Tcwemstwal’ lhkál’ap, means “you folks take care of one another” in Ucwalmícwts, the language of the Líl̓wat people. This is a time when taking care of each other is more needed than ever. We raise our hands and acknowledge all of the people who are continuing their revitalization work through the current pandemic. We know this is not easy and we wanted to share that we are here to support you and to do what we can to keep programs running.
We continue to open grants and make funding available so that this needed support continues to flow to language, arts and heritage projects across the province. We understand that it may be more challenging to complete grant applications during this time and our staff are available to assist with grant applications and we will be as flexible as possible to meet communities’ needs.
It is an important value to share what we have during challenging times. We have been working to create program new program resources, keep grants open and funds flowing to individuals and community programs and increased support for grant applicants. Staff have been hosting webinars to share information about current grants such as application requirements, preparing budgets, COVID-19 guidelines and question and answer sessions with program staff. These webinars are posted on the program pages so they are accessible for those who were unable to attend. We also encourage you to contact the program staff as we are available to discuss your project and work with you to problem solve the challenges you may be facing.
Resources:
FPCC COVID-19 Resource Page
Practicing Allowable Safe Language Work
Virtual & At Home Language Revitalization Program Ideas
FPCC COVID-19 Guidelines for Programs
Current FPCC Grants
FPCC Staff Contacts
If you are currently running an FPCC program and would benefit from additional support we encourage you to contact the FPCC program staff. FPCC wants to support programs to continue so we will be responsive to individual needs. We can be flexible if a new approach to a program is needed and we here to discuss good models and share ideas.
With the vaccine now being made available, we have hope that the end of this journey is approaching the time when the health orders are lifted and we will again be able to gather in person. This pandemic has made all of us change so many things, but has also given us the opportunity to be creative and resourceful.
We thank you for all of the support, efforts and dedication to this work under difficult circumstances. We stand with together with First Nations communities and all Indigenous people in B.C. to support the continued efforts to revitalize our languages, arts and heritage.
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story or program idea about how you have adapted the work you do in 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 of the good work being done across the province.
View our COVID Success Stories here.
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Story image courtesy of ANSWER, FPCC Arts program Organizations and Collectives grant recipient.