ISC BC Region Updates – May 2024
The ISC BC Region Update is published by Indigenous Services Canada bi-monthly. It is intended to provide First Nations leadership and administrations with timely information that focuses on funding announcements, program, and service changes, as well as relevant initiatives from other federal departments, the provincial government and community partners. We welcome your feedback through the link at the bottom of this email.
Emergency Management
As we enter this summer, we are very aware of the risk of forest fire, the drought conditions that already exist, and the First Nations that are currently affected. Indigenous Services Canada is working with our partners to support those First Nations and will be there for you should your community also need emergency assistance. We will continue to work alongside you to support the health, safety, and well-being of your Nation.
Emergency Management Preparedness and Response
If your First Nation is experiencing a natural hazard or emergency, your first point of contact is the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness’ (EMCR) 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-663-3456 or the EMCR’s Regional Operations Center (PREOC) if activated. EMCR will issue a Task Number, which is associated with your emergency event and is used to track related expenses. It is also a good idea to get acquainted with your local EMCR regional office prior to any emergency event for technical advice, situational awareness, and maintenance of communication.
For a list of EMCR regional offices, please visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/contact-us.
For health-related emergency services, please call the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) at 1-866-913-0033 and speak with the Environmental Health officer (EHO) assigned to your community.
Please reach out to the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) for support and delivery of essential emergency and forest fuel management programs and services, including Firesmart. The FNESS can be reached at 1-888-388-4431, or after hours at 1-888-822-3388.
Don’t forget to visit ISC’s new emergency evacuation webpage for info on how to prepare for an emergency evacuation in the event of a forest fire or flood. The website also contains resources for evacuees and info on what to do after an evacuation.
Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding
The ISC Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness (NSMP) funding stream under the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) prioritizes support for local efforts through projects that address emergency preparedness and mitigation against natural hazards risks. A call for proposals was shared with all communities in March 2024. Proposals are accepted throughout the year. The NSMP initiative includes, but is not limited to support:
- Training opportunities
- Emergency management plan development and testing
- Tsunami preparedness
- All-hazard risk assessments
- Low value emergency equipment (items less than $5,000)
For more information, visit the Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program website.
Drought Conditions
Given the low snowpack across many areas of British Columbia, ISC is reaching out to British Columbia First Nations to encourage them to prepare for potential drought conditions this coming summer. Drought conditions can impact communities and individuals by reducing the amount of water available for community use. Under extreme conditions, water systems could run out of potable water and be unable to meet fire suppression requirements. First Nation communities at risk of drought are encouraged to ensure drought is in their emergency response plans. A response team for drought should be established, including their water operator and circuit rider, who are able to monitor water consumption. Further information on drought planning can be found here: FNHA-Drought-Planning-Information-for-First-Nations-Communities.pdf. ISC Capital Management Officers are currently reaching out to water operators to initiate community-specific discussions. In the meantime, please reach out to our Senior Engineer Rachelle Ormond at Rachelle.ormond3@sac-isc.gc.ca should you have any questions. If you need immediate assistance due to drinking water shortages and are outside working hours, please contact 604-209-9709 or bcaandc.d@sac-isc.gc.ca
For information regarding ISC’s community infrastructure programs and funding supports, to prepare your community’s water infrastructure for drought, please contact your Community Management Officer (CMO) or ISC’s Capital inbox at projetsdimmobilisationscb-capitalprojectsbc@sac-isc.gc.ca.
For information regarding ISCs’ emergency management programs or funding supports, please contact the regional Emergency Management team at bcaandc.do@sac-isc.gc.ca or call 1-604-209-9709.
Funding Opportunities from ISC
Post-Secondary Education Protected/General Pool Applications due by May 31, 2024
The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) provide Post-Secondary Education (PSE) funding to First Nations recipients to assist their First Nations student members attending eligible post-secondary institutions and programs. PSE allocations are based on a per-capita calculation using total population on- and off-reserve.
