FUNDING AND RESOURCES

Funding

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Youth Empowered Speakers Program. Deadline February 8, 2021. The FPCC Youth Empowered Speakers (YES) Program is for B.C. First Nations youth between the ages of 18-30 who want to become fluent in their language while pursuing a career in language revitalization. The program provides training, paid work internships and funding for education and living allowance, in addition to mentor-apprentice language learning. We are currently only accepting applications for the Language Immersion Teacher stream – for students enrolled in a Bachelor of Education Program. FPCC has funding available for post-secondary tuition, living expenses and language mentorship for B.C. First Nations youth who are pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. Up to $36,400 per year is available for eligible B.C. First Nations students who are interested in becoming Language Immersion Teachers.

 

The Jacobs Research Funds. Deadline February 15, 2021. The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) and the Kinkade Language and Culture Fund (KLF) are sister organizations that fund linguistic and anthropological research on aboriginal peoples of North and South America. The JRF accepts proposals on behalf of both organizations. Priority is given to research on the Pacific Northwest. Grants are only for studying aboriginal languages and cultures of the Americas. There are three categories of grants, with funding limits tied to the US dollar ($3,000, $6,000, and $9,000 USD). Allowed expenses include consultants, research assistants, travel, accommodation, equipment.

 

Project Assistance: Pivot for Individuals. (BC Arts Council). Deadline February 16, 2021. The Pivot for Individuals program assists professional artists, cultural practitioners, and arts administrators to adapt and transition their practice in response to changes in the arts and culture sector or undertake learning activities to sustain or advance their career. Funding is available up to $12,000. The program has two grant categories: Category 1: Adaptation and Transition and Professional Development.

 

Arts Micro Grant. (FPCC). Deadline February 28, 2021. This program provides funding to enable artists and performers to take advantage of unexpected opportunities where artists would not be able to otherwise participate. For example, funding through this grant can be used to support an art show, travel or regalia for a performance. The grant allows artists and collectives to respond to new approaches, reduces barriers to opportunities and advances the artist’s skills, knowledge and professional development. Grant amounts are awarded up to $1,000.

 

The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Program. Deadline March 31, 2021 or until funds are allocated. This BC Government program provides fully funded grants to businesses to ensure they have the support they need during and beyond COVID-19. Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available to small and medium sized B.C. businesses impacted by COVID-19. An additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses. The first step is to apply for funding online. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to develop a recovery plan. Professional service providers are available to help businesses with the recovery plan as needed. More information is available in the application. Once your recovery plan is submitted and reviewed, approved businesses will receive grant funding for their plan.

 

Language Technology Program (FPCC). Deadline April 5, 2021. This program provides up to $180,000 in funding, technology and training to communities to support language revitalization using technology. This program combines the FirstVoices Program and Digitization Grants Initiative to offer funding and training to First Nations communities, governments, bands and tribal councils, and Indigenous organizations in B.C. Up to $80,000 is available for FirstVoices projects and up to $100,000 is available for digitization projects. Projects with smaller budgets are encouraged to apply. Projects must be implemented between July 2021 and June 2022.

 

Reclaiming My Language (FPCC). Deadline May 31, 2021. Reclaiming My Language: A Course For Silent Speakers is an Indigenous-developed program to support Silent Speakers to reclaim their language and begin speaking again.vThis program is based on a successful initiative developed in Norway and Sweden by and for the Indigenous Sami peoples. First Peoples’ Cultural Council adapted the program through pilots with First Nations communities in British Columbia. The course uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and supports silent speakers with tools and coaching to move forward in a good way and reclaim their language! FPCC staff will help you prepare your grant submission and offers ongoing support with this program. We provide course materials and workbooks and up to $25,000 so communities can deliver the program.

