I am deeply grateful to the First Peoples’ Cultural Council for their support in helping make my dreams a reality. Receiving their grant has allowed me to fully pursue my passion for pine needle basket weaving, explore new creative directions, and share Indigenous art and culture more widely. Their encouragement and belief in my work mean so much, and I am honored to have their support as I continue this journey.

The FPCC Arts Program supports B.C. First Nations artists, communities and organizations working in both ancestral and contemporary arts by delivering grants, workshops and programs to positively impact creative sovereignty in their respective activities, knowledge transfer, training and professional development. 

First Nations Arts in B.C. have a long and nuanced history, stretching back to a time well before colonization. Music, dance, carving, weaving, regalia, body art – these are just some of the artistic expressions that reflect our cultures and identities. Our art is a conduit for physical, mental, socio-cultural and economic well-being.  

We use art to record history and mark events, map the land, pass on values and identify political and family structures that shape our communities. Art is at the centre of our ceremonies and cultural practices. Art is an educational tool, a public record, a political document and a spiritual resource – and it is a critical component of our cultural systems.  

The Arts Program supports the creation, development, production, and promotion across all forms of creative expressions. This includes but is not limited to ceremonial, oral, visual, performance, music, literary, media, sculpture, carving and weaving.