The PSE Protected/General Pool application process was developed for those First Nations that demonstrate a need for additional funding over and above their initial PSE allocation. Eligible First Nations can access additional funding from their protected pool (if applicable) and/or the general pool by applying through this process. Please note, as the general pool represents the remaining unused funds from the protected pool, available funding may vary year to year. A call package for the Protected/General Pool application process was sent out to eligible First Nations in early April. Applications are due back to ISC no later than May 31, 2024. Submission of an application is not mandatory. If an application is not submitted, First Nations will still receive their 2024-25 PSE initial allocation.
Please reach out to the BC Education Programs team at bceducation@sac-isc.gc.ca if you have questions.
BC Region Program Guide
The 2024-25 BC Region Program Guide contains important program and funding information intended for the administrators and program managers of First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and ISC staff. For your convenience, it can be found on the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC website: 2024-2025-BC-Region-Program-Guide-Revised-May-10.pdf (afoabc.org). For questions on the guide, please contact the Funding Services Admin at sac.bcfsadmins.isc@sac-isc.gc.ca who will gladly assist you.
Upcoming Important Dates
August 31, 2024
Annual Register of Post-Secondary Education Students
There are many First Nations with outstanding Annual Register of Post-Secondary Education Students reports, due August 31 each year. The department requires a certain threshold of submitted reports to support the need for ongoing or increased post-secondary education funding. Please check on the status of this report for your First Nation. For questions about the report or access to the Education Information System (EIS), please email the ISC BC Region’s Education Programs team at bceducation@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Our Gathering 2024, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct,
First Nations Leadership Council and Government of Canada thank you for your participation in Our Gathering 2024, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct,
On behalf of the First Nations Leadership Council, Indigenous Services Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, we sincerely thank you for your participation at Our Gathering 2024, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct, April 22-24, 2024, in downtown Vancouver on the unceded, traditional, ancestral territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. This year’s event was attended by over 1,000 participants over three days, with 140 First Nation communities and 11 Tribal Councils represented. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to come together to create new relationships, strengthen existing ones, share best practices, and engage in dialogue to advance the interests of First Nations in BC. Please complete a brief survey about your experience at Our Gathering 2024. Your input will help improve future events and tailor them to better meet your needs. Also, photos taken during the Gathering can be viewed here.
Statement by the First Nation Leadership Council and Government of Canada following Our Gathering
“First Nations in British Columbia are leading the charge towards a better future for their communities. They are pushing for a fair standard of living, where they have housing, First Nations-led healthcare, access to clean and reliable drinking water, the tools in place to respond to emergency situations like wildfires and floods, and more opportunities to build and develop their businesses—and the Government of Canada will be a partner in that work.” Visit the Government of Canada website to read more.
ISC BC Region Overview Report for Our Gathering 2024
The BC Region Overview Report provides a summary of the region’s 2023-24 investments. It is part of BC Region's commitment to transparency and accountability. The department asks your communities for a lot of financial information over the year and this report is our turn. Click here to read the full report.
Of Interest From ISC
Government of Canada releases Budget 2024
The federal government recently delivered Budget 2024 Fairness for Every Generation. Budget 2024 is focused on a fair future for all Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. Budget 2024 has a plan to build a Canada that works better for Indigenous Peoples and moves us forward on the path to reconciliation. Visit the Budget 2024 website to view full details as well as related documents.
Jordan’s Principle Cultural Supports Requests
Requests for cultural supports through Jordan’s Principle can increase First Nations children’s access to services that offer opportunities to connect with their First Nations identity and cultural heritage. Here are some examples of cultural support requests:
- Land-based healing camps
- Mental health supports
- Elder services and teachings
- Language learning and revitalization
- Cultural activities and events
Cultural support requests can be submitted for an individual child or a group of children. Requests must be recommended by a registered or licensed professional or Elder within the child’s circle of care and the request must speak to the child’s or group of children’s unique needs. In BC, support to prepare and submit Jordan’s Principle requests is available by community-based Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinators. For more information on Jordan’s Principle, please visit the Jordan’s Principle website.
In-person Service for Registration and Status Cards
ISC BC Region’s Registration and Status Card Service Counter at 1138 Melville Street in Vancouver welcomes walk-in clients from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments can also be made by calling 236-330-9961. For more information, please visit the ISC BC Region webpage.
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), which 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. If you would like to receive access or training for GCIMS, please contact 1-800-665-9320 to find out who your Funding Services Officer (FSO) is. Your FSO can arrange GCIMS access or training.
