Real Estate Foundation of BC

At the Real Estate Foundation of BC, we are trying to start and stay on a path of reconciliation that is grounded in truth. We are striving to embrace the opportunities of working in the spirit of reciprocity, building good relationships, decolonizing our ways of knowing and working, and upholding the rights and responsibilities of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples. Taking steps to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is central to this commitment. Our new report, Transformative Actions for UNDRIP Advancement (TAUA), outlines how UNDRIP relates to REFBC’s work and identifies 50 actions in support of UNDRIP implementation for the Foundation to undertake. We are deeply committed to the Transformative Actions outlined in this report, and grateful for the leadership of our UNDRIP Fellow, Tara Marsden/Naxginkw @hlimoosustainablesolutions . With Tara’s guidance, we have been able to engage with external knowledge-holders, advisors, and leaders, whose input is helping inform REFBC’s journey forward. We thank all who have joined us in conversations, responded to surveys, and offered us constructive feedback. Read the action plan: refbc.ca/taua

With the guidance of REFBC’s UNDRIP Fellow, Tara Marsden/Naxginkw and @hlimoosustainablesolutions , we’re proud to share our inaugural Transformative Actions for UNDRIP Advancement (TAUA) Progress Report. This document brings together what we’ve done to advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples over the past year, the journey ahead, and the work that remains: refbc.ca/taua-2025 (link in bio) We welcome you to review this progress report, ask questions, and share feedback with us: [email protected]

At the end of April, our team spent two days with Camille Dumond and Navida Nuraney of Waterline Co-op, learning to engage with conflict, practice skillful group dialogue, and use new facilitation tools and techniques. For a lot of people, conflict can be scary and activating. Our time with Camille and Navida taught us how to lean in and see conflict as a daily opportunity for growth and learning. Equipped with a different perspective and new tools, we left feeling empowered and motivated. More @lewisdeepdemocracy trainings by Waterline Co-op are starting online and in-person soon. Check them out!

The Watershed Security Fund—with the First Nations Water Caucus, BC First Nations Fisheries Council and Real Estate Foundation of BC — is proud to announce the recipients for the third round of funding through the WSF Grants Program. $6 million is being distributed to 26 community-led projects across British Columbia. Since the launch of the grants program in 2024, the WSF has supported 80 community-led projects, investing $18 million directly into communities. The projects funded have helped communities achieve economic, environmental, cultural, and social goals while prioritizing the health of waterways, centering First Nations rights and knowledge, and fostering enduring relationships grounded in reciprocity and respect. You can read more about the 26 grant recipients on our website https://watershedsecurityfund.ca/funded-projects/ Photos provided by: @reddfishrestoration , K'en T'em Management Corporation, Office of the Wet'suwet'en, @haoomfisheriessociety #WatershedSecurityFund #WatershedsBC #WatershedSecurity #Water #HealthyWaters #HealthyWatersheds #WatershedGrants

Reciprocity Trusts is a nonprofit that offers settlers a way to honour and value these relationships and the local First Nations’ stewardship of the lands and waters. Residents and business owners can opt into an explicit and intentional process of wealth redistribution by contributing to a regional trust. Homeowners are invited to contribute the equivalent of 1% of their monthly property taxes and businesses 1% of their monthly revenue, though the amount is ultimately up to each contributor. @reciprocitytrusts launched its first regional trust, the South Island Indigenous Reciprocity Trust, in 2023. The member nations share the revenue equally, regardless of each nation’s population, a gesture of naut’sa mawt, the Hul’q’umi’num’ phrase which means “one heart and mind.” 1. Rose Henry, a Coast Salish educator and activist, shares her enthusiasm about Reciprocity Trusts. 2. Sarah Reid, Executive Director, presents Andrea Thomas and Millie Modeste of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nation with their annual contribution of funds from the South Island Indigenous Reciprocity Trust.

On the coast of north Vancouver Island, the six nations that comprise the Nanwakolas Council have developed a partnership with @bcmarinetrails to educate non-Indigenous paddlers to respect First Nations rights and to paddle in a good way. The BCMT has a long history of collaboration and trust with the Nanwakolas Council, particularly with the Mamalilikulla First Nation. BCMT and the nations are working together to educate paddlers on their responsibilities on Indigenous territories. One of BCMT’s strategic priorities is to disrupt conventions around marine recreation and mold them to align with First Nation’s protocols and practices, creating culturally informed resources for paddlers to learn from. Read more about the ongoing partnership between the BCMT and the Nanwakolas Council on our website.

