FPCC’s Mentor-Apprentice and Youth Empowered Speakers Programs are now accepting applications. We are supporting the revitalization of B.C. First Nations languages by fostering fluent speakers through one-on-one language immersion programs.
The Mentor-Apprentice approach supports learners to become fluent by pairing them with a fluent speaker and encouraging them to use the language together in daily life, at home and on the land and waters.
Applications are being accepted until October 15, 2026, apply now!
“Don’t be afraid to start. No matter your language level, anything you learn is valuable. Our languages are living beings. They hold memories. They carry the sound of our ancestors’ voices, the songs of the land and waters, the teachings of our people and the heartbeat of our cultures.”
– Aiyana Twigg, Mentor-Apprentice Program Participant
Click on each program title below to visit the program page, read the guidelines, watch the application information video, register for an information session and start your application.
Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. PT
Note: If you wish to receive feedback on your application, please submit your application by October 1, 2026, two weeks prior to the closing deadline. Email the program contact listed at the bottom of each program page to request feedback.
The Mentor-Apprentice approach supports B.C. First Nations individuals residing in B.C. through one-on-one language immersion learning. The pair spend time together doing everyday activities while using the language. This approach supports the apprentice to become more fluent and is valuable for any language, especially where there are few fluent speakers. In turn, the apprentice will learn and share what they have learned through teaching roles, and with family and community members.
Two streams are being offered for different types of learners:
- MAP – up to $21,000 (plus expenses to attend required workshop): offers 300 hours of immersion per year for up to 3 years. For learners ages 16-50 with the goal of passing the language on to others through involvement in language programming.
- MAP: Connections – up to $6,500: less intensive and suitable for all language learners. It offers 100 hours of immersion per year, for up to 3 years, at a flexible pace. For learners ages 18 and up wanting to strengthen their language.
The YES program is for B.C. First Nations post-secondary students aged 18–35 interested in learning their language while preparing for a career in language revitalization in one of three streams:
Stream 1: Early Childhood Immersion Educator for ECE students.
Stream 2: Language Immersion Teacher for BEd. students.
Stream 3: Community Language Revitalizationist for students in a post-secondary program relevant to their intended career in language revitalization.
The program provides paid work internship opportunities along with Mentor-Apprentice language learning.
Eligibility
- B.C. First Nations individuals, status or non-status, currently living on reserve or elsewhere in B.C.
- Learning one of the 36 First Nations languages in B.C. funded by FPCC.
- MAP is only for learners between the ages of 16-50 who are learning with the goal to pass the language to others.
- MAPC is for anyone ages 16 and above who want to gain confidence in speaking at a relaxed pace.
- YES is for post-secondary students ages 18-35
Information Video and Online Info Session
To support applicants, a recording is available on each program page linked above to help answer any questions you may have about the program, eligibility and how to apply. Register in advance on the program page to attend the online info session for additional application support, information and the opportunity to ask program staff questions.
How to Apply
Prior to starting your application, please visit each program page for more information, links to the guidelines and application, view the information video and register for the info session.
FPCC Language Immersion Program applications are accepted on the FPCC Grant Portal.
FPCC Language applications take time to complete. We recommend starting the application as soon as possible to gather the required information and materials, and to leave time to reach out to staff if you need support. Significant reading and writing are required throughout the application process, along with seeking support letters.
We are here to provide support
If you have any questions about the application process, eligibility and would like to discuss project planning and/or need support in completing your application, please contact program staff by October 1, 2026.
Aurora Skala – Mentor-Apprentice Program / Mentor-Apprentice: Connections contact: map@fpcc.ca
Beckie Wesley – Youth Empowered Speakers contact: yes@fpcc.ca
Please help raise awareness about this opportunity by sharing this poster.
Language Immersion Program Funders:
Visit each program page for the list of funders for that program.
Learn more:
- View language resources here.
- View the MAP toolkit here.
- Read more stories about FPCC Language projects here.
Share your story!
Do you have a story about yourself or your community’s work to revitalize First Nations languages, cultures, 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
To receive FPCC news and funding announcements, please sign up for our email list here.
To view all current FPCC funding opportunities please visit our grants page.
Follow FPCC on social media for updates: Facebook| YouTube | Bluesky | LinkedIn