KL Foundation

08/28/2026

Reminder: There are only a few days left to apply for the Grassroots Recreation Scholarships!

These scholarships are gifted by Snuneymuxw, Penelakut and Stz’uminus to children and youth from their Nations for registration or program fees, equipment, and even travel.

➡️ Apply by August 31: https://www.klfoundation.ca/grassroots

Whether it's joining a soccer team ⚽, learning to dance 💃🏽, taking music lessons 🎵, connecting with culture 🌲, or participating in recreational activities, these grants build confidence, strengthen cultural identity, improve well-being, and create lasting connections to communities.

08/28/2026

We raise our hands to Casino Nanaimo for continuing to be part of our tsetsuwatil community of donors!

Their ongoing funding supports the physical, mental, spiritual and cultural health of Indigenous youth by helping us run a variety of community projects and programs!

These programs include:
~Traditional plant and medicine garden experiences
~Traditional singing, drumming and dance groups
~Canoe carving projects
~Land-based learning and mentorship

With gratitude Casino Nanaimo - Huy tseep q’u! 🙌

https://www.klfoundation.ca/

08/24/2026

We continue to hold everyone affected by the wildfires this season in our hearts and find ways to support.

The following was shared by our partner organization Community Foundations of Canada:

“Wildfires continue to affect communities across the Okanagan, displacing families and causing devastating losses, including in Okanagan Indian Band communities. The Wildfire Response 2026 Fund is a trusted and local way to help provide immediate relief to evacuees and families while supporting the longer recovery and rebuilding ahead.

All donations are granted locally, supporting emergency needs, mental health and trauma-informed care, rebuilding, and the local organizations helping our communities recover.”

Central Okanagan Foundation → Donate now: https://shorturl.at/KoCOH

Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen → Donate now: https://shorturl.at/vFu9l

Community Foundation North Okanagan → Donate now: https://shorturl.at/l4Ug5

08/19/2026

Our own Sheena Robinson joined families in Stz'uminus First Nation today for Kw'umut Lelum's 9 Nations Soccer Day! ⚽

Along with cheering on the children and youth, Sheena shared information with parents and caregivers about the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation’s recreation and culture grants.

These grants help children and youth from our nine Member Nations participate in sports, recreation and cultural activities by reducing financial barriers for families.

To learn more or apply, visit: https://www.klfoundation.ca/

08/18/2026

We raise our hands to two of our generous supporters—Amir Tabatabaei and Dr. Betsabe Behkish from Seaside Smile Clinic. They joined us in June to celebrate our scholarship recipients and our tsetsuwatil community of donors.

After the celebration, Amir shared these kind words with us:

"We were truly honoured to be included in such a meaningful event and deeply grateful for the blessings that were shared with us. The warmth, generosity, and sense of community present throughout the celebration made a lasting impression.

It was inspiring to learn more about the foundation's journey over the past five years and to see firsthand some of the remarkable work that has been carried out across Vancouver Island. We firmly believe in the positive impact Kw’umut Lelum Foundation is having within our communities and the opportunities it creates for individuals and families to thrive."

Huy ch q'u 🙌 Mr. Tabatabaei and Dr. Behkish, for your generosity and for being part of our tsetsuwatil community of donors. 🧡

Learn more: https://shorturl.at/KfjHT

08/15/2026

There are still two more weeks to apply for these great funding opportunities for Indigenous children and youth to get involved in sports, recreation and cultural activities!

⏳ Apply by August 31!

Whether it's joining a soccer team ⚽, learning to dance 💃🏽, taking music lessons 🎵, connecting with culture 🌲, or participating in recreational activities, these grants build confidence, strengthen cultural identity, improve well-being, and create lasting connections to communities.

Funding opportunities:

➡️ Apply between August 1-31: Kw’umut Lelum Foundation’s Physical Activity, Recreation and Culture Grants help offset the cost of registration for children and youth from the nine member Nations we work with. https://www.klfoundation.ca/parc

➡️Apply between August 1-31: Grassroots Recreation Scholarships are gifted by Snuneymuxw, Penelakut and Stz’uminus to children and youth from their Nations for registration or program fees, equipment, and even travel. https://www.klfoundation.ca/grassroots

Learn more: klfoundation.ca

08/09/2026

Today, we recognize the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

Adopted by the UN in 1994, this day raises awareness of the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples around the world; draws attention to the ongoing challenges Indigenous Peoples face; and recognizes, celebrates and uplifts Indigenous cultures, languages, and identities.

We invite you to reflect on the purpose and meaning of this day by reading a new blog post from our friends at Terralingua and Langscape Magazine.

It shares four stories of Indigenous youth from around the world who reflect on their different journeys to "recover pride in identity, revive language, restore traditions through Indigenous art, and support nomadic pastoralist community.”

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4t58w5wc

For the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Terralingua highlights four young Indigenous storytellers.

08/09/2026

Congratulations to Cassandra Van Dyck!

She is the summer (yuqw'iqw'u'lus) winner of our seasonal gift program. Every season one of our donors receives a gift from Indigenous Box - a box full of incredible products from Indigenous entrepreneurs such as candied fish, bannock mix, wild rice and lip balm!

It’s one way we practice reciprocity and show our thanks for the incredible tsetsuwatil community of donors who make our work with Indigenous youth and children possible!

So huy ch q’u to Cassandra and her children River and Magnolia too for your ongoing support! 🙏🧡

08/02/2026

Grants are now open!

📣 Don’t miss out on these two great funding opportunities for Indigenous children and youth to get involved in sports, recreation and cultural activities! Apply by August 31!

Whether it's joining a soccer team ⚽, learning to dance 💃🏽, taking music lessons 🎵, connecting with culture 🌲, or participating in recreational activities, these grants build confidence, strengthen cultural identity, improve well-being, and create lasting connections to communities.

Funding opportunities:
➡️ Apply between August 1-31: Kw’umut Lelum Foundation’s Physical Activity, Recreation and Culture Grants help offset the cost of registration for children and youth from the nine member Nations we work with. https://www.klfoundation.ca/parc

➡️Apply between August 1-31: Grassroots Recreation Scholarships are gifted by Snuneymuxw, Penelakut and Stz’uminus to children and youth from their Nations for registration or program fees, equipment, and even travel. https://www.klfoundation.ca/grassroots

Terrena Good (Snuneymuxw First Nation) took Box and Field Lacrosse thanks to the grant and tells us: “Lacrosse is my way of life … more than just a game! It’s where I can connect with the creator, and where I can take out my feelings then feel more calm.”

08/02/2026

Congrats to all of the Canoe families who participated in the 2026 Tribal Canoe Journey paddling to Nisqually (Medicine Creek Potlatch). It was so fun to watch your journey and cheer you on from our office in Stz’uminus!

The annual Tribal Journeys showcases nau’sa mawt – from calm waters to high winds - where youth and crew work together to represent their families and their pride in their culture.