Support for sustained, BC First Nation-led and co-designed climate research 

World weaving is the practice of intentionally creating connections across different knowledge systems, lived experiences, and ways of understanding the world. Rather than prioritizing one way of knowing over another, world weaving holds space for multiple truths to coexist, fostering collaboration that is more equitable, grounded, and responsive to community priorities. 

The World Weaving Multi-Year Research Pathway supports codesigned climate research that addresses complex and emerging climate challenges facing First Nations communities. This Pathway aims to advance Nation-led climate priorities, ethical and relational research practice, and knowledge co-production, by inviting applications from our university network (UBC, UVic, UNBC, SFU) that support sustained, relevant climate research that cannot be meaningfully achieved within short funding cycles. 

The Pathway is designed to strengthen research and capacity in alignment with the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan (BCFNCSAP) and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by BC First Nations. The 20 Urgent Calls for Action (in the FNCSAP) identify priority areas and will help guide project selection.

PICS anticipates funding in the range of four to six  multi-year projects with awards ranging from $80,000 to $200,000 per project distributed over three years.

Through the application process, applicants with established research initiatives (minimum of one year) are being invited to demonstrate research partnerships built on respect, reciprocity, and meaningful First Nations leadership, as well as how their research aligns with and advances the above plans and/or calls for action.

Applications are open now. Apply using the form below.

Pathway objectives

• To support codesigned and Nation-led, multi-year research on high priority climate issues.
• To enable sustained collaboration on complex climate challenges that require trust-building, continuity, and iterative inquiry.
• To advance key actions in the B.C. First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan (BCFNCSAP) and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in B.C. (APDRRFN), with focus on priorities in the 20 Urgent Calls to Action.       
• To strengthen reciprocal, trust-based relationships through accountable partnerships and value Indigenous knowledge systems on equal footing with academic research.

Applicant eligibility 

• PICS welcomes applications from principal investigators (PIs) who are faculty members at PICS universities (UNBC, UBC, UVic, SFU).
• All PIs must hold codesigned research partnerships (written agreements or otherwise) with B.C. First Nations and/or have First Nations co-investigators (who may bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and knowledges to the research). 
• Research initiatives must have evidence of well-established community relationships.

Please review the Guide for Applicants prior to initiating your proposal. This guide includes important additional information, specifics for completing the application form, as well as details regarding application criteria and scoring.  

To submit your proposal: Please send your completed proposal via the online form below. You will receive an automated email acknowledgement when your proposal has been received. Proposals will be received until June 17, 2026, 4:00 p.m. PST.

FAQs

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below before you complete your application.

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Section 1: Applicant & partnership information

1.1 Principal Investigator (PI)

Name *

First

Last

Title/ Position *

Institution *

• University of British Columbia (UBC)
• University of Victoria (UVic)
• Simon Fraser University (SFU)
• University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)

Email *

Phone *

Community affiliation (if applicable)

If your proposal is successful, you may be required to provide proof of ancestry or connection to community.

1.2 Co-Investigator

Name *

First

Last

Title/ Position *

Institution or organization (if applicable)

Email *

Phone

Community affiliation (is applicable)

 If your proposal is successful, you may be required to provide proof of ancestry or connection to community.

1.3 Community Partner(s)

Nation(s) involved *

Primary community lead/ contact *

Description of Nation role in project governance, decision-making, and leadership *

1.4 Confirmation of support

Written confirmation of partnership and project roles

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 3 files.

(e.g., letter or email from Nation leadership or designated authority)

Section 2: Project Overview

(10 pts)

2.1 Project title *

(10 Introduction applicable)

2.2 Summary statement *

Provide a clear, accessible summary of the project, including: (1) the climate-related priorities being addressed; (2) the purpose of the work; (3) how the project reflects First Nations leadership and priorities; and (4) key partnerships and affiliations.

2.3 Introduction *

Tell us about yourself, your family, and your community. If you self-identify as Indigenous, please share which communities you are connected to. NOTE: If your project is successful, you may be required to show proof of ancestry or connection to the community.

2.4 Project duration *

Start date – completion date

2.5 Funding request ($80,000 to $200,000) *

To align with good financial stewardship practices, applicants should carefully assess their needs and request only the funding required to meaningfully support the proposed activities. PICS reserves the right to adjust funding awarded to align with budget limitations.

Section 3: Relationship & governance

(20 pts)

3.1 Nature and history of the researcher–Nation relationship (10 pts) *

Describe (1) the length and depth of the relationship with collaborating Nation(s); (2) any previous collaborations; (3) the level of community support for this project; and (4) the anticipated role of the Nation(s) in the research process.

3.2 First Nations Leadership, Co-Design & Shared Governance (10 pts) *

Explain (1) how research priorities were identified; (2) how Nation leadership will shape methodologies, activities, and outcomes; (3) how decisions will be made throughout the project; and (4) how protocols, jurisdiction, and data sovereignty will be respected.

Section 4: Alignment & implementation

(55 pts)

4.1 Alignment with Priorities and Relevant Strategies (15 pts) *

Explain (1) the needs or challenges being addressed; (2) why this project is being proposed; (3) how the work aligns with Nation-defined priorities; and (4) connections to the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in B.C; include any linkages and alignment in priorities with the 20 Urgent Calls to Action.

4.2 Methodology (10 pts) *

(1) Clearly articulate your methodologies, including approach justification, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations. (2) Include how selected methods align with community practices or priorities.

4.3 Activities & timelines (20 pts) *

Provide an overview of major project activities, including: (1) how activities will be co-designed; (2) evidence of reciprocity and co-production; (3) opportunities for capacity building within Nation partner(s); (4) any planned knowledge mobilization activities; and (5) a project timeline including key engagements, dates, and deliverables.

4.4 Outcomes and deliverables (10 pts) *

Describe (1) expected outcomes and impacts; (2) how the work will advance Nation priorities; (3) planned deliverables and their practical applications; and (4) how accessibility and usability will be ensured.

Section 5: Credibility & suitability

(15 pts)

5.1 Team *

Demonstrate why your team is well-suited to undertake this project by highlighting: (1) relevant experience and past work; (2) existing relationships; (3) cultural agility and ability to work across knowledge systems; and (4) capacity to support meaningful, reciprocal research. NOTE: Copy-pasted bios or CVs will not be reviewed.

Section 6: Budget and Contributions

(10 pts)

6.1 Budget Summary Table

Please fill out this preliminary budget. A more detailed budget will be required for approved projects.

Category

Budget justification

Amount ($)

Student and postdoctoral personnel costs (salaries and benefits)

Single Line Text

Numbers

Non-student personnel/services

Single Line Text (copy)

Numbers (copy)

Honoraria (Elders, Knowledge Holders, community leads)

Single Line Text (copy) (copy)

Numbers (copy) (copy)

Travel costs

Single Line Text (copy) (copy) (copy)

Numbers (copy) (copy) (copy)

Other relationship building and knowledge exchange activities

Single Line Text (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Numbers (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Project specific data or equipment costs

Single Line Text (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Numbers (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Budget amount to benefit First Nation(s)

Single Line Text (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Numbers (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Other (specify)

Single Line Text (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Numbers (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Total requested

Numbers (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

6.2 Details regarding budget allocation for Nation priorities and participation in research

Identify the types of activities, capacities, training, and/or research expenses that will flow directly to and benefit Nations.

6.3 Additional contributions

Section 7: Applicant declaration

I confirm that: *

• The Nation partner(s) are aware of and support this application
• The proposed project reflects meaningful collaboration and co-design
• The information provided is accurate and complete

Name *

First

Last

Signature *

Clear Signature

Date *

*

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

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