Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit societies and charities
• Local governments
• First Nations governments and organizations
• School boards
• Religious organizations that own heritage assets (with active, inclusive community programs)

Who is not eligible

• Individuals
• Unregistered organizations
• Private businesses
• BC Government Agencies

Eligible expenses

• Costs for exhibitions, including new or updated displays.
• Expenses for apprenticeship, skills training, or capacity building activities.
• Production of signs or pamphlets, either new or updated.
• Delivery of education and community programs or events.
• Development and maintenance of online platforms or resources related to the project.
• Fees for Indigenous advisor programs.
• Implementation of interpretation programs.
• Activities directly supporting language revitalization.
• Expenses related to repatriation or deaccessioning.

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Demonstration of relationship building and collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Innovation and positive impact for the Indigenous community.
• Alignment with the goals and vision of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
• Clear purpose and plan to further reconciliation work through tangible outcomes or products.

• Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Contact Program Staff
  • Contact Heritage BC program staff to confirm both applicant and project eligibility for the Indigenous Partnership Program.
  • Request instructions and an access code for the online application form at least two weeks before the application deadline.
• Step 2: Review Program Guidelines & Collect Information
  • Review all relevant program guidelines and policies, including eligible and ineligible work.
  • Download and complete the Pre-Application Worksheet to guide your preparation.
  • Gather all required information and prepare supporting documents, such as quotes, financial statements, and images.
• Step 3: Prepare Project Budget and Obtain Quotes
  • Prepare an itemized project budget summarizing eligible costs and expected revenues, clearly indicating which funding is secured and which is requested.
  • Obtain a minimum of one current independent contractor quote specific to the project work (for Indigenous Partnership applications).
• Step 4: Access and Complete Online Application Form
  • Use the link and password provided by the Program Manager to log into the online form.
  • Complete all required sections thoroughly and accurately, ensuring all information is concise and complete.
• Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
  • Upload all supporting documents and images, ensuring files are clearly and consistently labeled.
• Step 6: Submit Application
  • Review your entire application for completeness and accuracy.
  • Submit the completed online application form and all supporting materials via the Heritage BC application portal.
• Step 7: Post-Submission Confirmation and Next Steps
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification from program staff.
  • If successful, sign the required contribution agreement and provide proof of insurance coverage as specified.

• Applicants must be current, paid members (corporate, government, or group) of Heritage BC to submit an application.
• Applicants must provide and maintain sufficient insurance coverage, listing the Dogwood Heritage Society of BC as additional insured.
• Financial support from the Heritage Legacy Fund must be acknowledged in project materials and events, using the Heritage BC logo where appropriate.
• A Statement of Significance (SOS) may be required for heritage resources for some application streams; consult program staff for guidance.