Deadline: 12-Dec-2025
The Language Vitality Program is an inspiring initiative that supports the revitalization and sustainability of First Nations languages across British Columbia.
It recognizes the diversity of Indigenous languages and honours the fact that every First Nation has its own unique path toward language renewal. Each community designs and delivers programs that reflect its specific needs, strengths, and cultural priorities, ensuring that language revitalization efforts remain deeply rooted in local identity and tradition.
The program offers four distinct funding categories—Rise, Roots, Grow, and Flourish—representing stages of growth in the language revitalization journey. These categories symbolize the natural cycles of renewal and flourishing found in the land, reflecting how languages, too, are living entities that thrive through care and connection. The funding ranges from $50,000 to $300,000, giving communities at different stages of development the opportunity to engage in meaningful and sustainable language work.
The Rise category offers up to $50,000 for a one-year project, providing support for smaller teams just beginning their language revitalization efforts. This stream helps emerging groups build capacity and focus on one or two foundational project areas.
Roots funding provides up to $120,000 per year for up to two years, with the potential for an additional year. It is designed for teams that already have some experience in language revitalization and are expanding into new areas, enabling them to deepen their roots and strengthen their strategies.
The Grow category offers up to $200,000 per year for up to two years, with a possible third year of continuation. This stream supports groups that are developing or implementing a strategic language plan with their community. It encourages collaboration and structured planning, setting the foundation for long-term sustainability.
Flourish funding represents the highest level of support, offering up to $300,000 per year for three years. It is designed for well-established teams that already have a comprehensive language plan in place and are actively implementing multiple revitalization strategies. This stream fosters large-scale community initiatives that aim to create vibrant, intergenerational language use across different community domains.
Eligibility for the Language Vitality Program is inclusive and designed to support a wide range of First Nations-led organisations. Recognized First Nations governments, bands, and tribal councils in British Columbia may apply, as well as registered not-for-profit societies, urban and off-reserve First Nations organisations, First Nations–led museums and cultural spaces, and educational institutions operating on First Nations lands. All applicants must demonstrate governance that includes at least 65 percent of board members who are members of, or have ancestral connections to, a recognized B.C. First Nation.
Through its multi-tiered approach, the Language Vitality Program offers a powerful pathway for First Nations communities to reclaim, strengthen, and celebrate their languages. By aligning funding with the unique stages of revitalization, the program nurtures growth at every level—from early learning and documentation to full community immersion and intergenerational fluency. In doing so, it ensures that the voices, stories, and knowledge of Indigenous peoples continue to flourish for generations to come.
For more information, visit First Peoples’ Cultural Council.