 

BC Arts Council Grant Programs. The BC Arts Council has MANY programs with intakes throughout the year. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/program

 

Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (FNHA). ICHAP funds climate action projects that are community-driven and focus on health and wellness outcomes. Projects can have community, sub- regional or regional reach. These projects aim to strengthen First Nations climate leadership in BC. Projects can focus on climate health in general or on developing a strategy or action plan to reduce climate change impacts on community health. Some examples of focus areas include: Food Security and Food Sovereignty, Access to the Land, Mental Health, Traditional Medicine, Traditional Harvesting, Water Quality and Quantity. Applicants are encouraged to seek supplementary sources of funding, including in-kind or donations from community members or project partners. Up to $100,000 is available per year per project from ICHAP, but a higher amount can be considered for larger sub-regional partnerships. Funding is currently available for up to 18 months. The funded project components have to be completed by March 31, 2022. The FNHA's Environmental Public Health Services team is hosting upcoming Webinars, Indigenous Climate Health Action: How to Adapt, Plan and Inspire.

 

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. No deadline – ongoing. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces. The CCSF annual grants and contributions budget is $54 million for the period 2018-2028.

 

Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples. Please refer to the Canada Council website for the programs that are currently open: https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/creating-knowing-sharing. Check out other available Canada Council grants and their deadlines: https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/deadlines

 

National Creation Fund. No Deadline. The National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund invests up to $3 million a year in the development of 15 to 20 compelling and ambitious new Canadian works in theatre, dance, music and inter-disciplinary performing arts. Fuelled entirely by donors, the Fund provides Canadian artists with the additional time, space and resources they need to create great work. The Fund invests in both new work, and in promising productions that need additional development after their initial run to produce stronger, more polished work that will be remounted and toured across Canada and around the world.

 

Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships (ACBTP) and Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund (ISTDF). The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training (AEST) delivers two programs that provide funding to Indigenous communities (Communities) to access skills training and post-secondary education leading to employment, self-employment or further education.

  • Please contact AEST staff to obtain more information on criteria and how to apply. By email: AEST.IndigenousPrograms@gov.bc.ca or by phone: Yavhel 250-216-4701; Delphine 250-516-3159 or Michael (236) 638-3507

 

Movable Cultural Property Grants. (Government of Canada). No Deadline. Movable Cultural Property Grants help designated organizations acquire cultural property of outstanding significance and national importance to Canada, as outlined in the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. Designated organizations are located in Canada and demonstrate the ability to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural property. Grants can be used to purchase cultural property: for which an export permit has been denied; or that is important to Canada’s national heritage and available for purchase outside the country.

 

Listen, Hear Our Voices (Library and Archives Canada) offers free services to help digitize and preserve Indigenous culture and language recordings. The initiative is open to Indigenous organizations, individuals, collectors and creators. Listen, Hear Our Voices is not an acquisition project. There is no transfer of ownership, copyright, or intellectual property with this service. All rights remain with you.

 

Mental Health & Wellness Funding. The First Nations Health Authority, the Province and Canada have each committed $10 million dollars over two years (2019-2021) to support First Nations communities and Nations to come together to plan, design and deliver initiatives in support of the social determinants of mental health and wellness. The funding approach recognizes that each community and Nation is at a different place on their journey to health and wellness. To learn more and how to apply, visit: https://www.fnha.ca/about/work-with-us/funding-opportunities

 

Elders Grants. Open Until Funds Exhausted. The New Relationship Trust (NRT) Elders Grant Initiative is available to all BC First Nation Elders groups at the community level. Priority will be given to Elders Groups. The maximum amount available is $2,500 per Elders group or First Nation/community/organization.

 

BC First Nation Youth Language Grant Initiative. Open until Funds Exhausted. The New Relationship Trust (NRT) recognizes the importance of revitalizing British Columbia (BC) First Nations languages and has identified Youth Language funding as a strategic priority. Preservation and restoration of First Nations languages is integral to cultural identity. NRT will begin to accept completed applications on June 15, 2020 until funds are exhausted. The maximum amount available is $4,000 per First Nations youth language projects.

 

Domestic Motion Picture Fund. Recently announced and will be administered by Creative BC. First phase will involve a thorough industry consultation Process. Please visit the website to learn more.

