About the Fund  

The objective of the Path Forward Community Funds is to increase community safety planning and capacity building to ensure the self-determination of Indigenous communities in addressing Indigenous-specific systemic causes of gender-based violence. Organizations may submit more than one application provided the intended outcomes of the projects are different.

The Path Forward funds eligible activities include:  

• Building capacity;

• Hosting engagement and facilitation;

• Support the development of crisis response plans;

• Materials for communication plans;

• Information sharing and tools to navigate the justice and public safety systems;

• Culturally appropriate safety training; and

• Cultural support and healing.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

This funding is open to any of the following Indigenous agencies and communities in B.C.:

• Applicant(s) identified as Indigenous organization(s);

• Applicant(s) identified as a First Nations, Bands, and/or Tribal Councils, Treaty First Nation Governments;

• Métis Chartered Communities;

• Métis organizations or services providers; and

• Urban / off-reserve Indigenous organization/communities(s).

The distribution of medium-sized grants will be guided by diverse Indigenous people(s) who will serve on the adjudication committee that reflect the various regions, on-and off-reserve, disabled community members, 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, and Elders and youth, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and non-status communities. The Path Forward Community Fund will be accessible to First Nations communities, urban / off-reserve communities, Métis and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.

Apply

The 2023 Path Forward Community Fund application window is now closed. Applicants will be notified in mid-October.

Applications Reviewed: September–October, 2023

Applicants Notified: Mid-October, 2023

Funds Received: Late-October/November, 2023

More Information

Information Session Slides [ PDF ]

BCAAFC is consulting with the Path Forward Community Fund Adjudication Committee on how to improve the Path Forward Community application and application process.

Please check back in September for information about how to apply.

Please send your questions and correspondence to:

Emilie Luhowy
Path Forward Assistant
Email: pathforward@bcaafc.com
Phone: 250-940-4893

Eligibility

Eligible uses for Path Forward funds include:

– Building capacity

– Hosting engagement and facilitation

– Support to develop crisis response plans

– Materials for communication plans

– Information sharing and tools to navigate the justice and public safety systems

– Culturally appropriate safety training

– Healing and Cultural Support

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

The Path Forward Community Fund is open to any of the following Indigenous agencies
and communities in British Columbia only.

– ‰Applicant(s) identified as Indigenous person(s) and/or organization(s)

‰- Applicant(s) identified as a First Nations, Bands, and/or Tribal Councils

– Treaty First Nation Governments

– Métis Chartered Communities

– Métis organizations or services providers

– Urban/off-reserve Indigenous organization/Communities(s)

Call for Adjudicators

We are looking for strong-willed, forward-thinking, reliable, and justice-driven Indigenous individuals to help BCAAFC support this Gender-Based Violence Prevention initiative!

The majority of the Path Forward Adjudication Committee will be comprised of Indigenous people(s) reflecting different Indigenous and anti-violence organizations. This will help ensure the Indigenous Path Forward Project is developed by and for Indigenous people(s).

Committee members will reflect and represent all femme-identifying and gender-diverse persons, persons with a disability, and urban and rural regions throughout the province.

The Adjudication Committee meetings will be virtual (approximately 2-3 meetings) and will potentially include an in-person gathering for our final adjudication.

The Adjudication Committee will be asked to:

• Participate in the adjudication process to select successful candidates using a consensus model;

• Provide cultural and social perspectives on Indigenous anti-violence for the project;

• Ensure that decisions and recommendations respect and consider different Nations, Communities, and distinctions (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) within BC and Nationally; and,

• Provide regular and specific feedback to the BCAAFC Path Forward Community Fund team and committee when requested.

Our call for applications for the Path Forward Adjudication Committee is particularly focused on addressing the urgent needs of Indigenous womxn who have been disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous voices, perspectives, and experiences are central to our efforts in combating this critical issue.

We encourage individuals with Indigenous ancestry, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous womxn to apply. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience, work experience, academic expertise, or any other relevant experience, either individually or in combination.

If you are dedicated to combating gender-based violence and ensuring fair and just outcomes, we encourage you to apply and be part of our impactful committee.

Indigenous Path Forward Adjudication Committee Members will receive an honorarium for their participation and expertise. Additionally, all expenses to attend in-person meeting(s) including travel, accommodation, and meals will be provided.

Guidelines for applying to adjudication committee:

• Must be in BC

• Indigenous applicants only (First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Self-Identifying)

Application Form

Project Reporting

All recipients of A Path Forward Funding will be required to complete a mid-point and final project report. The purpose of the report is to learn about your project, hear about what the successes and challenges were, understand the impact your project had, and ensure that we have a good record of the work that took place so that we can continue to advocate for more Indigenous-led initiatives like this in the future.

Grantees will be contacted by the Project Coordinator with an invitation to participate in a survey to assist with this reporting. Grantees are also welcome and encouraged to reach out throughout the project to let us know how your project is going!

Round 2 Projects Closed: September 30, 2023 (Applied in 2022)

Round 3 Projects Closed: September 30, 2024 (Applied in 2023)

Funded Projects

Path Forward Round 1

Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness

AWTX

Carrier Sekani Family Services

Hulitan Family and Community Services

Lake Babine Nation

Land Back Healing Society

Malahat Nation

Lii Michif Family Support Services

Nawican Friendship Centre

North Cariboo Metis Association

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Squamish Nation

Stolo Services Agency

Tears to Hope Society

The Dze L K’ant Friendship Center Society

Tlatzten Nation

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society

Waceya Metis Society

Wachiay Friendship Centre

Path Forward Round 2

Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation Gilford

Dudes Club

Fraser Regional Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association

Indigenous Women Rise Society

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre

Kermode Friendship Society

Lillooet Friendship Centre

North Okanagan Friendship Centre

Pa’LaTWit Society of the Lower Lillooet Lake

Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre

Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour

Xaxli’p Nation

Path Forward Round 3

Protect our Indigenous Sisters

Tears to Hope Foundation

Victoria Native Friendship Centre

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre

Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society

Metis Nation Greater Victoria

Penticton Indian Band

Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre

Fraser Valley Metis Association

High Bar First Nation

Indian Residential School Survivors Society

North Island Metis Association

Prince George Native Friendship Centre

Skidegate Band Council

Tahltan Government

Wachiay Friendship Centre

Kermode Friendship Centre

Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre

Learn More

The 2024 Path Forward funding announcement can be read here.

Read a copy of A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C. June 2024 Status Update

More information on the Path Forward dialogues, priorities, and provincial response can be found in the 2021 Status Update.

Read Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Learn more about the BCAAFC Statement on the Path Forward Community Fund here.