September 8, 2026 – Across the province, Indigenous communities have identified the need for Indigenous-led, culturally grounded responses to gambling-related harms that reflect their voices and collective vision towards community wellness. In response, Community Action Initiative (CAI) and Gambling Support BC (GSBC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), have launched the Indigenous-Led Gambling Harm Reduction and Community Capacity Building Grant.
Fifteen First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous-led organizations across B.C. have each been awarded $90,000 over two years to strengthen community capacity to prevent and respond to gambling-related harms. The funded projects will also support the implementation of GSBC’s Indigenous-led Gambling Harm Reduction and Community Capacity Building Framework.
We would like to congratulate the successful Nations and organizations and recognize the care, knowledge, and leadership they bring to supporting the wellbeing of their communities.
Funded projects include initiatives that:
- Identify gaps in gambling-related supports through community needs assessments and outreach initiatives.
- Establish culturally grounded approaches and supports that respond to community needs and strengthen pathways to wellness and recovery.
- Develop community education and awareness initiatives to increase understanding of gambling-related harms and promote healthier relationships with gambling.
- Strengthen connections to culture through land-based programming and cultural activities.
The grant has funded Nations and Indigenous-led organizations in every regional health authority across the province:
- Dze Ḻ’Kant Friendship Centre Society
- Tsë Lhts’ënc’il Nec’igekh Be Yikh (Split Rock Healing House)
- North Wind Wellness Centre Society
- Carrier Sekani Family Services
- Lytton First Nation
- Rise Up Indigenous Wellness
- Tŝideldel First Nation
- Skatin Nation
- Dudes Club Society
- Tsow-Tun Le Lum
- Matsqui- Abbotsford Impact Society
- Chawathil First Nation
- Telmexw Awtexw Healing Centre
- Xwéwenaqw Xwexwilmexw (Whonnock People)
- Métis Nation BC
Applications were reviewed by adjudication committees that included representatives from CAI and GSBC, Indigenous peers, people with lived experience of gambling, individuals working in Indigenous-led supports and services, and representatives from organizations with knowledge and experience in gambling-related harms.
We are grateful for the opportunity to support this important work and look forward to the positive impact these projects will have on individuals, families and communities across B.C.
About CAI
Community Action Initiative (CAI) funds and supports up to 300 community organizations and local leaders to improve mental health and substance use responses across B.C. Through grants, capacity building, and networks, CAI supports community-driven responses that reflect local needs, strengths, and priorities.
Learn more at www.caibc.ca