ISC BC Region Updates

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.
In this issue:
Funding Opportunities from ISC
Emergency Management
Upcoming Important Dates
Of Interest From ISC
Information From Government of Canada
Contact Information
Comments, Suggestions, & Subscriptions
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FROM ISC
Opportunity for First Nations and Indigenous organizations in BC to apply for needs-based Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) funding
The Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) offers funding for community-led projects focused on violence prevention and awareness.
ISC BC Region has set-aside funding for prevention and awareness projects that:
- Address urgent needs specific to violence prevention, such as increases in domestic violence, youth violence, suicide/suicidal pacts, or other trauma response.
- Align with a community plan or identified priority.
- Demonstrates strong community participation, such as large-scale events.
Requests will be evaluated for eligibility under family violence prevention and awareness and prioritized on a case-by-case basis. The number of approved requests will depend on various factors, including the volume of applications and available funding. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2025. For further information, please contact Mercy Mura, Regional Program Development Advisor, at mercy.mura@sac-isc.gc.ca to discuss your FVPP Prevention Project Proposal.
BC Regional Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) announces 2025/26 funding call
The Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) is now accepting applications for the 2025/26 funding cycle. This initiative provides project-based funding to First Nation communities, enabling them to undertake a wide range of activities that support economic development. The program aims to empower communities by offering financial assistance for projects that create jobs, enhance skills, and promote sustainable economic growth.
The call for applications was sent out on November 25, 2024, with a submission deadline of March 3, 2025. First Nation communities are encouraged to apply for funding to support their economic development projects.
For more information or to discuss your project, please contact your Economic Development Advisor or our Economic Development team email at bcecdev@sac.isc.gc.ca.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Seasonal flood preparedness
ISC is committed to ensuring that First Nations affected by flooding in British Columbia are safe and secure, and communities are supported by coordinated emergency management to be positioned for a strong recovery. 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.
You can also visit ISC’s Flooding in First Nations communities webpage for info on how to prepare for a flood including Get Flood Ready and flood preparation measures.
For any questions regarding ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) please contact the duty officer email address (bcaandc.do@sac-isc.gc.ca) or duty phone: 604-209-9709.
Winter fire safety
Winter is just around the corner and people are beginning to spend more time indoors. With the increase of indoor activities like cooking and cozying up to the fireplace, it’s a great time to encourage community members to install smoke alarms, or if they already have them, to ensure they’re in working order.
Consider sharing the following quick tips with community members:
- Test smoke alarms monthly
- Change smoke alarm batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendation
- Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old
- Choose the right spot for smoke alarms; install them on the ceiling rather than the wall
You can also share the following resources, developed by the First Nations Emergency Services Society, to promote other ways to stay fire-smart this winter:
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
January 31, 2025
First Nation Operated Elementary/Secondary Schools - Additions to Grades and Programs Applications
First Nations operating schools on reserve who wish to make changes to the facility used, add a grade, or add an Adult Program, Additions to Grades and Programs Applications are due to ISC by January 31, 2025, for consideration for the 2025-2026 school year. For application details or more information, email the Education Programs team at BCeducation@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Ongoing
Elementary/Secondary Education Nominal Roll Reporting Requirement Submissions
The deadline for submitting the Nominal Roll report to ISC for the 2024-2025 school year has passed. You must submit these reports if you have not yet done so. Please email the BC Education Programs team at BCEducation@sac-isc.gc.ca to submit or should you require support and/or system access.
Of Interest From ISC
Update to Reception at Indigenous Services Canada’s British Columbia Regional Office –1138 Melville Street, Vancouver
Status Card and Registration Desk – No change:
- Location: 6th floor
- Office hours: 9:00am-4:30pm Monday to Friday
Welcoming Guests:
- Please report to the Commissionaires desk in the main building lobby to sign in and receive guest pass.
- Your host will greet you in the building lobby and take you to your meeting.
Please email your suggestions to bccbcmail@sac-isc.gc.ca to improve welcoming guests at 1138 Melville Street.