Lands and Economic Development Services Program and Community Opportunity Readiness Program Survey
Indigenous Services Canada invites you to participate in a survey to share your experience with the Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP) and the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP). Given the unique characteristics of each community, your feedback is essential for us to capture the key achievements of the programs, including how well they support community economic development initiatives. You can access the survey by clicking here. The survey will be available until June 21, 2024.
Chronic Wasting Disease and traditional foods
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a disease of the brain and nervous system that belongs to the family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), which affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, elk, red deer and reindeer. CWD is fatal to these animals. It is recommended that any part of a known CWD-infected animal not be used or consumed by humans. For more information on testing, including food safety for hunting, please visit Chronic Wasting Disease and traditional foods.
Highlighting First Nations Stories
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw welcome home community members after Bush Creek East wildfire in 2023
Less than a year after community members lost their homes destroyed by the Bush Creek East wildfire, members of the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw band celebrated a significant achievement in its rebuilding process. On April 22, 2024, members of the First Nation were joined by visiting dignitaries including Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu for the unveiling of the “Dancing Fawn II” subdivision. Dancing Fawn II is one of four subdivisions that will support the rebuilding of the 34 homes destroyed by the August 18, 2023, wildfire. Eleven temporary homes have been built for this subdivision. Click here to watch more.
Lytton First Nation receives $1.3 million from Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation to accelerate 175 new homes
Lytton First Nation is a prime example of how community leadership is utilizing the Housing Accelerator Fund to rapidly build more homes for its members. On April 24, 2024, Lytton First Nation, and Minister Hajdu, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada, announced $1.3 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund. This funding agreement will fast-track 20 housing units over the next three years and spur the construction of more than 175 homes over the next decade. Within this agreement is a program to incentivize building new units on existing properties and developing new fire-resilient, energy-efficient, and accessible housing designs. Click here to read more.
Information From Government of Canada
Canada Infrastructure Bank and First Nations Bank of Canada create first-of-its-kind loan product
The Canada Infrastructure Bank has entered in a $100 million agreement with the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC) to enable new projects in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Interested Indigenous communities can apply for loans to finance enabling infrastructure, with the process managed entirely by FNBC. The program is called the Indigenous Land Development Loan Program. Under this new program, Indigenous communities can access lower-than-market loan rates and fund projects like site works, roadworks, water/wastewater facilities and utility connections. Partners can contact FNBC at infrastructureloan@fnbc.ca to apply or call 1-888-454-3622 to talk to their commercial banking team.
CRTC launches consultation to co-develop Indigenous broadcasting policy and creates Indigenous Relations Team
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is launching a public consultation to gather views on how to support Indigenous broadcasters and content creators, and to ensure Indigenous stories and voices are represented, easily found and shared across all platforms. This consultation is the second phase of a co-development process that will result in a modernized Indigenous broadcasting policy. During the first phase of the co-development process, the CRTC heard that it needs to make its proceedings more accessible to Indigenous peoples. This is why the CRTC is also announcing the creation of an Indigenous Relations Team. The team will support Indigenous participation in CRTC proceedings and will ensure the distinct nature and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples are considered across the CRTC’s work. The CRTC is accepting comments on the co-development until July 22, 2024. For more information, including how to participate in the engagement process, please visit the news release.
Information from Province of BC
Historic B.C. legislation introduced recognizing Haida Aboriginal title
A historic piece of legislation that recognizes the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii, and the first to recognize Aboriginal title in Canadian history, was introduced to the B.C. legislative assembly on Monday, April 22, 2024. The introduction confirms the historic Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, a first-of-its-kind negotiated agreement between the Haida Nation and British Columbia. The new legislation, the Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024, recognizes Haida’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii. Click here to read more.
Province of BC takes action to strengthen rural Island, coastal economies
Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations along the west coast and Vancouver Island are receiving funding to promote economic diversification, clean-economy opportunities, and infrastructure development. The Government of B.C. is investing as much as $33 million across rural areas of the province for the second intake of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Communities throughout the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities will be receiving up to nearly $13 million in funding for 41 approved projects from REDIP to help strengthen local economies. Click here to view full news release.
