British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

FIRST CITIZENS' FUND

The First Citizens' Fund, a perpetual fund created in 1969, is available for cultural, educational and economic development for Aboriginal people in British Columbia.
In 2001, the Government of British Columbia doubled the net value of the Fund from $36 million to $72 million. Interest earned from Fund investments supports programs and services for Aboriginal people.
All programs and services are managed and delivered in partnership with British Columbia Aboriginal organizations.  The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres administers the following programs:
a.     The Student Bursary Program - to provide financial assistance to eligible Aboriginal students enrolled in post-secondary education programs.

b.     The Elders Transportation Program - to provide partial funding to Elders to offset travel costs related to the Annual Elders Gathering.

c.      The Friendship Centre Program - to assist Friendship Centres to offset the salary, benefits and related program costs of Program Directors who deliver a range of social, recreational and cultural programming to Aboriginal people living in urban areas.

Elders Transportation Program:

The Elders Transportation Program - to provide partial funding to Elders to offset travel costs related to the Annual Elders Gathering.

Applications are reviewed for funding based on factors including: distance away from the event, overall travel costs, regional representation and a complete application.  Individual Elders are encouraged to apply, include a letter of support from a recognized Aboriginal organization to affirm financial support is required to enable travel the Annual Elders Gathering.

Visit the BCAAFC website for the application forms, which are accepted from January to June annually.  We also include other potential fundraising links and up to date information on the Annual Elders Gathering.

Student Bursary Program:

The Student Bursary Program of the First Citizens' Fund provides financial assistance to Aboriginal students enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Students must be ordinarily resident in British Columbia and are registered full-time in a post-secondary program of two or more year’s duration.
To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average or C+ grade equivalent. The program supports undergraduate and graduate students in degree programs, and students in two-year diploma or certificate programs. Bursaries are also available to students with disabilities who may need more time to complete their education.
Students may qualify for one of the two funding streams: $2,000 (based on financial need) or $700 (if receiving a living allowance from your Nation).

Students approved for funding, are eligible to send their transcript midway through the academic year to receive half of the bursary if they’ve maintained a C+ average.
The Province of British Columbia has partnered with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres for program delivery of the student bursary program. Please visit the BCAAFC website for an application, the annual intake period is between January and May.  The website also includes useful links for students.
“Thank you so much! This couldn't have come at a better time for me. Thank you for the opportunity to continue my education at UBC and I know I'll do you and our community proud. Thank you again,”

Friendship Centre Program Director:

The Friendship Centre Program of the First Citizens Fund assists Aboriginal Friendship Centres in BC. It offsets the employment costs of Program Directors who provide culturally responsive services for Aboriginal people living in urban areas. Program directors provide a range of cultural, social and recreational programming that strengthens Aboriginal families and communities, and empowers individuals to reach their goals.
Friendship centres have an 'open door' for Aboriginal people seeking support and information. Please contact the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres or visit your nearest Friendship Centre for more information.

For information on BCAAFC First Citizens Fund programs please click on the corresponding link below :

• Program Directors
• Elders Transportation Assistance
  
• Student Bursaries

For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Gagnon), First Citizens Fund Program Administrator