BC NEIHR June 1, 2023

Salmonberry can be found along the coast from Alaska to north western California. It is commonly found in shady areas in wet forests. In B.C. this plant is found in the Georgia Depression and Coast and Mountains ecoprovinces. Salmonberries ripen in May and June with anywhere from one to four flowers and berries on each short stem. https://sierraclub.bc.ca/salmonberry/

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

Watch this short and interactive learning module on steps toward allyship by Kalea Palmer. This video is intended to offer non-Indigenous people some foundational knowledge, including a list of resources, on allyship and starting one's journey.

Click here for the the accompanying worksheet. Visit the Resources page of our website to access these and other allyship and Indigenous cultural safety materials.

The BC NEIHR is excited to share our Podcast, Research DE-Colonized: Ethical, Indigenous-Led Health and Wellness Research in Canada!

Join BC NEIHR Indigenous Health Research Facilitator, Laura McNab-Coombs, as she connects 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 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.

S1E5 - In this episode, Laura sits down with Marion Erickson as they chat about her experiences conducting participatory action research to revitalize traditional Dakelh perinatal practices. Marion is the Research Manager at the Health Arts Research Centre at UNBC and a Masters of Education Candidate at Thompson Rivers University.

Research Funding

New! Pilot Project Grants valued up to $20,000 for Indigenous early career researchers in BC! Call for Applications now open!

In partnership with Health Research BC and the BC SUPPORT Unit, the new funding amounts offered by the BC NEIHR are up to $15,000 (one-year; non-renewable) and $20,000 (one-year; non-renewable) for Patient-Oriented Stream*. Funds can be used to cover costs associated with the following types of activities: 1) planning and executing pilot projects or feasibility studies to generate proof of concept and/or preliminary data; 2) development and/or validation of new Indigenous tools, methodologies, protocols, theoretical models or frameworks. For more information and the application materials, visit our website or email the Network Coordinator: bcneihr@uvic.ca. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2023.

New Personnel Awards for Indigenous Scholars. Heart & Stroke, along with Brain Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH), is excited to announce the launch of the Personnel Awards for Indigenous Scholars. These new awards aim to promote strategic growth in heart and brain health science with Indigenous communities by supporting Indigenous students to pursue their post graduate studies. For more information, click here. Competition closes September 1, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

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).

Indigenous scholarships & bursaries. Our scholarships and bursaries are available to Indigenous students from B.C. First Nations or are an Indigenous permanent resident of B.C. studying at an accredited post-secondary institution in a program that matches a career at BC Hydro.

Three different financial awards available:

• Memorial Award - One Randy Brant Memorial Award $8,000 is awarded to our top applicant, based on a combination of academic achievement, community involvement, and pursuit of a career at BC Hydro.
• Scholarships - $5000 scholarships are available to full-time students in degree, diploma, certificate, or technical/trades programs related to BC Hydro careers.
• Bursaries - $2000 bursaries are available to part-time students in degree, diploma, certificate, or technical/trades programs related to BC Hydro careers.

For more information, including a list of eligible areas of study, and application materials, click here. Deadline to apply: June 9, 2023.

The Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship Fund was established to honour the memory of the late Chief Joe Mathias, a hereditary and elected Chief of the Squamish Nation. It is the largest privately run Scholarship Fund in BC and with generous support in the past, we have been able to provide over 450 scholarships to over 350 students from over 100 First Nations in BC since the inception of the Fund in 2002. To learn more and apply, click here. Deadline: June 16, 2023, at 11:59PM (Pacific).

New Relationship Trust - Student Scholarship and Bursaries. The bursaries and scholarships program provides financial support to First Nation students to assist them in achieving success in their post-secondary journey. For more information and how to apply, click here. Deadline: August 1, 2023.

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.

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.

ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program. Our Indigenous Education Awards Program supports students from First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities who demonstrate a balanced lifestyle and commitment in their quest for education. The Merit, Bursary, Scholarship and Bridging Awards are available to select students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their school and community. For more information and to apply, click here. Deadline: August 15, 2023.

Indigenous Disability Canada’s Support for Indigenous Student Learning Program (SISLP) is a time-limited project for Indigenous students across Canada who have limited financial resources, including those students living with disabilities. The SISLP is accepting applications from students of any age enrolled in a Formal educational institution (either online, remote, or through on-site learning) to be considered to receive a laptop and other technology / equipment supports necessary to assist with their continued education and success. For more information and how to apply, click here. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until March 15th, 2024. Due to the limited funding and a high demand, it is recommend that applicants submit their completed application as early as possible. Please contact sislp@bcands.bc.ca if you need assistance with the application or have any questions.

