We are pleased to share with you the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s 2023-24 Year in Review. This annual report details our cultural revitalization activities over the past year and celebrates the hard work and inspiring progress of the people, communities and organizations we serve.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) is honoured to collaborate with B.C. First Nations who are leading the way in revitalizing their languages, arts and cultural heritage. Guided by First Nations Knowledge Keepers, leaders and communities, FPCC delivered a record-breaking $48.6 million in grants this year to support this essential work.
Our significant contributions to B.C. First Nations organizations and individuals is the result of increased federal funding through the Indigenous Languages Act as well as provincial funding. These investments created more opportunities for cultural revitalization than ever before.
Language Program Highlights
“I want to thank you for the youth interns – they not only have proven to be a valuable asset to the digitization work, they are so keen about the culture and songs and they grow keener week by week.” – Language Technology Program additional funding recipient.
- Delivered over $35 million in funding
- Supported 4,708 participants in FPCC-funded language programs
- Funded 217 language immersion Mentor-Apprentice teams
Arts Program Highlights
“We believe music has the spirit of connection and healing. It is one of the best ways to connect our households, our members who live out of the village who come home to the event. It’s not just about professional development, it’s about healing our community by coming together in a safe, fun
way to enjoy our beautiful, ancient village site.” – Lindsey Willie of Nunwakola Cultural Society, Dzawada’enuxw First Nation, supported by the Music Pilot Program.
- Delivered over $5.3 million in funding
- Conducted 27 site visits to communities
- 162 participants in events/workshops
Heritage Program Highlights
“As each of the gatherings unfolded, it became increasingly evident that these items were not merely cultural property but living items, holding stories, cultural practices, links to parents and grandparents, and ancestral knowledge to be celebrated and honoured.” – Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw̓ (formerly Little Shuswap Lake Band), Repatriation grant final report.
- Delivered over $7.1 million in funding
- Provided cultural heritage training opportunities to 3,102 people
- Documented 841 cultural practices
Initiatives
- Announced the reawakening of the pentl’ach language by Qualicum First Nation
- Celebrated the 20th anniversary of FirstVoices.com and launch of new site design
- Launched the first FPCC Summer Learning Series huncewstuxw tu xe’ xe’ sqwel
- Reported on the outcomes of 17 Heritage repatriation projects
Looking Ahead
The FPCC annual report is delivered to communities, funders, and First Nations leadership as well as provincial and federal elected representatives each year.
“Over the last decade, increased funding to support grants, training and resources has led to growth in community-based cultural revitalization skills, jobs and training opportunities across B.C. It is critical that we sustain this momentum to invest in the next generation of leaders.”
– Tracey Herbert, CEO, FPCC
Check out the 2023-24 Year in Review video which celebrates the projects completed across B.C. We thank Kym Gouchie, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, for use of their song “Atsoo Shun.”
Learn More
Please click here to view and download the 2023-24 Year in Review and a list of all 2023-24 grant recipients and summaries of their projects.
To view past annual reports, click here.
To check out current FPCC funding opportunities, click here
Thank You to our Funders and Partners
We would like to thank our funders: The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, B.C. Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Department of Canadian Heritage, BC Arts Council, Creative BC, M.A Cargill Philanthropies, United Church of Canada, Tamalpais Trust through RSF Social Finance, B.C. Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and Anglican Diocese of British Columbia.
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story about the work your community is doing to revitalize First Nations languages, cultural heritage and Indigenous arts in B.C.? We want to hear from you! Please send your story to info@fpcc.ca and check back as we post more stories about the good work being done across the province.
Connect with Us
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To view all current FPCC funding opportunities please visit our Grants page.
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