Over $681,000 granted to support local Nations and Indigenous organizations in the capital region

January 21, 2025

Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Foundation announced Tuesday that it will distribute $681,656 to 21 different applicants to support social, cultural, and legal infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the capital region. Six local Nations and 15 other applicants received funding through the Indigenous Priorities Fund — a pilot program in its second year, developed by the Indigenous Granting Advisory supported by the Foundation.

The Indigenous Priorities Fund supports Nations first and foremost, followed by Indigenous-led organizations, to bolster the priorities they have identified in their communities. The Indigenous Granting Advisory is made up of Indigenous people living in the capital region and was formed to develop a granting approach that better reflects Indigenous priorities.

“We are so pleased the Victoria Foundation continues to build on its relationship with local Indigenous communities,” said Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO. “These grants are selected through a fully Indigenous-led process and continue to support the vital work and diverse values that are engrained in these communities.”

Tamara Napoleon, the Victoria Foundation’s board chair and member of the Indigenous Granting Advisory, said that based on the success of the grant program’s first year, several updates were made to the 2024 program.

“While the demand for funding continues to exceed the available amount, it was important to increase the funds for distribution,” Napoleon said. “The Foundation also worked to engage local Nations directly by holding two full open houses in community – one at the Pauquachin Hall, the other on Songhees and Esquimalt lands. These successful efforts underscore that the program is resonating with grant applicants by offering more opportunities for support in culturally appropriate ways. This is critical for deepening reconciliation in our region.”

The funding for the grants was made possible through several of the Foundation’s Community Action Funds and discretionary funds, and additional gifts from donors with a special interest in supporting Indigenous communities. To support this fund, you can donate online or contact the Victoria Foundation’s donor services team at 250-381-5532 or by email at donorservices@victoriafoundation.bc.ca.

Among the grant recipients, the Esquimalt Nation will use their funding of $50,000 to hire an Education Manager to support the Nation’s education department. The role will work to advocate for students’ needs and will provide direct support to them and their families, while working with other departments to establish culturally informed wrap-around supports.

Director of Education Kalie Dyer says the funding “will have a profound impact by fostering stronger relationships between the Esquimalt nation, local schools, and community partners” and will help create a “holistic approach to education and well-being.”

“Over time, this role will contribute to improved educational outcomes, strengthened community collaboration, and a foundation for future generations to thrive while staying connected to their cultural identity,” she said.

Likewise, Michelle Thut, Administrator for the T’Sou-ke Nation, says their grant of $50,000 will help purchase a van to be used for community youth programs, “ensuring access to cultural events, educational opportunities, and sports activities,” which will also ease transportation challenges their families may face.

Thut says the funding is “a transformative investment for our youth department. By providing safe and reliable transportation, we’re ensuring our youth have access to opportunities that nurture their growth, strengthen their connection to culture and our community, and allow them to travel to neighboring communities, strengthen familial ties, share in cultural events, and participate in other activities.”

A full list of grant recipients is available below and on the Indigenous Priorities Fund webpage.

About the Victoria Foundation

Established in 1936, the Victoria Foundation is Canada’s second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of over 200 nation-wide. The Victoria Foundation manages charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows them to create permanent, income-earning funds. The proceeds from these funds are then distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. To date, the Victoria Foundation has invested over $340 million in people, projects and non-profit organizations that strengthen communities in BC and throughout Canada.

Media Contacts

Adam van der Zwan, Senior Communications Officer
The Victoria Foundation
Phone: 250-381-5532
Email: avanderzwan@victoriafoundation.bc.ca

Kalie Dyer
Director of Education, Esquimalt Nation
Phone: 250-381-7861 ext. 106
Email: kalie@esquimaltnation.ca

Michelle Thut
Administrator, T’Sou-ke First Nation
Email: administrator@tsoukenation.com

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