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.

• 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.

• Events Coordinator. Reporting to the IACE Associate Director, the Events Coordinator is responsible for the planning, coordination, delivery and administration of IACE events. As the IACE Events Coordinator, the position will also participate in the planning, coordination and delivery of community and university events. This position is a key resource to campus staff providing provide advice and guidance on planning and coordination of Indigenous events, or Indigenous components of events, they are hosting. For more information and to apply, click here. Deadline: 4 pm, June 11, 2023.
• LE,NONET First Year Coordinator. LE,NONET is a holistic suite of programs and services (academic, financial, cultural and social) designed to support Indigenous student success. Building on this approach, the LE,NONET First Year Coordinator (Coordinator) provides academic preparation and student support by serving as the primary point of contact in IACE and the First Peoples House for first-year undergraduate Indigenous students from faculties and programs across the university. For more information and how to apply, click here. Ongoing until filled.

Current job opportunities at UBC’s Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication:

• Doctoral Writing Consultant – Summer Term. Urgently seeking one doctoral writing consultant for the summer term to join the CWSC team immediately. View the job posting here.
• Graduate Writing Consultant. Currently seeking applications for Winter Term Graduate Writing Consultants. View the job posting here. Posting End Date: June 23, 2023 (we conduct rolling interviews: to secure an interview, apply well before the posting deadline).

Indigenous Granting Advisory Coordinator. Tall Sky Consulting Group: On behalf of our client, the Victoria Foundation (Foundation), we have an exciting opportunity for an Indigenous Granting Advisory Coordinator in Victoria, BC, to play a key role in a new Indigenous Granting Advisory (Advisory) pilot initiative. This Advisory is made up of Indigenous people with the purpose of envisioning, creating, and putting into practice an Indigenous-led way of granting funds to local Nations and Indigenous community organizations. The pilot will be carried out in a spirit of sharing and learning between the Advisory and the Foundation.

In this part-time, contract role, the Indigenous Granting Advisory Coordinator will work closely with the Foundation’s Strategic Initiatives team and the Advisory. The Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the Advisory in reviewing and assessing grant applications based on community needs and priorities, and for managing all planning, administrative, communication and implementation aspects of the pilot. Remote or Hybrid in Victoria, BC. For more information and how to apply, click here. This opportunity will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

• 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.

• 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

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Each week will be dedicated to a different theme to highlight specific aspects of Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives. Explore learning resources on each theme:

• June 1 to 6: Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• June 5 to 11: Environment, traditional knowledge and territory
• June 10 to 18: Children and youth
• June 19 to 25: Languages, cultures and arts
• June 26 to 30: Reconciliation

To learn more about National Indigenous History Month and how you can participate, click here. Find listings for events happening throughout the month, and creative sector resources from BC Creates, here.

Happy Pride! June 1st marks the beginning of Pride season here in Canada. Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ2+ people and culture. It also serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come with respect to LGBTQ2S+ rights, as well as the work that still needs to be done. With many fun and exciting Pride events happening across Canada, now is a great time to practice good allyship, and show support for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Here are just a few ways you can be an ally to your LGBTQ2S+ friends, family members, neighbours, and coworkers:

• Show your support visibly, for example by placing a pride sticker in your window
• Speak up and offer a different perspective if you hear someone making homophobic or transphobic remarks
• Ask someone’s preferred name and pronouns – if you’re not sure, it’s okay to ask!

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Learn more about the history here.

Jun 8, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm PDT - Exploring Patient Health Complexity Among Indigenous Peoples. Presented by the Indigenous Primary Health Care & Policy Research Network (IPHCPR). Register for this free, online event on eventbrite.

June 15, 2023 | 10 - 11:30 am PST (1 pm - 2:30 pm EST) - Honouring Indigenous Climate Leadership: a roundtable discussion showcasing Indigenous-led research and policy responding to climate change. To amplify and centre Indigenous voices at the cutting-edge of climate research and policy, the Canadian Climate Institute, in partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, will host a roundtable discussion with the authors of three new case studies in our Indigenous Perspectives series. These case studies showcase the work of Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Holders, water protectors, and community members. The discussion will highlight how Indigenous self-determination and knowledge are integral to designing effective regional, provincial, territorial, and national climate policies. Register here.

