The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is proud to be launching the second year of the Uplifting Reciprocal Research (URR) Scholarship Program, designed to strengthen research and capacity in alignment with the  BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC. This program reflects PICS’ commitment to fostering reciprocal, community-driven research that uplifts Indigenous leadership in climate action. 

The URR Scholarship Program supports graduate-level scholars (Masters or Doctorate) at PICS universities whose work advances climate change adaptation and mitigation in collaboration with First Nations communities in BC. 

Scholarship recipients will receive financial support and will also contribute to the broader research and climate action community by developing case study knowledge highlights. Awardees will also be able to participate in future PICS events and connect with other researchers working on similar projects, fostering collaboration and offering opportunities to share knowledge, lessons learned, and experiences. 

This program honours that the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) have entered into a Relationship Protocol to advance First Nations climate leadership and priorities including capacity building, research, and educational opportunities.

With consent from their families, this scholarship is dedicated to Leona and Valerie Humchitt – from the Heiltsuk Nation – who were significant supporters of both climate action and education in First Nation communities. Please read below for additional program details and to learn more about Leona and Valerie and their contributions.

Learn about the 2025 cohort of URR Scholars:

Eligibility

• Scholars (Masters or Doctorate) engaged in climate change and sustainability projects attending a PICS university (UVIC, UNBC, SFU, UBC). 
• Priority will be given to research underway with strong ties to the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and/or Action Plan for Disaster Reduction by BC First Nations. 
• Scholars must have completed the first year of the program of study.
• Preference will be given to Indigenous scholars with further preference for BC First Nations scholars, followed by any scholars who hold research partnerships (written agreements or otherwise) with BC First Nations.

Scholarship program details

• Award values:
  • Masters: $10,000 per year
  • Doctorate: $20,000 per year
• Applications will be reviewed and adjudicated through a competitive process 
• Candidates will be selected through a process that includes review and independent scoring of each application by a PICS staff committee, followed by joint ranking, and final decisions.
• The online application form may be found immediately below. 

If you require any support or assistance with completing your application form, please contact us at jwale@uvic.ca   

Applications are now open, apply using the form below.

Case study Knowledge Highlights

Upon acceptance of the award, PICS will distribute funds to selected scholars on the condition that they agree to deliver a five-to-eight page case study knowledge highlight of research underway. 

The case study knowledge highlights will:

• Clearly connect to the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and/or the Action Plan/Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction and offer considerations and transferable learnings related to community adaptation and mitigation;    
• Highlight experiences, teachings, and practices of reciprocal research and Research co-development related to climate change; 
• Identify best practices for breaking down silos and facilitating collaboration; and
• Provide practical recommendations for enhancing research and partnerships.  

Case study development will be supported by PICS staff members. These case studies will be published on the PICS website and shared across our networks.

Examples of past Knowledge Highlights:

Bridging Science and Land: Climate vulnerability and resilience assessment for northern forest service roads

Read more

Indigenous-Led Climate Resilience: Learning from the conservation economy in the Great Bear Rainforest

Read more

Post-Wildfire Increases in Creek Flow Are Short-Lived in Syilx Okanagan First Nation

Read more

Caring for the ƛ̓əq̓ƛ̓aqtn Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area

Read more

The First Nations Leadership Council and PICS collaborative working relationship

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) have entered into a Relationship Protocol to advance First Nations climate leadership and priorities, and to generate benefits for First Nations in British Columbia.

The Relationship Protocol between FNLC and PICS establishes a collaborative, constructive and voluntary working relationship that focuses on climate solutions that uphold First Nations title and rights in British Columbia.

With this protocol, the FNLC and PICS aim to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC. The strategy and action plan present a strong vision for First Nations-led climate action to support current and future generations in achieving self-determination to care for the Earth and ensure health and stability in the face of the ongoing human-made climate crisis. 

To support implementation of the Relationship Protocol, PICS will be investing in capacity building, research, and educational opportunities that spur collaboration between university and First Nations organizations and community partners.

Program Dedication to Leona and Valerie Humchitt 

The Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program is dedicated to two distinguished matriarchs from the Heiltsuk Nation, Leona and Valerie Humchitt. Leona and Valerie were sisters-in-law and both had a deep passion for Indigenous-led education and changemaking. 

Leona was a visionary and passionate leader driving clean energy solutions and climate action within First Nation communities across BC. As the Climate Action Coordinator for the Haíɫzaqv Climate Action Team, Leona shaped and supported a holistic and community-led and supported approach to climate solutions that were deeply rooted in the Heiltsuk culture and teachings.

To honour these women and their beautiful dreams for the future, this scholarship is designed to support the next generation of climate leaders and create opportunities that uplift reciprocal research relationships in support for the BC First Nations Climate Strategy.

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Contact details

Name *

First

Last

Date of birth

Email *

Please note that PICS will contact applicants via email. If a valid email address is not on the application, we will be unable to contact you regarding the status of your application.

