Over a dozen Indigenous communities across BC are undertaking projects to support health and well-being planning after being receiving funding and in-kind supports by PlanH, a partnership of BC Healthy Communities Society and the Ministry of Health.
The Health and Wellness Grant for Indigenous Communities marks the first PlanH health and well-being grant specifically for Indigenous communities. In developing and promoting the grant, BC Healthy Communities Society collaborated with a number of Indigenous-focused health and community organizations, including First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation British Columbia.
Communities have received up to $8,500 for their projects with $85,000 provided through the Ministry of Health and $16,800 provided through the BC Physical Activity Strategy, which is overseen by BC Alliance for Healthy Living. These projects aim to support health and well-being planning to benefit all community members. Reflecting the wide range of healthy community ideas in Indigenous communities across the province, the projects cover a wide range of topic areas—from reconnecting youth and Elders through cultural practices, to incorporating wellness considerations into community planning, to exploring housing issues.
Participating Communities
Boston Bar First Nation
Boundary Métis Community Association
Chawathil First Nation
Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre
Ki Low Na Friendship Society
Lil’wat Nation
Mid Island Métis Nation
Neskonlith Band
Nuchatlaht First Nation
Skwah First Nation
Soda Creek Indian Band
Xa’xtsa First Nation
Yale First Nation
Yekooche First Nation
Unlike most funding programs, PlanH grants provide both financial awards and consulting support from BC Healthy Communities staff, who collaborate with partner communities on any aspects of process, planning, policy and partnership needed to help ensure projects have maximum impact within the community.
“We are honoured to help support the incredible work that is happening in Indigenous communities across the province. These communities have great ideas for improving health and well-being, and the funding will support them to build on their strengths,” says Victoria Barr, Program Manager at BC Healthy Communities Society.
About the PlanH program
The PlanH program offers supports to local governments, health authorities and other partners to create healthier communities across the province, supporting partnerships across sectors, facilitating collaborative local action, and providing learning opportunities, resources and consultation.
For more information on resources and upcoming funding opportunities to support your community in planning for health and well-being, sign up for our PlanH eNews or explore our website at PlanH.ca.
