — addressing early social determinants of health, early child development and well-being and/or children’s rights. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated strengths in the development and application of innovative and equity-centred approaches such as qualitative, quantitative, Indigenous and/or mixed methods pertaining to child studies. For more information and how to apply, click here. This position will remain open until filled.
• To view all current SFU career opportunities, click here.

Indigenous Youth Internship Program. The Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) will launch its 17th year in the public service this September. The one-year opportunity – led by the BC Public Service Agency – welcomes exceptional Indigenous youth ages 19-29 and supports you through: Nine months of work in a ministry; Three months of work at an Indigenous organization in BC. Internships will begin on September 5, 2023, and end on August 31, 2024. For more information and how to apply, click here. Deadline to apply: May 31, 2023.

• Aboriginal Cultural Safety Educator - responsible for developing and implementing Interior Health’s cultural safety framework in a way that is relevant to the values and strategic direction of the organization, with the goal of enhancing the organization’s capacity to deliver health services in a culturally safe manner. The worksite location for this position is flexible and can be located anywhere within British Columbia. For more information and to apply, click here. Open until filled.
• To explore Interior Health Careers, click here.

Recruiting Indigenous Students to work with the BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer on our Unlearning & Undoing White Supremacy Project. We have begun a two-year initiative of unlearning and undoing inherited systemic white supremacy and racism within the BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) that will contribute to development of a plan to address the Government of BC’s foundational commitments to rights and reconciliation across the OPHO’s mandates. Reconciliation requires being trustworthy, creating cultural safety, and making things right with the original inhabitants of these territories. The OPHO’s ongoing efforts to earn and maintain the trust of Indigenous Peoples, as well as racialized communities in BC, center on unlearning and undoing systemic white supremacy and racism inherited from the settler colonial origins of BC’s institutions. Over the next two years we will seek to:

• Illuminate which OPHO structures, policies, practices, norms, and values currently uphold systemic white supremacy and racism.
• Begin to unlearn and undo white supremacy and racism within the OPHO.
• Inform a path forward to uphold, embrace, and monitor progress towards, ‘foundational commitments’ within the OPHO’s work.

We are guided by the wisdom of Dr. Camara Jones, former president of the American Public Health Association, who launched a national campaign against racism. Her ‘Science & Practice of Anti-Racism’ framework outlines three tasks: (1) naming racism; (2) asking, how is it operating here?; and (3) organizing and strategizing to act. There is opportunity for Indigenous student(s) to contribute to elements of this work during their practicum or elective rotation. For more information, contact: kate.jongbloed@gov.bc.ca and daniele.behnsmith@gov.bc.ca

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established for the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous people by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Chartered Communities, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.

• To view all current employment opportunities, click here.

Are you passionate about supporting the revitalization of First Nations languages, arts and cultural heritage in BC? First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) is a First Nations-led Crown Corporation that provides grants, training, coaching and resources to communities. We are a team of Indigenous people and allies, working together in pursuit of a vision where First Nations languages, arts and cultures are thriving and passed on to future generations. We offer an open and collaborative work environment guided by Indigenous values and we are seeking people with a passion for arts, heritage, language and technology to join our team.

• To see all current employment opportunities, click here.

The BCAAFC is the umbrella organization for the Friendship Centres across BC. BC Friendship Centres work to promote, develop and deliver accessible programs and services that support Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and away from home to achieve their vision of health, wellness and prosperity.

• To view all current BCAAFC career opportunities, click here.

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) develops and enhances opportunities for our Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Through teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity, and professionalism, MNBC strives to build a proud, self-governing, sustainable Nation in recognition of inherent rights for our Métis citizens, assisting in the delivery of services based on policy, process, and specified regulations. Become part of the Métis Nation BC team and take an active role in shaping the Métis Nation in BC.

• To view all available MNBC career opportunities, click here.

The FNHA is a trailblazing organization filled with meaningful work and rich with transformative learning opportunities. Here you will find a sense of direction and belonging, with those who share your drive to create change in the world and in yourself – for the better.

• To explore all current FNHA job postings, click here.

Training and Events

Five Days in May 2023. B.C.'s health research month is designed to educate, inform, inspire and stimulate. Every year, Island Health collaborates with partner organizations to bring together researchers and students, patients and healthcare providers, decision-makers and members of the public to learn, share ideas and spark innovation.

