Citizen Support
Toquaht Nation is committed to supporting the well-being of our masčim (citizens) and has established various financial support programs under the Toquaht Citizen Support Policy.
Below, you’ll find a brief description and application form for each of the available supports. If you need assistance filling out your application or have any questions, contact Noreen Frank at noreenf@toquaht.ca or 250-266-1350. Completed forms can be sent to Noreen via email.
Hardship Support
At times, unexpected situations can cause significant setbacks. To support Toquaht masčim who experience such hardships, limited financial assistance is available for what we define as an “unforeseen hardship.” This refers to any unexpected situation that causes a significant emotional or financial upheaval in a citizen’s life, such as job loss, sudden severe illness, eviction, or a breakdown of major household appliances or a vehicle needed for work.
Please note that unforeseen hardships do not include predictable expenses like monthly bills, cultural events, vacations, or seasonal layoffs. For more information, refer to Part 1 – Citizen Unforeseen Hardship Grant on page 4 of the Toquaht Citizen Support Policy.
To apply for this support, complete the Hardship Application Form and submit it to Noreen Frank at noreenf@toquaht.ca. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to contact Noreen.
Funeral Support
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience and can bring financial strain to families. Toquaht Nation offers financial support to help cover funeral costs for registered citizens.
Eligible expenses include transportation of the deceased, travel for immediate family members, caskets and urns, cremation, cemetery plot, and more.
We encourage citizens to also access financial support from the provincial government, which is available to everyone regardless of their employment and assistance status. You can learn more by calling 1-866-866-0800.
For more details, please refer to Part 2 – Funeral Assistance Policy on page 8 of the Toquaht Citizen Support Policy. To apply, fill out the Funeral Support Application Form and submit it to Noreen at noreenf@toquaht.ca.
Elder Support
At Toquaht Nation, we recognize the vital role our Elders play in our community. They hold significant cultural and traditional knowledge that we honor and seek to preserve. To show our appreciation, we have established an Elder Support Program to assist registered Toquaht citizens who are 55 years or older in supporting their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
This program provides financial assistance for Elders to participate in activities such as conferences, social groups, traditional or cultural events, and visiting Toquaht children or relatives who live far away.
Please refer to Part 3 – Elder Support Grant on page 10 of the Toquaht Citizen Support Policy for more information. To apply for this support, complete the Elder Support Application Form and submit it to Noreen at noreenf@toquaht.ca. If you need assistance with your application, please contact Noreen directly.
Elder Minor Home Repairs
In addition, our Elder’s program supports low-income Elders with minor home modifications to improve safety and accessibility, promoting their independence and well-being. Elders 55 years or older with combined gross income below $42,619.20, who own their own home are eligible for assistance.
Examples of emergency/safety or minor housing repairs:
- Safety enhancements (grab bars, handrails, non-slip surfaces, walk-in showers, broken stairs)
- Appliances necessary for health and safety (fridge, stove, washer)
- Minor roof repairs
- Water leakage and plumbing
- Furnace and heating malfunctions
- Fumigation and mold removal
- Chimney cleaning and repair
- Minor electrical repairs
Wills and Estates
The Toquaht Nation Citizen Wills Program offers legal assistance for Toquaht citizens and their spouses in creating or updating their wills. The program provides full funding for Toquaht citizens and partial funding for their spouses or common-law partners (if they are not Toquaht citizens), except for complex wills and estate planning needs. Toquaht will safely store the citizen’s will to ensure that it is easily accessible to the deceased’s family when needed.
To access the program, Toquaht citizens and their spouses (including common-law partners) can contact Kirsten Johnsen at kirstenj@toquaht.ca or 250-726-4230.