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Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program

Last updated on April 23, 2025

The Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program collaborates with Indigenous partners across the province to promote community resilience within an increasingly competitive global forest sector.

The program offers funding that supports Indigenous partners to lead the development of a forest bioeconomy. Growing B.C.’s forest bioeconomy will result in economic, social and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities across the province.

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Applications now open

 The Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program (IFBP) is now accepting applications for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 pm on May 16, 2025. We welcome the following with forest bioeconomy project ideas in B.C. to apply:

  • Indigenous individuals
  • Indigenous governments
  • Other Indigenous organizations

Please note the budget for the IFBP is subject to ongoing review due to the broader fiscal uncertainty at this time. Given this uncertainty, funding is not guaranteed, but applicants are encouraged to apply by the deadline to ensure approved projects can proceed if/ when funding is confirmed. For more information, please contact IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca.

Download the application form (docx, 205KB)

For information about our program, please see our comprehensive  application guide (PDF, 280KB). All components of an approved project must be completed by March 15, 2026. We are happy to discuss potential projects and answer any questions you may have about the program. 

How to apply

Applicants will fill out and submit a completed Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program application form (the “Application”), along with supporting documentation to IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca. Download the application form (docx, 205KB):

  • The application is a fillable word document form and can be completed electronically. Please note that the response areas beside each question will accommodate additional space for responding.
  • Once complete, please save the application with the following file name format: ApplicantName_Program (for example: BiancaRoot_IFBP)

Note: Not every field needs to be filled in. Complete the application as much as possible or ask our team for further assistance at IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca.

Program objectives

B.C. supports the development of an Indigenous bioeconomy in line with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ (CCFM) Forest Bioeconomy Framework for Canada (PDF, 4.8MB) under the following objectives:

  • Grow the B.C. bioeconomy through innovation and partnerships;
  • Provide economic opportunities for Indigenous and rural communities to develop the forest bioeconomy and establish a broad range of partnerships and collaborations
  • Support Indigenous Peoples in economic development opportunities in the natural resources sector that reflect Indigenous interests and support self-determination.

Annual reports

As the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program reaches more communities, the Indigenous Forestry Program Annual Report offers highlights from completed projects. These projects range from conventional forestry to advanced biomaterials and contribute to the creation of new jobs while celebrating communities. See our most current Annual Reports below:

Funding from the Innovation, Bioeconomy and Indigenous Opportunities Branch encompasses overhead and administrative costs for approved projects.

Contact information

Email
IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca