Language funding is now available for 2027-28 up to 2029-30 to support community-based projects that revitalize First Nations languages in B.C.
“My husband and I are both very proficient speakers. When we decided to start a family, we named our kids in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language and knew that we wanted to raise them as much in the language as we could. So, at home, we primarily speak Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. Their first words were Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. As a baby, my son would come with me to work, and there would be language programming going on, so he’d be taking part in the certificate programming, unofficially, as an infant. He was acquiring the language alongside all these adult learners that were learning it, too.”
– Sarah Jeffrey, Snichim Foundation
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Language Vitality Program supports B.C. First Nation communities and individuals working to carry their language into the future. Eligible work includes language immersion, programs for early childhood, silent speaker programming, language documentation, material and curriculum development, language technologies, community collaboration, strategic long-term language planning and language gathering and sharing initiatives.
Applicants may apply for one, two or up to three years of funding in a single application, based on the funding category. Multi-year funding will support project continuity and succession planning for recipients.
The application deadline is November 19, 2026.
About the Language Vitality Program
The Language Vitality Program supports community-led language revitalization through four categories.
Rise, Roots and Grow support applicants implementing one or more strategies that reflect community needs and priorities. Flourish supports applicants implementing an approved long-term strategic language revitalization plan.
Language Vitality Program Categories
For information on each category please visit the program page
- Rise Funding (up to $75,000 – April 1, 2027–April 30, 2028)
- Roots Funding (up to $150,000 per year for up to 2 years – April 1, 2027–April 30, 2029)
- Grow Funding (up to $300,000 per year for up to 2 years – April 1, 2027–April 30, 2029)
- Flourish Funding (up to $600,000 per year for up to 3 years – April 1, 2027–April 30, 2030)
The amount of funding within each category is subject to availability. Please review the program guidelines on the program page for a full descriptions of eligible activities.
Eligibility
- Recognized First Nations governments, bands or tribal councils located in B.C.
- B.C. First Nations–led museums, cultural spaces, not-for-profit societies registered in B.C., in good standing and governed by B.C. First Nations individuals with at least 65% of directors identifying as members of one of the 204 recognized B.C. First Nations.
- Urban and off-reserve B.C. First Nations organizations governed by B.C. First Nations individuals with at least 65% of directors identifying as members of one of the 204 recognized B.C. First Nations
- B.C. First Nations schools and adult education centres operating on First Nations lands in B.C.; schools serving one community must apply through their Nation or Band Office
Online Information Webinar
To support applicants, we will be hosting an online information webinar on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 am (PT). Attend the webinar for additional application information and an opportunity to ask questions.
Please register in advance for the webinar on the program page.
For those who can’t attend, a recording will be available to view on the program page after the session has been completed.
How to Apply
Prior to starting your application, please visit the Language Vitality Program page for more information, links to the guidelines and application, and to register for the online information webinar.
We are here to provide support
If you wish to receive feedback on your application, please submit by November 5, 2026 (two weeks prior to the closing deadline) and reach out to request feedback. FPCC Language Program staff will provide feedback on your application so you may revise and resubmit before the final deadline. Submit requests for feedback to: languagegrant@fpcc.ca
Share the news
Please share this funding opportunity with your network by downloading the program poster.
Learn more
Find more information on FPCC’s Language Programs here.
Read community stories about Language grant recipients here.
View Language resources here.
Visit the Language Toolkits here.
View all current FPCC funding opportunities here.
Connect with Us
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To view all current FPCC funding opportunities please visit our Grants page.
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