2023 marks the 11th year of Five Days in May, and is a collaboration between Fraser Health, Interior Health, Island Health, and Northern Health, in partnership with the BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR). Join us online every Tuesday to learn how research is transforming health and care across the province! All events are free and open to everyone. Events will take place online via Zoom and registration is required. To learn more and to register for all events, click here.

May 4, 2023 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am PST - The Past, Present and Co-Developed Future of Services for Children and Youth with Support Needs with Danielle Smith & Molly Fredeen. This webinar is about supports and services for children and youth with support needs (CYSN). We will share the story of how CYSN services came to be, who accesses them now, and the government’s responsibility to children and youth with support needs and their families. We will discuss what that story tells us about changes that need to be made to the system to better align with the vision Indigenous communities have for their children and youth with support needs, and share opportunities for input and consultation. Register here.

May 5, 2023 | Red Dress Day. Also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People, Red Dress Day is observed on May 5th. The day honours and brings awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have been subject to disproportionate violence in Canada. Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women. Red dresses have become symbolic of the crisis as a result of her installation. Learn more here and consider how to get involved.

May 11, 2023 | Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join together to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.

Livestream from Victoria, BC - the ceremony will feature a welcome message from Raven Lacerte and Dominic Paul, keynote by Brandi Morin, as well as several inspiring speakers. All registrants will have access to the livestream broadcast from anywhere on Turtle Island!

Workshops - learn more about the issue of gender-based violence from Facilitators who lead discussions and share stories of healing and change. All registrants will have the opportunity to take part in the remote online workshops, with in-person workshops taking place in Victoria, BC.

FAST to End Violence - as in common in many Indigenous cultures, fasting is a symbol of commitment, and a way to deepen your intention. We encourage everybody to participate in the fast from sunrise to sunset on Moose Hide Campaign Day.

Walk to End Violence - There will be Moose Hide Campaign Day events and walks hosted by communities, schools and groups across Canada. If there are none taking place in your area, you can watch the live stream of the Walk to End Violence streamed live from the lawn of the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, BC.

Sunrise & Fast Breaking Ceremonies - The Sunrise Ceremony from the East Coast of Canada starts the day with intention. You can watch the ceremony when the sun rises in your location on Turtle Island.

The full schedule, more information and registration are available here.

For over thirty years the Northwest Linguistics Conference (NWLC) has been held, on an alternating basis, by linguistics graduate students at four major universities in British Columbia and Washington State: the University of Washington, the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria. The Department of Linguistics at the University of Victoria is pleased to host the 39th annual Northwest Linguistics Conference. The conference will be a hybrid format, with options to attend in person in Victoria, British Columbia, or attend virtually over Zoom. The conference will run from May 13–May 14, 2023. To learn more, click here.

May 17, 2023 | 10:30 am – 11:30 am (Pacific Time). This webinar with Mike Segwalise Myers of the Seneca Nation, which is a part of the Iroquois/Haudenosaunee Confederacy, will delve into some historical aspects of Indigenous knowledge(s) and its evolution within a colonial state. Elder/knowledge keeper Mike will discuss how his Seneca/Haudenosaunee knowledge is at the center of community development projects he is currently involved in. For more information and to register, click here.

UBC Summer Science Program - a one-week cultural, health and science program for Indigenous students in grades 9 - 12. Students in grades 11 and 12 will participate from July 9th-15th, 2023. Students in grades 9 and 10 will participate from July 16th – July 22nd, 2023. To learn more and apply, click here. The deadline is May 31st, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

The Summer Learning Series is a new FPCC Initiative to support language revitalization skill development through a one-week intensive program. The Series will provide practical and hands on training through meaningful skills-based learning experiences. Participants may choose from one of five themes that include: Immersion, Where Are Your Keys (WAYK), Documentation, Planning and Technology.

• Eligible applicants: B.C. First Nations youth and young adults aged 20-45 who are working with B.C. First Nations languages.
• When: August 14–18, 2023 or August 21–25, 2023
• Where: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo B.C.
• Application Deadline: May 23, 2023 at 4 p.m. PST.

FPCC will cover all travel and accommodation costs as well as meals. Click here to read more about the Series, eligibility, how to apply and more! If you have any questions, FPCC staff are available to connect with you. Please contact Tasia Harris at tasia@fpcc.ca.

