Grant Writing, Program Development & Project Coordination
Arnica Remote Services specializes in working with First Nations communities across Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia, with experience in remote and isolated communities.
Drawing on extensive experience in emergency management, community fire protection, Guardian and stewardship initiatives, food security planning and remote operations, Arnica develops funding proposals, practical programs and project plans that account for the realities of working in challenging environments.
From securing funding and designing programs to developing budgets, implementation strategies and capacity-building plans, Arnica helps communities turn priorities into achievable, well-supported projects.
Grant Writing & Proposal Development
From identifying funding opportunities to developing comprehensive proposals, budgets and work plans, Arnica helps turn project ideas into strong funding applications. With experience across First Nations funding programs, we develop practical, well-supported proposals that reflect community priorities and the realities of implementation.
Program Development & Capacity Building
Arnica supports the development of community-based programs, including emergency preparedness, fire protection, Guardian initiatives and other community priorities. We help establish program frameworks, staffing and training plans, budgets and operational procedures, with a focus on building local capacity and long-term sustainability.
Project Planning & Coordination
Bringing together people, resources and logistics to move projects forward. Arnica provides project planning, contractor coordination, scheduling, budgeting and implementation support, with extensive experience navigating the challenges of remote and isolated communities.
Selected Work and Projects
Emergency Management, Community Fire Protection & Resilience
Dzawada’enuxw First Nation | Kingcome Inlet, BC
Development and coordination of multiple emergency management, community fire protection and disaster resilience initiatives in a remote First Nation community accessible primarily by boat and air.
Work has included emergency planning, evacuation route development, wildfire risk reduction, FireSmart assessments and mitigation projects, public notification and siren system planning, and support for disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Responsibilities have included organizing and facilitating multi-agency meetings, coordinating with technical specialists and government partners, securing and administering project funding, hiring and supervising local workers, procuring equipment, developing community fire program structures and organizing training.
These projects demonstrate the ability to coordinate multiple funding streams, partners and activities while moving community priorities from planning into implementation.
Funding, Program Planning & Reporting
First Nations Projects | Coastal British Columbia
Researching funding opportunities and developing grant proposals, project budgets, work plans, implementation strategies and reports to support First Nations community priorities.
Experience includes developing project concepts, preparing funding applications, researching and compiling information, identifying staffing and training requirements, designing program frameworks, and preparing project progress reports, funding reports and other supporting documentation.
Funding and program development experience spans:
Emergency management and preparedness
Community fire protection and FireSmart
Guardian and environmental stewardship initiatives
Food security and community wellness
Training and capacity building
Community infrastructure and equipment
This work reflects experience translating community priorities into well-developed funding applications, realistic project plans and clear, professional reporting.
Outdoor Tourism, Business Operations & Wilderness Guiding
Canadian Skyline Adventures & Vancouver Island Hikes & Tours | Alberta & British Columbia
Development and operation of professional outdoor tourism businesses offering multi-day wilderness backpacking expeditions, guided hikes, interpretive experiences, ice walks and sightseeing tours.
Work has encompassed the full scope of business establishment and management, including business and strategic planning, tourism product development, licensing and permitting, marketing, bookings, financial management, staffing, partnerships, and the development of risk management, environmental and emergency response plans.
Extensive hands-on wilderness guiding experience, including planning and leading multi-day backpacking expeditions, navigating remote terrain, managing group safety and dynamics, assessing changing trail and weather conditions, and making critical decisions in challenging outdoor environments. Guiding operations have also required detailed coordination of transportation, equipment, food, accommodations and trip logistics.
Remote Project Development & Logistics
Klemtu, Kingcome Inlet & Coastal British Columbia
Extensive experience taking complex projects from concept to full operation in remote and isolated communities, where limited infrastructure, difficult access and logistical challenges require resourcefulness, initiative and hands-on problem-solving.
Led the development and establishment of remote work camps in Klemtu and Kingcome Inlet, building operations from the ground up. This included preparing Notices of Camp Plans, securing permits and water licences, developing budgets and operational systems, coordinating infrastructure and equipment procurement, recruiting and managing staff, and overseeing the many components required to bring facilities into operation.
Additional experience includes managing remote barge-based work camps and coordinating complex logistics for construction companies, contractors and visiting work crews. Responsibilities have included arranging marine transportation, freight, personnel movements, accommodations and supplies; developing contractor information packages; and identifying practical solutions to access, scheduling and operational challenges.
A particular strength is bringing together the people, resources, approvals and logistics needed to get difficult projects moving—and following through to make them operational.
Partnering with First Nations
It takes a lot to invite us to your home. We don’t overlook this importance.
We care about creating a work environment that is built on trust and comfort, one that works towards a mutually prosperous future.
