plan h: Projects set to support Indigenous health and wellness in BC

Over a dozen Indigenous communities across BC are undertaking projects to support health and well-being planning after being receiving funding and in-kind supports by PlanH, a partnership of BC Healthy Communities Society and the Ministry of Health.

The Health and Wellness Grant for Indigenous Communities marks the first PlanH health and well-being grant specifically for Indigenous communities. In developing and promoting the grant, BC Healthy Communities Society collaborated with a number of Indigenous-focused health and community organizations, including First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation British Columbia.

Communities have received up to $8,500 for their projects with $85,000 provided through the Ministry of Health and $16,800 provided through the BC Physical Activity Strategy, which is overseen by BC Alliance for Healthy Living.

These projects aim to support health and well-being planning to benefit all community members. Reflecting the wide range of healthy community ideas in Indigenous communities across the province, the projects cover a wide range of topic areas—from reconnecting youth and Elders through cultural practices, to incorporating wellness considerations into community planning, to exploring housing issues.

The following is a list of participating communities:

• Boston Bar First Nation
• Boundary Métis Community Association
• Chawathil First Nation
• Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre
• Ki Low Na Friendship Society
• Lil'wat Nation
• Mid Island Métis Nation
• Neskonlith Band
• Nuchatlaht First Nation
• Skwah First Nation
• Soda Creek Indian Band
• Xa'xtsa First Nation
• Yale First Nation
• Yekooche First Nation

Unlike most funding programs, PlanH grants provide both financial awards and consulting support from BC Healthy Communities staff, who collaborate with partner communities on any aspects of process, planning, policy and partnership

needed to help ensure projects have maximum impact within the community.

“We are honoured to help support the incredible work that is happening in Indigenous communities across the province. 

These communities have great ideas for improving health and well-being, and the funding will support them to build on their strengths,” says Victoria Barr, Program Manager at BC Healthy Communities Society.

About the PlanH program:

The PlanH program offers supports to local governments, health authorities and other partners to create healthier communities across the province, supporting partnerships across sectors, facilitating collaborative local action, and providing learning opportunities, resources and consultation.

For more information on resources and upcoming funding opportunities to support planning for health and well-being, CLICK HERE