The Pathways to Language Vitality (Pathways) Program provides funding and support for community-led projects that revitalize First Nations languages in B.C. and help create fluent speakers.
Pathways was launched in 2020, in response to community feedback. It combines four previously separate funding streams: the B.C. Language Initiative, Indigenous Language Grants, Language Nest Program and Language Gathering & Sharing Grants. Pathways creates the opportunity for communities to implement multiple connected projects in a coordinated way, leading to greater outcomes.
Pathways is available for First Nations governments and Indigenous organizations located in B.C. Examples of eligible community-led projects include: adult language immersion, language nests, language documentation, development of resources and materials, language planning and community engagement.
Rise, Roots and Grow Funding
Pathways offers three types of funding: Rise, Roots and Grow. Indigenous languages are deeply tied to the land. The Rise, Roots and Grow funding model reflects cycles of growth and the flourishing potential and developing spirit of language revitalization work within communities.
- Rise – (up to $100,000) for organizations with up to two years of experience receiving FPCC language grants. These applicants are building stewardship practices for long-term language revitalization growth. This category includes funding for new applicants.
- Roots – (up to $175,000) for organizations with up to four years of experience receiving FPCC language grants. These applicants have absorbed the teachings from previous efforts and are nourishing strong roots for long-term community language goals.
- Grow – (up to $250,000) for organizations with 5+ years of experience receiving FPCC language grants. These applicants have established language programs and practices and can steward complex plans with many moving parts to achieve community language revitalization goals.
This program is made possible with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage as a result of the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Languages Act.
Tools and Resources
Language Status Assessment (LSA)
The Language Status Assessment (LSA) is a survey on the status of First Nations
languages. The Language Status Assessment is not a grant application but it is
required for communities who are applying for language funding from First
Peoples’ Cultural Council.
For more details and information on how to submit an LSA survey, click here.
To read the Language Status Assessment web story, click here.
We are here to support!
If you have any questions or would like assistance with your grant application please contact the program staff listed at the bottom of this page. FPCC staff are available to answer questions about grant eligibility, project proposal ideas, which program or grant may be best for your project and more. You may also contact an Outreach Coach for information on project planning, resources and information sessions.
Funding Process
We are here to ensure that the funding application process is as easy as possible and offer a convenient online portal so applicants can more easily apply for programs and submit reports. For additional information please visit the Funding Process page.
Page Image: Udzistalis John Speck, Hereditary Chief, Tlowitsis and
Hiʔliqilaʔgelis Natasha Green, Mentor Apprentice
Program, Campbell River B.C.
Program Contact
Stephanie Yates
Stephanie is of Chinese, Italian, and German ancestry and has resided with her family on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking people, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, for her whole life. She has over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector and brings a passion for program coordination, project management, and administration to support your important work.