Traditional Wellness Harm Reduction Grants now open for applications
Press Release
Applications for up to $20,000 in funding are open until April 3.
With the public health toxic drug emergency in British Columbia (BC) continuing to disproportionately affect First Nations people, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is renewing support for innovative, community-based and grassroots harm reduction initiatives. We have heard from communities the importance of grounding harm reduction in culture and traditional wellness and to create space for intergenerational healing.
For this 2026/27 funding cycle, grants of up to $20,000 are available for community-led harm reduction initiatives that increase access to, and inclusion in, cultural activities. We know that culture is medicine and cultural connection builds strength and resilience for all First Nations people.
First Nations-led harm reduction goes beyond keeping people safer while using. The FNHA harm reduction approach is grounded in relationships, cultural connection and community care. This approach supports access to ancestral knowledge, land-based healing, ceremony and other community-led pathways to wellness. By meeting people where they’re at and creating space for identity, belonging and transformation, these initiatives strengthen connection, healing and community wellbeing.
Who can apply
We accept funding applications from First Nations communities, First Nation Health Service Organizations, and Friendship Centers that are engaged in direct health service delivery to First Nations in BC.
Eligible organizations may apply for up to $20,000 in funding to support First Nations-led harm reduction and wellness initiatives that engage youth, adults and Elders impacted by the toxic drug public health emergency. Initiatives should explore strengthening connections to culture, healing, identity, and supporting wholistic well-being. Communities looking to expand education around harm reduction practices and include people who use substances to reconnect to culture are encouraged to apply.
What the grants support
Eligible initiatives must:
- Demonstrate alignment to traditional cultural teachings and harm reduction practices that support individual and community wellness, including ceremonies, language-based activities, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the guidance of Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and Youths.Examples: Ceremonies, cultural workshops, storytelling, language activities, traditional medicine practices, and youth and/or Elder-led teachings circles.
- Contribute to regalia, cultural tools and cultural creation that enable continuation and revitalization of cultural identity and practices along with opportunities to engage in healing for people who are impacted by the toxic drug public health emergency.Examples: Creation, repair and use of regalia; drum‑making, carving, weaving and other cultural item development needed for ceremonies and cultural events.
- Integrate land‑based wellness and on-the-land activities that strengthen and promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing for those who are impacted by the toxic drug public health emergency.Examples: Camps, seasonal harvesting, medicine gathering, canoeing, traditional food practices and community land-based gatherings.
- Integrate infrastructure supporting cultural wellness and harm reduction activities that includes the development and enhancement of facilities, shelters or spaces that enable the delivery of traditional wellness programs to support space for healing from the toxic drug public health emergency.Examples: Wellness spaces, outdoor cultural areas, shelters, fire pits, equipment for on-the-land programs, ceremonial supplies, and tools or technology.
How to apply
Applications open March 6, 2026 and close April 3, 2026.
All funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
To apply, please complete the application form. For support, questions, or issues with your application, please contact hrgrants@fnha.ca
FNHA recognizes the historical and ongoing systemic barriers that cause harm to First Nations people. These harmful colonial policies and practices have disrupted the health and well-being of our communities along with increased stigma and shame experienced by First Nation people who use substances and their families. FNHA is committed to fostering culturally safe options for healing and recognizes that culture and connection bring strength to people and communities impacted by the toxic drug public health emergency.
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