Inaugural Danny Higashitani Operator Award
The 15th Annual British Columbia & Yukon Territory First Nation Water and Wastewater Conference and Tradeshow was a remarkable event this year. Spanning three days (October 2 - 4, 2024), the conference featured tours, presentations, and a tradeshow for over 200 water and wastewater operators from across the province. Operators shared insights on community projects and their experiences. For information on next year’s conference, please contact Vonna Moses at vonna.moses@sac-isc.gc.ca.
This year’s conference marked the inaugural presentation of the Danny Higashitani Operator Award. This award honours an operator from British Columbia who demonstrates the commitment and dedication that were the hallmarks of Danny Higashitani’s 26 year career with Indigenous Services Canada, supporting numerous First Nations across the province with their water and wastewater systems.
The first recipient, Dion Moody, has dedicated a decade to serving the Lytton First Nation. With two years in housing and eight in the Operations and Maintenance Department, Dion is celebrated for his dedication, teamwork, and genuine care for his community. The award night also recognized Operators achieving new Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) certifications, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees.
BC infrastructure forum highlights future community building
On October 8 and 9, 2024, the Navigating ISC Infrastructure Programs: Building Communities for Future Generations forum was held by BC Region Community Infrastructure. The forum, which built on the momentum gained from the September 2023 Infrastructure Modernization engagement sessions across British Columbia, was a tremendous success.
We would like to thank the over 330 participants who attended sessions on various infrastructure and housing issues, sharing lessons learned and recommending changes to program delivery. Particular thanks to Chief Dan Manuel of the Upper Nicola Indian Band, who opened the forum, noting the importance of infrastructure to community and the critical role that infrastructure and housing managers play in their communities and in reconciliation more broadly. The forum concluded with remarks from Regional Director General, Allyson Rowe.
Links to the various presentations are available at Presentations & Documents - Navigating ISC Infrastructure Programs: Building Communities for Future Generations. A summary report is expected early in 2025.
First Nations Economic Development Officers and Land Managers technical training forum
From December 2 - 4, 2024, Links to Learning, the annual technical training forum was held in Vancouver which provides a range of learning opportunities for First Nations Economic Development Officers and Lands Management Officers. The forum is a partnership between Cando, the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre, Indigenous Services Canada, and Procurement Assistance Canada. ISC BC Region would like to thank the organizing committee for another successful Links to Learning, which included over 151 First Nation communities and over 350 delegates.
The committee will organize the next forum for 2025 in the new year, so please check in on the following website for more information: www.links-to-learning.ca.
Information from Government of Canada
New intake for clean electricity program with $500 million in additional funding
On October 10, 2024, the Government of Canada announced up to $500 million in funding for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program (SREPs) Utility Support Stream (USS). SREPs supports clean electricity infrastructure, such as renewable energy technologies, energy storage and grid modernization technologies, that strengthen the electricity grid.
The request for Expression of Interest (EOI) under the Utility Support Stream is now open and will be accepting applications until December 13, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. The EOI is in anticipation of a request for project proposals to be launched in the first half of 2025.
For more information, including eligibility and application process, please visit Utility Support Stream and the applicant guide.
Contact information
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 / 604-355-3018
- Acting Associate Regional Director General: Angela McCarthy / angela.mccarthy@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-209-1251
- Director, Community Infrastructure: Averil Lamont / averil.lamont@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-353-7789
- Director, Programs and Partnerships: Dena Duncan / dena.duncan@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-376-2794
- Acting Director, Emergency Management: Laura Aucoin / laura.aucoin@sac-isc.gc.ca / 778-239-8547
- Acting Director, Lands and Economic Development: Kuldip Gill / kuldip.gill@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-364-1883
- Director, Funding Services: Jody Kaden / jody.kaden@sac-isc.gc.ca / 236-334-4742
- Acting Director, Child and Family Services: Carina Chow / carina.chow@sac-isc.gc.ca / 778-239-7124
- Director, Community Development: Wendy Rogers / wendy.rogers@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-345-2735
- Acting Manager, Communications: Leslie Pang / leslie.pang@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-360-7202
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 / 604-817-2644
- BC Regional Liaison Officer: Mercy Mura / mercy.mura@sac-isc.gc.ca / 604-505-9138
Comments & Suggestions
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