Western Financial Group Communities Foundation marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by announcing the 2025 recipients of its Indigenous Infrastructure Grant Program, highlighting how insurance organizations can play a role in risk management and community resilience.
The grant program, launched in 2021, provides $5,000 in funding to Indigenous municipalities and CRA-registered charities to build or improve critical community infrastructure.
The initiative is geared toward reducing vulnerabilities, supporting long-term resilience, and strengthening the fabric of communities against unexpected risks. The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is set to replace the emergency generator at Tin-Wis Resort, an investment in disaster preparedness that ensures reliable shelter, food access and communication during crises. The Tla’amin Nation will enhance the Tla’amin Road Cemetery, improving accessibility and stewardship of over 200 unmarked graves. In Northern B.C., the Gitanmaax Band Council is replacing unsafe playground equipment to reduce liability risks while promoting wellness.
In Victoria, Island Métis Family & Community Services will upgrade its childcare centre’s playground to create a safe, inclusive environment for children, reflecting a proactive approach to accident prevention and long-term health outcomes. The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre will transform outdated spaces into culturally grounded facilities, expanding capacity for healing and social programs while also addressing safety and accessibility. Meanwhile, in Kelowna, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will renovate its community centre, strengthening safety systems and improving climate resilience.
For Western, the grants are part of a broader recognition that strong infrastructure is a form of risk management, one that reduces exposure to hazards while fostering trust and continuity. The company noted that since the program’s inception, over $2.4 million has been invested in 490 community projects, with more than $170,000 dedicated specifically to Indigenous initiatives.
Alongside the grant program, Western is observing NDTR by giving employees a paid day off to reflect and honour Indigenous Peoples, as well as offering educational resources and training on reconciliation and allyship. These actions complement its insurance role by embedding risk awareness and cultural understanding into both internal operations and external community support.
