The fund is open to Indigenous regular and casual FBA members who have completed their probationary period.
Eligible learning opportunities
Eligible learning opportunities may be offered by a range of organizations and educators, including:
- Indigenous-specific and mainstream post-secondary institutions in B.C.
- Aboriginal Friendship Centres
- Indigenous cultural, language and education organizations
- First Nations cultural or language departments
- Indigenous-owned companies
- Independent Indigenous knowledge keepers (carriers) and educators recognized by their home nation
Program length
The fund supports both short- and long-term learning:
- Short-term learning: 20 days or less
- Long-term learning: 21 days to two years
Required documents
Documentation will depend on the type of learning opportunity.
You will generally need to provide:
- A completed confirmation of employee status form
- Proof of registration and/or payment
- Confirmation of the learning opportunity and its start date and end date
- Documentation confirming completion of the course, program or activity, where applicable
For some community-based learning opportunities, a standard confirmation form provided by the union may be used and completed by a knowledge keeper, educator, or representative of the organization providing the learning.
If you are requesting a training allowance, you may also need to provide an attendance sheet signed by the educator, knowledge keeper, or appropriate representative.