The Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program offers up to $7,500 in funding to support collaborative projects advancing reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and communities in British Columbia. Eligible activities include exhibitions, skills training, educational programs, language revitalization, and heritage interpretation initiatives that foster relationship-building and integrate Indigenous perspectives.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial contributions up to $7,500 per project, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs (excluding GST).
Initial disbursement of 50% of the awarded funding at project initiation upon signing the contribution agreement and providing required insurance.
Final payment released upon project completion and acceptance of final reporting and documentation.

Activities funded

Collaborative exhibitions that incorporate Indigenous perspectives.
Apprenticeships, skills training, or capacity building initiatives involving Indigenous communities.
Creation or updating of interpretive signs, brochures, or pamphlets reflecting Indigenous heritage.
Educational or community programs and events that promote reconciliation and Indigenous culture.
Development of online platforms or resources that highlight Indigenous histories, languages, or heritage values.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a registered society (non-profit or charity), a local government, a First Nations government or organization, or a school board.
Religious organizations may be considered if they own heritage assets and deliver broad-based, inclusive community programs or services.
The applicant must be a current, paid member (corporate, government, or group) of Heritage BC.
If the applicant does not own the site, they must provide evidence of a long-term lease or management agreement (minimum three years beyond project completion).
The project must involve genuine collaboration with Indigenous people and/or communities and aim to further reconciliation through partnership.

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

Selection criteria

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.

How to apply

Review guidelines and eligibility

Consult the Heritage Legacy Fund guidelines and updated materials available on May 1
Review eligibility requirements for applicants and projects
Access the pre-application worksheet for application planning

Complete eligibility check

Contact Heritage BC staff by email to confirm project and applicant eligibility
Complete eligibility check before August 2
Request access code for the online application form

Prepare application materials

Gather all required documents, including quotes, financial statements, and images
Prepare a clear and detailed project budget and itemized eligible costs
Download and use the pre-application worksheet as a checklist

Complete online application form

Access the online application form using the code provided by Heritage BC
Fill in all required fields and upload required support materials in accepted formats
Ensure concise and complete answers to each question

Submit application online

Submit the completed online application before the August 15 deadline (before 12:00 noon)
Verify acknowledgment of receipt from Heritage BC

Await funding decision

Wait for notification of funding results from Heritage BC in November

Additional information

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.

Contacts

grants@heritagebc.ca

BC, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program?

Collaborative exhibitions that incorporate Indigenous perspectives. Apprenticeships, skills training, or capacity building initiatives involving Indigenous communities. Creation or updating of interpretive signs, brochures, or pamphlets reflecting Indigenous heritage. Educational or community programs and events that promote reconciliation and Indigenous culture. Development of online platforms or resources that highlight Indigenous histories, languages, or heritage values.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program?

Who is eligible for the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program program?

To be eligible for the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Indigenous Partnership Program program, you must: Registered societies (non-profits/charities), local governments, First Nations governments or organizations, and school boards are eligible. Applicants must be up-to-date, paid members of Heritage BC. Religious organizations eligible only if providing broad-based, inclusive community-supported programs or services.