Spotlight on the Community Health and Wellbeing Grant: Recent updates provide more support and flexibility for Citizens

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) has updated the Community Health and Wellbeing Grant to better match the real needs of Citizens and to fulfill Council’s vision of making this fund more accessible.

The maximum amount available per application has doubled, from $500 to $1,000 per Citizen. At the same time, many of the old restrictions have been removed or reduced. This means Citizens now have much more flexibility to decide how to use the funds in ways that make the most sense for themselves, their families and their households.

The grant is grounded in CAFN’s values. It is meant to strengthen Lat’adinch’e (connections) among Champagne and Aishihik Dan, support the revitalization of clan identity for Käjèt (Crow) and Agunda (Wolf), and promote Dan k’e – our way of knowing, doing and being, and restoring our ancestors’ vision of the future. It can help Citizens get out on Dan Keyi (our people’s land), go Shakat in the summertime, and take part in cultural activities, language, spirituality, ceremonies, and traditional foods and medicines. It also supports positive connections between Ashaw Dan (Elders) and Shana Dan (Youth), and aims to build holistic mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health.

To be eligible, applicants must be CAFN Citizens, enrolled under the A.ghaalan (My Relatives) Enrollment Act, reside in Canada, and be in Good Standing under the policy.

The fund can support a wide range of needs, from language and culture to education, health, housing, sports, recreation and traditional pursuits. It can also help with everyday expenses that affect well being, such as personal electronics, winter tires, specialty clothing, vehicle repairs, fuel, utilities, certain bills and debts, savings and investments like RESPs, RRSPs and TFSAs, legal fees to resolve family or personal matters, and even gardening supplies and tools.

By increasing the grant amount and expanding what is eligible, Council is making it easier for Citizens to use this fund in ways that reflect Dan k’e, support cultural connection and strengthen overall wellness.

Visit cafn.ca for the application form. Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at the Admin building.