Call for Papers and Unique Opportunities

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to announce another cycle of Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Grants (IPDoW). These grants are intended to support gathering initiatives that encourage and support First Nations in BC to host community-led wellness celebrations, events, and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023. BC First Nations communities, BC First Nations run health and social organizations that provide wellness services to First Nations people in BC and BC First Nations educational institutions (schools) will be eligible for up to $3,000 to conduct their own Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Celebration. For more information and how to apply, click here. The grant applications are open until Friday, May 5, 2023, at 4 pm.

Arts-Based Community Development & Leon and Thea Koerner Award. The Project Assistance: Arts-Based Community Development program supports organizations to engage professional artists in the development and delivery of projects that provide arts-based community development impacts and benefits to a specified community. Through collaborative, community-based, arts-centred activities, these projects provide a tangible and active understanding of arts and culture as a path to health, well-being, human dignity, and social transformation. For more information and to apply, click here. Deadline: May 17, 2023.

For submission guidelines, click here. Contact tijih.dlsph@utoronto.ca if you have any questions. Deadline: May 19, 2023.

The Turtle Island Journal of Indigenous Health team is looking for new members! No prior experience is required to apply. These are remote positions open to students and community members across Turtle Island who are interested in promoting TIJIH's vision: Respectful co-learning between Indigenous ways of knowing and western science; Collaborating and partnering with Indigenous Peoples in knowledge generation and capacity-building; Building a community of practice that honours relationality as a model of high-impact engagement. To learn more and apply, click here.

Our Medicine Path: Engaging with Indigenous communities about COVID-19 vaccines. Digital Public Square has created an online learning platform called The Medicine Path, that facilitates open knowledge sharing and exchange about Indigenous health, healing and vaccines, in a culturally respectful manner. This work has been informed by in-depth community engagement and in partnership with Indigenous-led organizations Creative Fire and Vincent Design. Learn more about the project here.

Our Medicine Path is an online engagement platform for learning, sharing, and understanding Indigenous perspectives and experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine and its rollout in Canada. Users can access the tool by visiting https://ourmedicinepath.com/#od-CANV-DPSO on their phone, tablet, or computer. They will explore misinformation narratives and drivers of vaccine hesitancy within Indigenous communities, as told through Indigenous voices. The game adopts a storytelling approach through which users receive helpful information about COVID-19 and vaccines from trusted Indigenous sources and are encouraged to share their own views and experiences.

Share your Views: Participate in the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health's Listening Tour. The Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) wants to hear from you! Beginning in spring 2023, the IGH team will travel to major cities across Canada to meet with researchers, including trainees and early career researchers, community organizations, healthcare professionals and many other partners, with options for virtual participation. For more information, Townhall dates and registration, or to complete the online survey, visit https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/53411.html.

First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPPC) Grant funding supports communities to revitalize their Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage in BC. To view all available grants, click here.

Now accepting applications for all FPCC Heritage grants and programs! The FPCC Heritage Program works to equip First Nations communities and organizations in B.C. with the resources needed to steward their heritage, now and into the future. Current Heritage funding opportunities:

• Braided Knowledge Grant: the objective is to fund projects that show the interconnected nature of Indigenous arts, languages, cultures and heritage. Deadline: June 23, 2023.
• Heritage Stewardship Program (HSP): provides heritage funding to First Nations organizations in B.C. to address climate change, safeguard cultural sites, digitize cultural resources and record oral histories. Deadline: May 16, 2023.

Language Grants:

• Reclaiming My Language - a course to assist silent speakers to reclaim their language. The course runs 10 weeks for up to three hours each week. It uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and offers supports for silent speakers, including tools and coaching to help them move forward in a good way to reclaim their language. Deadline: May 31, 2023. If you have questions about the program or need assistance with your application, please contact Melinda Pick at rml@fpcc.ca.
• Youth Empowered Speakers Program - investing in our next generation of language leaders with a program that combines mentor-apprentice learning and funding for post-secondary education. Deadline: June 14, 2023. The first 5 completed applications will be eligible for a $100 gift card!
• Pathways to Language Vitality Program - provides funding and support for community-led projects that revitalize First Nations languages in B.C. and help create fluent speakers. Deadline: June 19, 2023. Info Session on May 4 at 10:30 am - provides an overview of the program, answers any questions and shares tips on submitting the best application. Register here.