Address during the applied academic year *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Education

Select post-secondary institution you will be attending (for applied academic year) *

• University of Victoria
• University of British Columbia
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Northern British Columbia

Select level of study *

• Master’s
• Doctorate

Year of program you are entering (for applied academic year) *

Anticipated graduation year *

Major field of study *

Your major field of study is what is listed on your enrollment and/or transcript.

Introduce yourself

Please help us to learn more about you and your research by answering the questions below. This section will be scored based on the following: Provides clear information about identity, indicates experience enacting reciprocity and service to community, demonstrates motivation and values in the fields of climate and Indigenous research (overall score of 10 points).

Tell us about yourself, your family, and your community. *

Please share if you self-identify as Indigenous.

• First Nations
• Inuit
• Métis
• Other
• Non-Indigenous

Proof of Indigenous Status (optional)

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Attach proof of your Indigenous status which could be a copy of front and back of a status, or community identification card OR a letter outlining your connection to community from another member of the community.

If you marked 'Other', please specify

Share an example of reciprocity in your life where you gave back to community in the last three years. It is not required to be in your home community. *

(e.g., participating in a committee or Board, volunteer work, organizing sporting/art/writing events, coordinating daycare or school events etc.)

Why did you choose your field of study? What interests and inspires you about your research areas/s? *

Introduce your research

(overall score of 28 points)

Share an overview of your current research. What is the focus? What are you hoping to learn and why? *

[5 points: Provides plain language explanation of research with well-defined objectives]

Is your research being done in partnership with a First Nations community? If so, please explain the details of the partnership. *

[5 points: Identifies First Nation/s, clearly outlines how research priority was defined and/or is being delivered in partnership. If partnership development is still underway, please describe these efforts or steps being taken.]

How does your current research connect to or support the goals set out in the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and/or the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by BC First Nations. *

[10 points: Demonstrates clear linkages to elements of the (identified) action plans, outlines what and how the research will contribute to particular strategies and actions]

share 'Other', Risk

What does reciprocal research mean to you? *

[8 points: Provides a definition that is clear and relates to experiences and/or values]

Upload your documents

(overall score of 8 points)

Proof of full-time enrolment *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 4 files.

Please provide ONE of the following: a) a copy of your class schedule showing all registered classes. The schedules can be a screen shot from your student web account. OR b) an official letter or form, on letterhead, from your institution showing that you are enrolled full-time for the applied academic year. c) an official or unofficial transcript. *Post-secondary acceptance letters do not fulfill this requirement. Do not submit your application with an acceptance letter, your application will be marked as incomplete and not move forward to jury.

Please upload a community letter of support AND/OR an academic letter of support

We recognize that securing a community letter of support can be challenging, therefore it is not required.

Community letter of support (optional)

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Attach a copy of a letter expressing support for your research from a partnered community, or from the community your research takes place with. The letter must be dated and include your name.

Academic letter of support *

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Attach a copy of a letter expressing support for your research from a supervisor, or project affiliate from an academic institution. The letter must be dated and include your name.

Declaration and consent

To finalize and submit your application, please read and consent to the direct and indirect collection of your personal information, the use and disclosure of your personal information, as well as the terms and conditions set out below.

I agree that:

• I have given complete and true information on this form.

• I am responsible for updating my personal profile information (e.g. address change, name change) and will promptly notify PICS of any changes to any information I have provided in my personal profile or application. I will communicate any changes in information by communicating with PICS staff via email.

• I understand that I am responsible for providing all required supporting documentation as indicated on my application.

• I understand that to claim my award, I must have a Canadian Social Insurance Number.

• I am over 18 years of age.

• PICS can disclose my name, age, address, and education-related information to co-funders. Co-funders may contact students to congratulate them or for employment or internship opportunities.

• I consent to PICS verifying my educational background and graduation record. This consent will remain in effect until withdrawn by me in writing.
• I have/or will have university-based ethics approvals and community-level consent to engage in research related to this scholarship.

My digital signature confirms that:

• I am/will be enrolled in full time studies program that I applied for.

• I have read and fully understand the guidelines that govern the application and review process, and I have provided answers to all questions that apply to me.

• I certify that all information contained on this form is true and correct. I understand that any false statements intentionally given on this application, by email or telephone will disqualify my application and will affect my ability to access future funding.

• I hereby give my consent to PICS to use, publish my name and any other relevant information on the PICS website or in materials related to the Scholarship Program

• I acknowledge that if my application package does not include all the required documents my application will be deemed ineligible.
• I recognize that it is my responsibility to ensure that all supporting documents are postdated and/or received by the PICS office by the deadline.

*

• I will work with PICS to develop a case study Knowledge Highlight as part of and as a way to promote my work through this scholarship.

*

• I have read and give my consent to the indirect collection and disclosure of my personal information and also understand and agree to the terms and conditions outlined above.

Signature

Clear Signature

*

• I confirm I have given PICS permission to contact me, by completing the email form below.

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