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Covid-19 Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On-line Connections During the Covid-19 Pandemic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • British Columbia’s online directory of province’s rich arts, culture, museum, and heritage sector

 

 

 

 

  • Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture: http://www.metismuseum.ca/

 

 

 

Events
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  • National Indigenous Languages Day. March 31, 2021.

 

 

 

 

  • Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.

 

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Announcements

 

MNBC is proud to announce “Kaa-Wiichihitoyaahk – We Take Care of Each Other”, the first of its kind Métis perspective on cultural wellness. From the back cover “If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Métis people and culture, this book is for you. Kaa-wiichihitoyaahk introduces readers to Métis identity, history and culture, written from the perspectives and experiences of Métis people. Through personal stories, vivid images and engaging explanations, readers will learn about Métis culture and what it means to be culturally well. The guide describes how to promote cultural wellness by understanding and acknowledging the distinct identity of Métis people. Kaa-wiichihitoyaahk journeys from the past to the present to honor and celebrate the strength and resiliency of Métis people and culture.” For more information, visit: https://mailchi.mp/9f290f581d13/cultural-wellness-guide

 

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council is celebrating 30 years! Check out their video: https://twitter.com/_FPCC/status/1349797051786174465 and read their report: https://fpcc.ca/stories/fpcc-celebrates-30-years/

 

Virtual Order of Canada Ceremony (from December 15, 2020). Watch Dr. Lorna Williams was appointed to the Order of Canada (Officer) on December 28, 2019 for her contributions to Indigenous education and for her advocacy of Indigenous language revitalization programs. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. Presented by the governor general, the Order honours people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations, and whose compassion unites our communities. Listen to Lorna on North by Northwest: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-43-north-by-northwest. Congratulations Dr. Lorna Williams!

 

Creating Interactive Exhibits and Programming with Makey Makey and Scratch. (BCMA). Workshop Series starting January 21, 2021.

 

 

Job Postings

 

Culture, Heritage and Language Manager. Métis Nation BC. Open until filled.

 

Métis Culture, Heritage and Language Coordinator. Métis Nation BC. Open until filled.

 

Program Coordinator, Practicum Placements. Deadline January 22, 2021. University of Victoria. Indigenous Education.

 

Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator. Deadline January 29, 2021. University of Victoria. Indigenous Education.

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Opportunities
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Online Exhibition Proposals. Deadline January 30, 2021. The Portrait Gallery of Canada (PGC) is seeking exhibition proposals from curators who live in Canada and who have experience developing and presenting online exhibitions. We invite proposals for solo or group exhibitions of portraits created in any media by Indigenous and/or Canadian artists. At this time, the PGC is not in a position to commission new work from artists. However, curators may propose works from a variety of Canadian collections, including artist, artist’s estate, and public or private collections. The proposals can include historical and/or contemporary works.

 

Room Magazine. Submissions are OPEN for Issue 44.3 of Indigenous Brilliance. Deadline January 31, 2021. We invite unpublished writing to our new issue of Indigenous Brilliance. 44.3 encourages writing, visual art, as well as diverse non-literary art forms to be submitted. http://roommagazine.com/indigenous-brilliance

 

Indigenous Radio Documentary Series. Deadline February 7, 2021. CFUV 101.9 FM invites pitches for our upcoming Indigenous Radio Documentary Project. This project is designed to hold space for Indigenous storytellers to create a radio documentary exploring Indigeneity, Indigenous politics, language, culture, issues, and/or stories. We use the broad term Indigenous as an encompassing term for First Nations, Metis and Inuit identifying people residing on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen and SENĆOŦEN speaking people now known as the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ, located within the Capital Regional District (CRD) of Southern Vancouver Island, BC. The Indigenous Radio Documentary Project aims to create a platform for creatives to explore Indigenous identity, thought, and experience.

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International Decade of Indigenous Languages

 

UNESCO is launching an online survey (Deadline is February 1, 2021) for the preparation of the Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032). All stakeholders are invited to submit their comments by December 11, 2020. The online survey, available in English, French and Spanish, will facilitate a global consultative process for the drafting of the Global Action Plan and set a path for a decade of action for indigenous languages and their users.

