Deadline: 09-Oct-2026
The Regional Community to Community (C2C) Program supports initiatives that strengthen relationships, reconciliation, and cooperation between First Nations and local governments in British Columbia. The program funds joint activities that promote dialogue, build agreements, and develop shared strategies to address issues of mutual concern.
The initiative aims to improve long-term relationships and increase understanding between First Nations and local government partners through structured collaboration and practical outcomes.
About the Program
- The program supports collaboration between First Nations and local governments.
- It focuses on reconciliation and relationship-building initiatives.
- It funds dialogue-based forums and joint planning activities.
- The program supports the development of formal agreements and protocols.
- It encourages cooperative problem-solving on shared issues.
- It promotes policy alignment and governance collaboration.
- It strengthens mutual understanding and long-term partnerships.
- It is designed to deliver practical and measurable outcomes.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen relationships between First Nations and local governments.
- Advance reconciliation through structured collaboration.
- Support dialogue on shared responsibilities and concerns.
- Develop formal agreements and cooperation frameworks.
- Improve governance alignment through joint policy review.
- Build trust and understanding between communities.
- Encourage long-term partnership development.
- Support practical solutions to shared regional issues.
Key Focus Areas
- Community-to-community dialogue forums and events.
- Reconciliation-focused engagement initiatives.
- Development of protocols, MOUs, and service agreements.
- Joint planning and strategy development.
- Collaborative review of bylaws and policies.
- Recommendations for policy amendments or new frameworks.
- Relationship-building and trust development activities.
- Resolution of shared governance or service issues.
Funding Information
- Up to 100% of eligible project costs funded.
- Maximum total funding: $20,000 per project.
- Up to $10,000 for Community-to-Community forums and events.
- Up to $10,000 for agreements and joint policy/bylaw review.
- Funding is subject to availability.
- Supports both engagement and implementation activities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Local governments in British Columbia, including:
- Municipalities.
- Regional districts.
- Islands Trust.
- First Nations, including:
- Treaty First Nations.
- Bands.
- Tribal Councils.
- National First Nations governments.
Applications are accepted from eligible partners working collaboratively on reconciliation and relationship-building initiatives.
Who Can Benefit?
The program supports:
- First Nations communities in British Columbia.
- Municipal and regional governments.
- Indigenous governance bodies and organizations.
- Communities engaged in reconciliation processes.
- Local residents benefiting from improved governance cooperation.
- Stakeholders involved in shared service delivery and planning.
- Regions working toward improved intergovernmental relations.
Expected Outcomes
Funded initiatives are expected to achieve:
- Stronger relationships between First Nations and local governments.
- Improved communication and trust between partners.
- Formalized agreements supporting collaboration.
- Joint strategies for addressing shared issues.
- Improved alignment of bylaws and policies.
- Increased understanding of reconciliation priorities.
- Practical solutions to governance and service challenges.
- Long-term partnership development.
Why This Program Matters
- Reconciliation requires sustained and structured collaboration.
- Local and Indigenous governments share overlapping responsibilities.
- Dialogue helps resolve long-standing governance challenges.
- Joint agreements support clearer roles and cooperation.
- Policy alignment improves service delivery and coordination.
- Relationship-building strengthens community trust.
- Collaborative planning supports more effective decision-making.
Application Tips
- Clearly define the partnership between First Nation and local government.
- Focus on reconciliation and relationship-building outcomes.
- Include structured plans for dialogue and engagement.
- Demonstrate how activities will lead to tangible agreements or actions.
- Outline clear governance or policy issues being addressed.
- Show joint commitment from all participating partners.
- Provide realistic timelines and deliverables.
- Ensure alignment with reconciliation objectives.
- Emphasise long-term relationship development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Regional Community to Community Program?
- It is a funding program supporting collaboration and reconciliation between First Nations and local governments in British Columbia.
How much funding is available?
- Up to $20,000 per project, covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
What types of activities are supported?
- Forums, dialogue sessions, MOUs, agreements, joint planning, and policy or bylaw reviews.
Who can apply?
- Local governments in British Columbia and First Nations, including Bands, Tribal Councils, and Treaty First Nations.
What is the main goal of the program?
- To strengthen relationships and advance reconciliation between First Nations and local governments.
Conclusion
The Regional Community to Community Program supports practical reconciliation efforts between First Nations and local governments in British Columbia. Through funded dialogue, joint planning, and formal agreements, the program strengthens relationships, improves governance cooperation, and supports long-term partnership building.
For more information, visit UBCM.