• Environmental Contaminants Program - supports First Nations projects that explore the link between human health and environmental contaminants. For more information and how to apply, click here.
• Mental Health & Wellness Fund - supports Nations and aggregations of First Nations to come together to plan, design and deliver a full continuum of culture and strength-based mental health and wellness services, including prevention and early intervention. For more information and how to apply, click here.

Interim Applications for time-limited funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act 2023-2025 application period is now open.

The call for Interim Applications for time-limited funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Act, developed in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, is intended to support:

• First Nations efforts in addressing the priorities they have identified to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen First Nations languages
• First Nations governed initiatives in collaboration with federal departments and agencies, and other First Nations, provincial or territorial governments as desired and appropriate (this may include purposes such as providing First Nation language programs and services in relation to education, health and the administration of justice, or furthering the purposes of the Act)

To be eligible for funding, you must be a First Nation organization within Canada. “First Nation organization”, refers to an organization owned and controlled by First Nation persons, including a First Nation-owned corporation or a First Nation-controlled non-profit organization, that directly delivers language revitalization services or that otherwise supports the delivery of language revitalization services. An eligible applicant may also include any of the following:

• First Nation government and equivalent organization, and its delegated authorities
• First Nation institution including accredited programs
• First Nation not-for-profit organization
• First Nation for profit organization, provided that the workplan activities for which you are requesting funding will not result in income generation for your sole benefit
• First Nations ad hoc groups that has formed to do a specific work plan

First Nation applicants applying to the Department of Canadian Heritage are required to:

• read the Interim Application Guidelines in its entirety for time-limited funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Act
• contact the Department of Canadian Heritage to request an application package and submit the required documentation.

For further information, contact information is available here.

Application deadline to the Department of Canadian Heritage:

• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years.
• Canadian Heritage will prioritize projects in relation to the funds available.
• Once all the funding is allocated, the program will not accept additional projects.

To find out more or to get involved please visit the National website at https://circlesforreconciliation.ca/ or for pre-registration information, visit https://circlesforreconciliation.ca/pre-registration-information/.

Are you an Indigenous graduate student studying at a BC institution? Submit a selfie of yourself outside, with a short description of yourself (community, institution, program, research interests, etc.) and enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to your institution’s bookstore! Must be a registered member of the BC NEIHR. Email bcneihr@uvic.ca for more details.

The Northern BC Indigenous Athlete Grants were created through a partnership between Engage Sport North, I·SPARC, and Local Rental Solutions to assist amateur athletes and teams, who are of Indigenous ancestry and residing in Northern British Columbia, in their pursuits in competitive sports. The purpose of the grants is to provide financial assistance to Indigenous athletes to travel and participate in competitive sport. Grants will be awarded to Indigenous athletes competing in any sport, however, individuals or teams benefiting from this grant program must operate or be located in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and/or any of the following Regional Districts; Central Coast, Cariboo, North Coast, Kitimat-Stikine, Builkley-Nechako, Fraser-Fort George and Peace River. This is a revolving grant and is reviewed every 8 to 12 weeks. For more information and to apply, click here.

The Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP) provides grants to increase access to full-spectrum doula services for Indigenous families residing in BC (on- and off-reserve). The DAFGP is offered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, First Nations Health Authority, and the BC Ministry of Health. The goal of the program is to increase healthy birth outcomes for Indigenous families by removing the cost barrier to accessing doula services. The grant program provides Indigenous families living in BC up to $1,000.00 (maximum) of coverage for full spectrum doula support with each pregnancy. For more information and to apply, click here.

The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC). SNIWWOC is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to the empowerment of women with food, art, and education. SNIWWOC operates from a holistic and integrative service model that addresses the social, cultural and political realities of women who identify as black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC). Headquartered in Victoria BC, they offer programs and services in BC, Alberta, and Ontario. Click here to learn more, access services and get involved!

IndigiNews is dedicated to covering the news in a way that allows for your stories to be heard, understood and respected. IndigiNews was created through a partnership between Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and The Discourse. The goal of this partnership is two-fold: first, to provide journalism that serves and is driven by what local communities say they want. Second, to experiment with new business models for digital local news that contribute to the long-term sustainability of independent Indigenous news in Canada. Click here to subscribe to the Indiginews Newsletter and/or to sign up for the email course. You can help decolonize the media by becoming an IndigiNews supporter, visit https://indiginews.com/support-us to donate today.

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