KLEANZA GRANTS & AWARDS: ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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Kleanza Indigenous Language Revitalization Grant

This award promotes communities' self-determined language revitalization goals. Intended to celebrate the efforts and successes of Indigenous contributors in maintaining, preserving and restoring their languages, this grant will be awarded to an individual or group who has contributed, in any number of capacities, to keeping their language alive. Applicants are now invited to apply for the Kleanza Indigenous Language Revitalization Grant.

The grant is valued at: $1,000 

(payable in November of grant year)

Examples of language revitalization programs may include:

- Ongoing documentation of Indigenous languages

- Improving linguistic integrity through the analysis of grammar and phonology

- Teaching Indigenous languages within Indigenous communities

Use of the funds is at the discretion of the organization. Examples may include:

- Hardware (computers, voice recorders, writing materials, books, etc.)

- Software (development, or purchase of, software to aid in language revitalization)

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must self-identify as an Indigenous person in BC

Applicants must already have established, or be in the process of establishing, a language program within associated communities in British Columbia. 

Application package must include:

1 - A letter, maximum of four pages, describing:

- The program, the history, mandate, the research goals, methods, outcomes

- successes of the individuals involved, as well as the organization itself

- Outreach plans

2 - CV of the lead researcher/organizer

Application Process:

- Applicants must submit their application no later than October 15th 

- Kleanza will request permission to promote the winner’s work on the Kleanza website and social media

- The grant recipient will be decided upon by the Kleanza Awards Committee

- The grant will be awarded in November of each year

Deadline for the award application: October 15th 

Please email your application package to: awards@kleanza.com 

Kleanza Indigenous Creative Voices Grant

This award advances a new work related to heritage by an established or emerging Indigenous writer, orator, or maker. This award will help an established or emerging Indigenous writer, orator, or maker to create a video, e-book, blog post, book, article, spoken word, or other expression related to their own perspective of heritage in BC. Applicants are now invited to apply for the Kleanza Indigenous Creative Voices Grant.

The grant is valued at: $1,000 

(payable in 2 instalments of $500: November of grant year / March of following year)

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must self-identify as an Indigenous person in BC

Applicants must commit to completing the creative work by March 30th of following year

Application package must include:

1 - A letter, maximum of four pages, outlining:

- the applicant’s eligibility

- proposed work, driving principles, method

- commitment to complete the creative work by March 30th of the year following award acceptance

2 - Proposal for their original creative work, which may be for creation of a video, e-book, blog post, book, article, spoken word, or other expression chosen by the applicant

Application Process: 

Applicants must submit their application no later than October 15th. 

Applicants and winner retain intellectual property rights to their proposed and completed works outlined in their application

Kleanza will request permission to promote the winner’s work on the Kleanza website and social media

An award committee comprised of Indigenous members will judge the received proposals

Deadline for the award application: October 30th 

Email application package to: awards@kleanza.com 

 Kleanza Indigenous Environmental Guardianship Award

Indigenous environmental guardianship is a powerful model of conservation that recognizes the deep connection between Indigenous peoples, their lands, and their cultures. It offers a pathway to protect the environment while honoring Indigenous rights and knowledge. This award goes to an individual committed to community-led work or activities related to the care for and management of traditional territories, combining traditional knowledge with modern stewardship practices. Examples of activities include monitoring; ensuring sustainable practices; protection of cultural sites and promoting cultural awareness; ecosystem restoration; and education community members and visitors about responsible land use and cultural values. Applicants are now invited to apply for the Kleanza Indigenous Environmental Guardianship Grant.

The award is valued at: $500

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must self-identify as an Indigenous person in BC

Application package must include:

1 – CV of lead applicant

2 – A letter, maximum of four pages, outlining: 

- the applicant’s eligibility 

- description of work completed in 2024/2025

- background/history, mandate, driving principles, method, goals

- outcomes achieved through the completed work

Application Process: 

Applicants must submit their application no later than November 30th 

Applicants and winner retain intellectual property rights to their proposed and completed works outlined in their application

Kleanza will request permission to promote the winner’s work on the Kleanza website and social media

An award committee comprised of Indigenous members will judge the received proposals

Deadline for the award application: November 15th 

Email application package to: awards@kleanza.com 

Kleanza Indigenous Repatriation Leadership Award

Indigenous repatriation leadership is about empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim their cultural heritage, exercise their self-determination, and heal from the impacts of colonialism. This involves Indigenous governance and sovereignty in decision-making, cultural protocols, and respecting the unique needs and aspirations of every community. The award goes to an individual who, through community-led processes, prioritizes the return of ancestral remains, cultural belongings and the associated knowledge, to their rightful Indigenous communities. Aspects of Indigenous Repatriation Leadership include respecting governance structures and decision-making processes; being guided by cultural protocols; open communication and collaboration; addressing historical injustices; and long-term care and stewardship of repatriated belongings for future generations. Applicants are now invited to apply for the Kleanza Indigenous Repatriation Leadership Award.

The award is valued at: $500

 Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must self-identify as an Indigenous person in BC

Application package must include:

1 – CV of lead applicant

2 – A letter, maximum of four pages, outlining: 

- the applicant’s eligibility 

- description of work completed in 2024/2025

- background/history, mandate, driving principles, method, goals

- outcomes achieved through the completed work

Application Process: 

Applicants must submit their application no later than November 30th 

Applicants and winner retain intellectual property rights to their proposed and completed works outlined in their application

Kleanza will request permission to promote the winner’s work on the Kleanza website and social media

An award committee comprised of Indigenous members will judge the received proposals

Deadline for the award application: November 30th 

Email application package to: awards@kleanza.com