Infrastructure Reform Engagement Launch

ISC is planning to reach out to rights holders in First Nations communities in May of 2023, to better understand the challenges faced in accessing federal funding for infrastructure planning and project delivery, and to explore alternative service delivery models to support community infrastructure priorities.

We are looking to discuss how ISC can:

1. Improve existing infrastructure program funding;
2. Support First Nations and aggregates with planning, capacity and infrastructure service transfer;
3. Create flexible infrastructure funding options; and,
4. Understand First Nations rights holders’ interest in taking on greater control over their infrastructure.

A special plenary session on Infrastructure Reform is currently being planned for the morning of May 17^th at Our Gathering.  This session will provide an opportunity for participants to hear from Indigenous Services Canada as well as First Nations Partner Organizations and communities and provide feedback regarding opportunities to improve infrastructure programming.

In the interim, please reach out to your Capital Management Officer for further information or send a request to the capital inbox at projetsdimmobilisationscb-capitalprojectsbc@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Government of Canada improving Indigenous-led health care for First Nations in British Columbia

On April 14, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the signing of a renewed 10-year Canada Funding Agreement with the First Nations Health Authority to deliver better health care for First Nations in the province. Through the agreement, $8.2 billion in funding will support the FNHA as it continues to deliver and improve the health systems that serve and support over 200 First Nations communities in the province. This includes but is not limited to continuing to develop innovative supports for mental health and wellness needs, increasing access to quality, culturally safe care, and strengthening coordination between the FNHA and the provincial health care services to better meet the unique needs of First Nations communities.

Five First Nations reach settlement with B.C., federal governments on Treaty Land Entitlement claims

On April 15, 2023, five First Nations in BC announced settlement agreements of the Nations’ Treaty Land Entitlements claims. The settlements resolve long-standing claims that these First Nations did not receive all the lands owed to them under Treaty 8, which they signed in 1899. In addition to monetary compensation from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia will provide approximately 44,266 hectares (109,385 acres) of Crown land to the First Nations.

Splatsin, Canada and British Columbia sign historic coordination agreement for First Nations children and families

On March 24, 2023, a coordination agreement was signed by Splatsin, Canada, and British Columbia during an in-person signing ceremony at Splatsin. This is the first signed coordination agreement in BC and fifth in Canada. Over the next 10 years, the agreement will transfer $136.2 million to Splatsin to support their ongoing delivery of child and family services grounded in their culture and family systems.

$12.5 million announced to build new healing house in Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc

On March 23, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), jointly announced $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc. This safe space will provide trauma-informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing.

Modern Treaty partners and Canada launch co-developed policy to transform intergovernmental relationships

On February 28, 2023, Aluki Kotierk, President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.; Eva Clayton, President, Nisga’a Nation; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; announced the release of Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy. The Policy will support the full, effective, and timely implementation of all current and future Modern Treaties in Canada, with the specific goal of advancing a systemic shift in institutional culture.

Revised settlement agreement of $23B reached to compensate First Nations children and families

On April 5, 2023, a revised final settlement agreement now totaling more than $23 billion was reached by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Moushoom and Trout class actions plaintiffs, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, and Canada to compensate those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and those impacted by the federal government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle. This is a major milestone in advancing compensation; however, a few key steps remain. To find out more, please visit www.fnchildcompensation.ca.

What is a Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator and how can they help?

Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinators provide community-based support to First Nations children and families to navigate the full range of existing health, social and education services and supports. Service Coordinators can act as authorized representatives, to assist families, First Nations, and other organizations to prepare and submit individual and group requests to address the unmet needs of First Nations children and youth.

There are currently over 40 Service Coordinators hosted by over 30 partner organizations across BC. To connect with a local Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator please visit the BC Enhanced Service Coordination Hub website and consult the Service Coordination Directory.

For more information on Jordan’s Principle, please visit www.canada.ca/jordansprinciple.

To download a request form: Submitting Your Request in BC - Jordan’s Principle Enhanced Service Coordination Hub for BC

Grants and Contribution Information Management Systems

Did you know First Nations can submit proposals and reporting submissions directly to ISC through the Grants and Contribution Information Management Systems (GCIMS), and that it is the recommended submission method for all non-Education reports? GCIMS provides access to funding agreements for up-to-date financial information and reporting requirements. It can also be used to generate system reports for program and budget analysis. Contact your Funding Services Officer for GCIMS access or training anytime between April and November 2023.

Government of Canada releases Budget 2023

On March 28, the Government of Canada released Budget 2023. The federal budget is the government’s plan to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more secure Canadian economy for everyone. Visit the Budget 2023 website to view full details as well as related documents.

Government of Canada programs and initiatives to support Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people

The Government of Canada continues to collaborate with partners, including survivors and families, provinces, territories and grassroots organizations, to advance work to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This website lists programs and initiatives that have been put in place to address the federal pathway, national action plan and Calls for Justice.

In-person service for registration and status cards

ISC BC Region’s Registration and Status Card Service Counter at 1138 Melville Street in Vancouver continues to offer appointments for service, which can be made by calling (236) 330-9961. Hours for the Service Counter are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome and are served between appointments.