Jun 20, 2023 | 12:00 pm PT - Weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being in Palliative Care. We are honoured to have speakers from Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Ćećǝwǝt Lelǝm “Helping House” and Vancouver Coastal Health’s North Shore Palliative Care Program join us in circle. This session will discuss how to recognize and overcome barriers to palliative care for Indigenous People, what decolonizing palliative care means and the role of traditional values. The Indigenous Health Round is open to healthcare providers, allied healthcare professionals, Indigenous Traditional Practitioners, health administrators, health policy makers, healthcare workers, and affiliated faculty, staff, and students. For more information, visit the iCON website. For Zoom registration, click here. If you have any questions or difficulties registering, please contact the iCON Project team: icon.support@ubc.ca. This event is organized by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Indigenous Health and UBC interCultural Online Health Network (iCON), Department of Emergency Medicine.

June 21, 2023 | National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learn more here.

Indigenous Tourism BC has a list of National Indigenous Peoples Day Events happening throughout BC and other resources available here.

Peacemakers Gathering: June 24-28, 2023 | Vancouver Island, BC. Peacemakers have gathered in different regions of the globe to work together in a walk towards a middle road for Restorative Justice. This gathering aims to bring peacemakers together to find healing, community and knowledge sharing around the peacemaking process. During 4 days (June 24th-28th), we’ll go through a deep healing-transformative process inspired by Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers from different traditions and ways of knowing.

This year we are gathering in Kowutzun territories (Cowichan Valley). In the spirit of union and respect for the land and its ancestors and Q’ushintul principles (Walking together), this year we’ll also join Q’ushintul Ancestral Walk, organized by Elder Qwiyahulthw’s (Robert George) and his team, when we finish the gathering.

Ancestors Walk: June 29 - July 2, 2023 | Vancouver Island, BC. Prior to colonization, the Kowutzun villages and peoples were united by the same origin story. This story inspired Elder Qwiyahulthw to re-imagine the walking route that our ancestors might have walked thousands of years ago between all of these places.

During 4 days (June 29th to July 2nd), we will walk this path together. Walking together is the ancestral way to connect with the land, with each other, with our ancestors and with the culture of the land. This is a land-based spiritual journey open to everyone who want to take part. Learn more here.

July 17 - July 21, 2023 - Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) Indigenous Youth Career Camp. A day camp for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) youth ages 15 to 20. The camp promotes interest in careers in justice, public safety, and health care through applied education, cultural experiences and connections, and engagements with a wide range of community partners at multiple JIBC campuses. The camp provides opportunities to meet new friends from across British Columbia, connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, have fun, and learn in a culturally safe and supportive environment. For more information and to apply, click here. Apply by June 16, 2023.

July 26-28, 2023 - Indigenous MD Admissions Workshop. If you are thinking about pursuing a future in medicine, this is a unique opportunity to learn how UBC can support you in your studies and connect with an inclusive, caring community of medical practitioners, students, and faculty.

The annual pre-admissions workshop for Indigenous pre-med students isn’t just for those who are attending university — it’s also for students in grades 11 and 12 who want to explore what it means to attend university and embark on a journey to becoming a healthcare professional.

The 2023 Indigenous MD Admissions Workshop will be held in person in Victoria, BC. If public health guidelines change and we are not able to hold the workshop in person, we will switch to a virtual gathering. Indigenous MD Admissions Workshop 2023 Application Form. The application deadline is Friday, July 14, 2023.

We are in the planning stages of hosting workshops in Prince George and Kelowna in September 2023. If you’d like to be on a mailing list to receive further information on these sessions, please e-mail outreach.md@ubc.ca and we will send you more information in the coming months!

Call for Papers and Unique Opportunities

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.

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, click here.

The Indigenous Youth, Art and Water Initiative. This initiative is the first phase of the Indigenous Water Allyship, a meaningful partnership between the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), the One Drop Foundation and partners from the private sector to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada by helping to improve living conditions and health through water and art. The Indigenous Youth, Art and Water Initiative offers technical assistance and financial support of up to $50,000 for organizations interested or actively engaged in social art projects addressing water issues by Indigenous communities and collaborators. For more information on this opportunity, visit https://yourcier.org/indigenous-youth-water-art-initiative/ or contact: rterbasket@yourcier.org or tmckay@yourcier.org. Submit your application by June 11, 2023!

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.

• 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.
• 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.

The Canada Council for the Arts champions and invests in artistic excellence through grants, services, prizes and payments to professional Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations. For a list of all available grants, click here.

Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This program supports Indigenous individuals, groups, Indigenous-led arts organizations and arts/cultural sector development organizations that foster a vital and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem. Program Components:

• Travel - grants support travel costs to attend significant events within Canada or abroad that advance your professional development, enable you or the artists you represent to access new markets or build national and international presence. Deadline: Any time before your departure date.
• Small-Scale Activities - funds activities that will advance your artistic career or practice. Deadline: Any time before the start date of your project.
• Short-Term Projects - grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months. Deadlines: June 14, September 20, December 13, 2023 and March 20, 2024.
• Long Term Projects - grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting more than 1 year, up to 3 years. Deadline: June 14, 2023.
• Indigenous Organizations - grants support the exploration of innovative strategies for Indigenous creative and cultural expression, and related administrative activities. Deadline: September 20, 2023.

• Individual Arts Grants: Media Artists - assists independent media artists with the creation of specific projects. Projects and works must be independent of commercial industries for film, video, and gaming. Deadline: June 23, 2023.
• Early Career Development - supports immersive and highly impactful opportunities, with measurable outcomes, for emerging and early career practitioners. Deadline: June 23, 2023.
• Professional Development grants - assist professional artists, cultural practitioners, production and technical personnel, and arts administrators with specific, short-term learning activities or opportunities to advance their practice or career. Activities should lead to clearly articulated learning or career outcomes, goals, or objectives. Deadline: August 31, 2023.
• All BC Arts Council Grant Programs.

• Call for Submissions - First Nations Photographers and Carvers. The FNHA invites aspiring photographers and carvers from First Nations in British Columbia to submit their works for possible display in FNHA buildings and publications. More information is available here. Submissions are due: Friday, June 16, 2023,​ at 5:00 pm.
• 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.

Community Gaming Grants - provide $140 million annually to not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C., to support their delivery of ongoing programs and services that meet the needs of their communities. For more information about these grants, including eligibility criteria, grant amounts, how and when to apply and more, click here.

• Public Safety - Organizations within this sector deliver programs that enhance and support the safety of the community. Apply between July 1 and August 31.
• Environment - Organizations within this sector deliver programs that revitalize, protect or provide education about British Columbia’s ecosystems and environment or that address animal welfare. Programs that primarily support research, lobbying or political action are not eligible. Apply between July 1 and August 31.
• Human and Social Services - Organizations within this sector deliver programs that improve the quality of life in a community by supporting the wellbeing of children, youth, families and/ or seniors; by addressing equality issues (e.g., gender, LGBTQ2S+, race, etc.); by addressing the unmet needs of under-served groups; or, by providing public outreach and education regarding important social issues. Apply between August 1 and November 30.

The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund offers grants up to $50,000 for Indigenous-led social, health and community programs. To find out more and apply, click here. Closes on October 13 at 23:59 (local time).

New Relationship Trust offers a range of funding initiatives supporting First Nation communities, organizations, and individuals through their journey towards greater self-sufficiency. Click here for an overview of all funding programs.

• Nation Building Grants - the Nation Building program provides multi-year funding opportunities to First Nations and Tribal Councils in British Columbia to support their nation building activities according to their self-determined priorities. A project or initiative meant to strengthen the institutional, governance, and community capacities in reclaiming and rebuilding resiliency, self-determination, and sovereignty, within each Nation’s own context is considered an eligible project. Deadline: Dec 1, 2023.
• Youth Grants - the Youth Grant program provides funding opportunities to youth groups in First Nation communities in British Columbia to support inclusiveness, belonging, physical and mental well-being, cultural, traditional, creative, and entrepreneurial activities all geared toward giving First Nation youth the tools, experiences, confidence, motivation, and teachings to be secure in their First Nation identity. Deadline: Dec 1, 2023.
• Elder Grants - the Elder Grant program provides funding opportunities to elder groups in First Nation communities in British Columbia to improve access and the quality of elder experiences and activities for maintaining inclusion, belonging, cultural, emotional, mobility, health, and physical well-being. Deadline: Dec 1, 2023.
• Language Grants - the Language Grant program provides funding opportunities to First Nation communities in British Columbia for initiatives that revitalize First Nation languages and supports activities that build capacity to encourage and create new fluent speakers. Deadline: Dec 1, 2023.

• Interim Applications for time-limited funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act 2023-2025. 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 and First Nations governed initiatives in collaboration with federal departments and agencies, and other First Nations, provincial or territorial governments as desired and appropriate. 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. 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 and contact the Department of Canadian Heritage to request an application package and submit the required documentation. For how to apply and contact information, click here. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years.
• Legacy Fund – Building Communities through Arts and Heritage. Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Legacy Fund component provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. For more information and how to apply, click here. Application deadline: Projects must be submitted before the anniversary date of the event or personality to be commemorated.

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!

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.

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/.

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