Province of BC making High-speed internet access available to more rural, remote areas
The fourth intake of the Connecting Communities funding program is open for applications until June 20, 2024. In March 2022, the governments of B.C. and Canada announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million, $415 million each, toward high-speed connectivity infrastructure projects in rural and remote areas. Through the Connecting Communities BC program, the Province aims to provide all underserved households and First Nations communities with access to high-speed internet by 2027. Click here to view the news release.
BC Government Community Climate Funding Guide
The BC Community Climate Funding Guide is a comprehensive list of funding opportunities from the provincial government for Indigenous communities and local governments to reach their climate action goals.
Contact information
ISC BC Region Programs Reference
Indigenous Services Canada strives for service excellence. ISC BC Region’s Programs Reference is provided to encourage our partners to connect with the relevant leads to let us know when things are working and when and how our services can be improved. The document contains contact information for all programs and directors. Click here to view the Programs Reference.
Executive Leadership Team
The contact information for our Executive Leadership Team is available below should you or your team need to reach out regarding specific programs or services within their respective areas.
- Regional Director General: Allyson Rowe / allyson.rowe@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Associate Regional Director General: Angela McCarthy / angela.mccarthy@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Community Infrastructure: Averil Lamont / averil.lamont@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Programs and Partnerships: Dena Duncan / dena.duncan@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Director, Emergency Management: Laura Aucoin / laura.aucoin@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Lands and Economic Development: Michele Morandini / michele.morandini@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Funding Services: Jody Kaden / jody.kaden@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Director, Child and Family Services: Carina Chow / carina.chow@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Community Development: Wendy Rogers / wendy.rogers@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Manager, Communications: Hazel Desharnais / hazel.desharnais2@sac-isc.gc.ca
For Residential Schools information and inquiries, you can contact the following:
- National General Delivery Inbox: IRS-ISC.PI-SAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
- National Coordinator: David Russell / david.russell@sac-isc.gc.ca
- BC Regional Liaison Officer: Mercy Mura / mercy.mura@sac-isc.gc.ca
Comments & Suggestions
Your feedback is important to us. Please take a moment to complete this form to subscribe, unsubscribe, or provide any comments about the email update.
Previous Updates
Social Feeds
;
Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Darcy Lindberg will be leading a session on the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Register now! https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
#FirstNations #DRIPA #LGMA
Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Chief Ken Watts will be leading the 'Examples of Local Government & First Nations Partnerships in Land Use Planning' session. Register now! https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
#LGMA
Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Dr. Aftab Erfan will lead 'Public Education and Engagement in the Face of Resistance to Change' https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
#FirstNations #ProfessionalDevelopment
Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!
Ron Mattiussi will be leading the Local Government Land Management session. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
Are you a planner or admin from Vancouver Island? Join our 2.5-day workshop on collaboration with First Nations, starting with Jenelle Greenway's workshop on Nov 12. Learn and register: https://ow.ly/W86a50TVUWK
#FirstNations #ProfessionalDevelopment #LandUsePlanning
Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!
Darcy Lindberg will be leading a session on the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.
FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.
#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #DRIPA # LGMA
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!
Chief Ken Watts will be leading the 'Examples of Local Government & First Nations Partnerships in Land Use Planning' session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.
FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.
#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!
Dr. Aftab Erfan will be leading the 'Public Education and Engagement in the Face of Resistance to Change' session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council Basin Council.
FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.
#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicEducation #Engagement
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!
Ron Mattiussi will be leading the Local Government Land Management session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council
FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.
#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!
The workshop will begin with Jenelle Greenway leading the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop on November 12. Learn more about the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop: ow.ly/Uy6e50TVUAT
Jenelle Greenway, a Two-Spirit Tahltan-Kaska writer, podcaster, and Indigenous Rights activist, will lead this session, focusing on decolonizing education and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and Settler communities. Her approach centers on creating inclusive spaces, guiding organizations in adopting reconciliatory practices, and offering tools for supporting the LandBack movement and Reconciliation. Through her work, Jenelle highlights the impact of lateral violence on creativity and performance, offering participants spiritual self-care techniques and insights into managing team dynamics.
Bursaries available for First Nation staff. Register before Nov 4. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg
FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.
#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
0 CommentsComment on Facebook