The Real Estate Foundation of BC’s staff and Board of Governors is thrilled to welcome @gosnell_myers as our newest governor! “I’m honoured to join the Board of the Real Estate Foundation of BC at a time when thoughtful governance and long-term stewardship of land are more important than ever,” says Ginger. “Indigenous knowledge offers critical guidance for how we steward land, make decisions, and create lasting public benefit, and I look forward to contributing to REFBC’s leadership in advancing reconciliation and community-centred approaches across British Columbia.” From the Nisga’a and Kwakwak’awakw Nations, Ginger Gosnell-Myers is a nationally recognized leader advancing Indigenous rights, knowledge, and governance through public policy, urban planning, and institutional change. Her work focuses on designing new engagement and decision-making processes with local First Nations and urban Indigenous communities, ensuring Indigenous knowledge is meaningfully embedded in capital, infrastructure, and land-based initiatives. Says REFBC’s CEO, Mark Gifford. “We’re looking forward to [Ginger] sharing her leadership and governance experience, particularly in the context of advancing Indigenous rights and knowledge.”

The 2026 Land Awards nominations are officially OPEN! Know projects or leaders in BC that are protecting the lands and waters we love and creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities? Nominate them now and shine a spotlight on their incredible work. 🔗 landawards.com/nominate 📅 Deadline: March 5, 2026 There are 5 award categories for projects: ⭐️ Land Use and Conservation ⭐️ Fresh Water ⭐️ Built Environment ⭐️ Food Sovereignty ⭐️ Real Estate There are 2 categories for individuals: ⭐️ Land Champion ⭐️ Emerging Leader

We are thrilled to announce that last week, @louneel joined our team as the Director of Grants and Community Initiatives. Lou-ann is from the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwak’wala-speaking people). Originally from Alert Bay, BC, she has lived and worked much of her life in the lands of the Lekwungen, also known as Victoria, BC. She brings extensive leadership experience from senior roles with First Nations, public sector, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations. She is also an accomplished and practicing visual artist. In her most recent role as Indigenous Lead at @creativebcs , Lou-ann was responsible for the design and launch of a new program sponsored by Rogers Group of Funds to support Indigenous filmmakers and drive the advancement and growth of this province’s creative industries with a focus on emerging Indigenous filmmakers. Says Lou-ann, “I am excited to join this wonderful team of professionals who are doing excellent in support of communities around the province; and I am thankful to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil- Waututh peoples for the opportunity to live and work in the lands of their Ancestors.” As Lou-ann steps into this new role, we’d like to extend our sincere and utmost gratitude to Senior Grants Manager Jen McCaffrey who stepped into the role of Acting Director from February – December 2025. Her steady and warm-hearted leadership has been essential through several transitions in the past year. Jen leads with remarkable care and dedication that have laid a strong foundation for Lou-ann’s success at REFBC. Photo: @jamiepohcreative

As we approach the holiday season and the end of year, all of us at REFBC want to share our best wishes to you and yours. We also stand with First Nations leaders and communities who have worked for generations to secure recognition of their inherent rights and title, and to care for their enduring relationship to these lands. This journey can feel uncertain and uncomfortable at times, but those challenges are no reason to turn back or change course when the gifts don’t show up exactly as you expected. So this is also a New Year’s wish: for all of us who sometimes need an extra measure of courage, curiosity, and humility to embrace what lies ahead. Photo: Ryan Dickie

✍ Interested in applying for funding via our General Grants intake in January 2026? Before you apply, we encourage you to attend a webinar with REFBC staff on January 13 or 15, 2026. It’s an opportunity to learn about our funding priorities and the application process, connect with grants program staff, and ask questions. To register and review eligibility requirements, visit: refbc.ca/general-grants-webinars (link in bio)

Our first annual Transformative Actions for UNDRIP Advancement Progress Report is now live, and contains stunning work by artist Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun: https://refbc.ca/taua-2025/ We invite you to read the report and share your reflections. What inspires you? What gives you pause? Comment below or reach out to [email protected]. ©️Artwork by Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun.” Some Birds Strut.”