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Open Call: Braided Infrastructure Program (Canada)

Deadline: 24-Feb-2026

The Braided Infrastructure Program (BIP) provides up to $70,000 per project to support B.C. First Nations in developing infrastructure that integrates arts, culture, heritage, and language activities. The program strengthens cultural revitalization, heritage preservation, and community engagement through projects spanning physical infrastructure, creative spaces, knowledge transfer, and storytelling.

About the Program

The Braided Infrastructure Program (BIP), delivered by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC), supports B.C. First Nations in developing infrastructure projects that braid together arts, culture, heritage, and language activities. BIP integrates the former Heritage Infrastructure Program (HIP), streamlining support for initiatives that revitalize First Nations heritage and cultural practices across British Columbia.

Program Goals

  • Preserve and enhance historical and cultural places and archives.

  • Construct or renovate creative and cultural spaces for arts, crafts, and traditional practices.

  • Build physical infrastructure (trails, buildings, structures) that improves public and community access to historic sites.

  • Support knowledge transfer of histories, cultural practices, and traditional arts or trades.

  • Provide materials and resources to promote storytelling, art, music, and cultural expression.

Funding Details

  • Maximum Grant: $70,000 per project

  • Applicants must cover additional project costs beyond the maximum grant and confirm funding at the time of application.

  • Funds can be used for:

    • Construction or renovation of cultural spaces

    • Infrastructure supporting community access to historic and cultural sites

    • Cultural materials for storytelling, arts, and trades

    • Equipment and resources for creative activities and cultural expression

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

  • B.C. First Nations bands or Tribal Councils

  • Not-for-profit societies registered in B.C., with at least 65% of directors from recognized B.C. First Nations

  • B.C. First Nations-led museums and cultural spaces meeting the 65% governance requirement

  • Urban and off-reserve B.C. First Nations organizations adhering to the same governance criteria

  • B.C. First Nations schools or adult education centres on First Nations lands (single-community schools must apply via their Nation or Band Office)

FPCC supports projects from all 204 B.C. First Nations communities and recognizes these communities as stewards of their cultural heritage, ensuring that cultural revitalization efforts remain community-led and Indigenous-governed.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm eligibility based on organization type, governance structure, and First Nations affiliation.

  2. Develop a detailed project proposal, including objectives, activities, budget, and timeline.

  3. Ensure that all additional funding required beyond the maximum grant is secured and documented.

  4. Submit the application through the FPCC online portal following the program guidelines.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Demonstrate community engagement and alignment with cultural revitalization goals.

  • Highlight integration of arts, heritage, language, and cultural practices.

  • Include detailed plans for knowledge transfer, creative activities, and public access.

  • Ensure your governance structure meets the 65% B.C. First Nations board requirement.

  • Clarify all budget allocations, including costs beyond the grant cap.

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $70,000 per project.
2. Who is eligible to apply? B.C. First Nations bands, Tribal Councils, societies, museums, cultural spaces, and schools meeting governance criteria.
3. Can projects on urban or off-reserve lands apply? Yes, if they are First Nations-led and meet governance requirements.
4. Is additional funding required? Applicants must cover any costs exceeding the maximum grant.
5. What types of projects are supported? Construction/renovation of cultural spaces, infrastructure, creative and heritage activities, and materials for storytelling and knowledge transfer.
6. Can a single-community school apply? Yes, but applications must be submitted through their Nation or Band Office.
7. Why is 65% First Nations governance required? To ensure projects are community-led and reflect First Nations stewardship of cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Braided Infrastructure Program (BIP) empowers B.C. First Nations communities to revitalize heritage, arts, and cultural practices through strategic infrastructure projects. By integrating arts, culture, language, and heritage, BIP strengthens community identity, preserves cultural memory, and enhances public access to First Nations stories and creative expression across British Columbia.

For more information, visit FPCC.