Cultural Practices Grant

The Cultural Practices Grant (CPG) supports B.C. First Nations in planning, carrying out and documenting community-based cultural practices and events. The project goals affirm identities, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate the roles, relationships and responsibilities within a community.  

This grant was made possible because of the advocacy and leadership of an Indigenous matriarch, knowledge keeper and leader in B.C. who provided recommendations for funding to support this important work in B.C. First Nation communities.   

Activities and practices supported through this grant may include: 

• Celebrations honouring children and youth  
• Seasonal and celestial activities and events 
• Celebrations honouring people who hold important roles within their communities  
• Events that bring community members together to affirm and strengthen relationships, cultural identities and responsibilities  
• Knowledge gathering and transfer, including documenting cultural practices and events  
• Reawakening of cultural places and the traditions associated with them, and other culturally important practices that are held by communities

These activities may be cultural practices continuously carried out over generations, as well as “sleeping” practices that a community wants to reawaken. Studies have shown that strong connections to culture and language result in improved health and wellness in First Nations communities. The reawakening of these traditions is one way that B.C. First Nations are taking action against the gender-based violence that disproportionately affects Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people.  

The Cultural Practices Grant is funded by the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation through a Canada-British Columbia bilateral agreement as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Support for the Cultural Practices Grant furthers the ongoing work under Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan.

Note: Projects funded through the CPG must include a training and/or mentorship component. This supports the grant objectives of revitalizing and strengthening cultural practices and facilitating intergenerational knowledge transfer. 

Eligibility
The FPCC Heritage Program supports projects by B.C. First Nations and B.C. First Nations-led organizations as per our legislated mandate. FPCC requires at least 65% of an organization’s board members/directors be individuals who are members of or have ancestral connections to a B.C. First Nation as they are the rightful stewards of their cultural heritage and are best equipped to lead the important work of protecting, sharing and revitalizing B.C. First Nations Heritage on these lands.

Recognized B.C. First Nations and B.C.-based First Nations organizations that have a mandate or focus that includes First Nations’ heritage. Eligible applicants include:   

• Recognized B.C. First Nations bands or Tribal Councils 
• Not-for-profit societies registered in B.C. in good standing and governed by B.C. First Nations individuals where at least 65% of directors are from recognized B.C. First Nations  
• B.C. First Nations-led museums and cultural spaces where at least 65% of directors are from recognized B.C. First Nations  
• Urban and off-reserve B.C. First Nations organizations where at least 65% of directors are from recognized B.C. First Nations  
• B.C. First Nations schools or adult education centres operating in B.C. on First Nations lands. Please note that applications from First Nations schools that serve one community must be submitted through their respective Nation or Band Office. 

Additional heritage funding may be accessed through Heritage BC, Department of Canadian Heritage, Vancouver Foundation, Telus Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact cpg@fpcc.ca. If you have questions about registering your organization as a society, please see this resource with information on how to form a society in B.C. (Please note: This document is for reference only, FPCC is unable to provide advice on setting up a society.)

How to Apply    
Applications are received through the FPCC Grant Portal.  Prior to applying, please read the two sets of guidelines below. The guidelines are optimized for accessibility purposes.  

If you are unsure if your community or heritage organization is eligible or you have questions about accessing cultural practices funding, please contact us at cpg@fpcc.ca.

Applications may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. PT December 12, 2025. 

Info Session 
To support 2026 applicants, we will be hosting an online information webinar on 
November 20, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. PT. The session provides the opportunity to ask questions and review how to fill out the application with FPCC staff. Please register in advance using the button below.  This document is optimized for accessibility purposes.

Please help raise awareness about this opportunity by sharing our poster. 

Additional Resources

Page image: Secwépemc Cultural Regalia – Julie Elizabeth Photography

Program Contact

Elsie Joe

Elsie is Nlaka’pamux from the Community of Lower Nicola. She has experience working in art galleries and museums, and holds an educational background in visual arts, linguistics, and Indigenous languages. She’s passionate about weaving together art, language, and cultural practice to tell stories that honour community and spark connection.

Email Elsie