 

The preparation of the Global Action Plan for the IDIL 2022-2032 is an immediate response to the implementation of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/74/135). The IDIL 2022-2032 is one of the key outcomes of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019). One of the first steps in the preparatory process for the organization of the International Decade is the preparation of a Global Action Plan to ensure international cooperation and a joint and well-coordinated action at all levels. The IDIL 2022-2032 is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of indigenous languages for sustainable development, peace-building and reconciliation in our societies, as well as to mobilize stakeholders and resources around the world to support and promote indigenous languages worldwide. For more information visit: https://en.unesco.org/news/be-part-strategic-planning

 

 

Federal Indigenous Languages Act: December 8, 2020 Update

 

The appointment opportunity for the first Indigenous Languages Commissioner and Directors has now been posted. The implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act, an act supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages, is a priority for the Government of Canada. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced today that the Notice of Appointment Opportunity, which solicits applications to fill the positions of (1) Commissioner and (up to 3) Directors of Indigenous Languages, has been posted on the Governor in Council Appointments website.

 

The Commissioner and the Directors will work with Indigenous Peoples and their respective governments; other governing bodies, communities and organizations; the governments of Canada and the provinces and territories; and all Canadians to support the self-determined work of Indigenous peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages.

 

The Commissioner, who will be supported by up to three Directors, will act as a champion for Indigenous languages by leading the independent Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.

 

To fulfill this role, qualified candidates must have the knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities, cultures and the languages and dialects associated with them, including an understanding of language vitality and endangerment. Candidates should also have experience in a senior leadership role in the private, public or not-for-profit sector. A detailed description of education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required for the positions is provided in the Notice.

 

The Government of Canada is committed to an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process. A modified selection committee which includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation representatives has been established to review applications and recommend candidates for appointment based on the key responsibilities of the Commissioner and Directors as stated in the Act, and to ensure the selection of the Commissioner and Directors is directly informed by Indigenous perspectives.

 

The Notice reflects what we heard through not only the most recent consultations but also what we heard during the engagement on the development of the Act. It also reflects ongoing work with our Indigenous partners. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications. Apply now! Review of applications will begin January 25, 2021. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made.

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Resources

 

  • Virtual & at Home Language Revitalization Program Ideas. A new resource from FPCC. During this time, the health and safety of all FPCC program participants, especially our Elders, is important to us. FPCC understands that programs need to be adjusted during this pandemic and we developed this resource to help you modify your program and keep your community safe. This guide provides program ideas and practices to safely continue language revitalization work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual & at Home Language Revitalization Program Ideas includes:

  • Ways to connect with Elders and the community through technology.

  • How to take an inventory of existing audio and video archives.

  • Ways to digitize audio, video, and print materials in your language.

  • How to create new materials to support language learners, such as exercises, lessons and games.

  • Ways to stay connected with your community through social media.

  • How to start a new language revitalization project in your community.

 

  • Indigitization Program Videos: You can now watch our Indigitization Futures Forum videos broken down by speaker - so now you only need about fifteen minutes to learn more about digitization and language preservation.

 

  • NEȾOLṈEW̱ Indigenous Language Learning Atlas. NILLA provides an online space for Indigenous communities, advocates, researchers, and allies to engage and exchange knowledge, and to share their own and learn about others’ successful language learning strategies within Canada.

 

  • Languagegeek. Languagegeek provides free fonts and free keyboard layouts which try to cover all of the characters (alphabetical letters/Syllabics) necessary for writing Native languages. Language geek is a partner of FirstVoices.

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Media

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Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council Vancouver Island 

8017 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, BC VOR 1K5
p: (250) 324-1800 | tf : 888-382-7711

Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council Delta Office

330-6165 Highway 17A Delta, BC V4K 5B8

p: (604) 943-6712 | tf: 888-382-7711