As part of UBC’s ongoing commitments to uplift Indigenous peoples and advance Indigenous rights, we are pleased to announce that the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund has been renewed with an additional $3 million. There will be three new rounds of funding, the first one being announced in Fall 2026.
"The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund is a critical initiative under our Indigenous Strategic Plan and Strategic Directions 2025–2030,” said Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor. “The ISI Fund is a clear example of how we turn strategy into impact — supporting initiatives that strengthen our community, deepen partnerships, and bring our commitments to life in tangible and enduring ways."
"The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund creates space and opportunity for staff, faculty and students to actively participate in implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Clifford Atleo Jr., Senior Advisor and Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs. “This renewed investment in the ISI fund is integral to that work, and I look forward to seeing the innovative and transformative work that comes forward in the coming years.”
“One of the foundational components of this cross-campus initiative is the involvement of Indigenous partners and communities in the development and implementation of projects and with the renewal of the fund, it will be exciting to see the continued growth and strengthening of partnerships as we move forward together,” said Adrienne Vedan, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on Indigenous Affairs.
The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund
The ISI Fund was established in 2021 to support collective, collaborative, and sustained implementation of UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) and UBCO’s Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation.
As the first of its kind at a Canadian university, the fund’s design, approach, and guidelines were developed through Indigenous-led engagement across both campuses and with input from our Host Nations.
The first iteration of the fund concluded in 2024, with $8 million successfully allocated over four funding cycles and 103 transformative and innovative projects. These completed and ongoing projects span across both campuses, are led at all levels and are strengthened through meaningful community partnerships.
Fund renewal and upcoming call for applications
Further information on the funding call, including dates for information sessions, will be made available in the coming months. Please contact the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives at isp.funding@ubc.ca if you have any questions in the meantime.