The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #61 calls on churches to provide funding for Indigenous community-controlled culture and language revitalization projects. From 2015 to 2024, Aboriginal Neighbours took up this call by raising funds for the mentor-apprentice Indigenous language learning program run by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.
Initiated by our diocese in 1996, Aboriginal Neighbours worked to build respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures. Aboriginal Neighbours is now nearing the end of its life cycle, releasing this work back into the local church contexts from which it grew. However, a new project in the spirit of Aboriginal Neighbours is beginning, to raise funds for Indigenous arts and music grants. We invite parishes and individuals to join us on this ongoing journey, continuing our relationship with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council through its sister organization, the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation is an Indigenous-led charitable organization created to uplift arts, language and cultural heritage for Indigenous communities, including all 202 First Nations in BC. The foundation recognizes that strengthening Indigenous art forms bolsters wellness, as individuals and communities reconnect with their artistic and musical heritage. First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation grants contribute to arts and music programs throughout the province, ranging from beading, weaving and carving to musical performance and film production.
In 2023-24, the foundation provided direct funding in the arts to over 4,200 First Nations individuals, working in both ancestral and contemporary arts and music. Emily Cabrera, First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation’s director of partnerships and communications, shared this quote from a 2023-24 arts grant recipient:
“My mentor was so helpful in all aspects of cedar harvesting and creating, as well as stripping and storing. I have already started sharing these teachings with the communities I visit to assist with basket weaving. I have also received many inquiries from different Nations to request that I share my teachings in future classes. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with any individuals or groups who would like to learn.”
Looking to the future, the foundation plans to continue empowering communities to rebuild cultural infrastructure, and promoting musical and artistic mentorship and knowledge transfer, so that Indigenous arts and music will be regenerated and revitalized for years to come.
As Anglicans, we are deeply blessed with musical and cultural heritage in our church communities. Supporting Indigenous arts and music grants is a way for parishes and individuals to contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous cultural heritage in BC, and to the healing of connections that were broken by past injustices.
If you or your parish would like to get involved with this project, or would like more information, please contact Sarah ([email protected]) for Aboriginal Neighbours, or Emily ([email protected]) at First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation.
You can also donate directly to the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation:
- Donate online through Canada Helps (Note “Aboriginal Neighbours Arts & Music” in the message box.)
- Or by cheque payable to First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, with “Aboriginal Neighbours Arts & Music” on the memo line. Send to: 1A Boat Ramp Rd., W̱JOȽEȽP, Unceded territory of W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, Brentwood Bay, BC., V8M 1N9.
Thank you for your support for reconciliation, and for cultural heritage for everyone!
Look for future articles in this series, honouring Aboriginal Neighbours’ work since 1996, and providing ideas for parishes and individuals to continue to support reconciliation.
