Author Archive

BCAAFC Board of Directors

Newly Elected BCAAFC Board Members as of September 25, 2021:

Dr. Sharon McIvor, President (Conayt Friendship Society)

Elijah Mack, Vice President (Conayt Friendship Society)

Calvin Albright, Secretary/Treasurer (Kermode Friendship Society)

Diana Charlie, Youth Representative (Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre Society)

Matthew Baran, Director (Ooknakane Friendship Centre)

Fabian Alexis, Director (North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society)

Tami Omeasoo, Director (Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society)

Carol Camille, Director (Lillooet Friendship Centre Society)

Cyndi Stevens, BC Representative on the NAFC Board (Port Alberni Friendship Center)

Thank you to the outgoing Board members, Joanne Mills (Treasurer), Cerelina Willie (Director), Kerry Chelsea (Director), and to Patricia Wilson (BC Representative on the NAFC Board), for sharing their guidance, knowledge and expertise.

Gratitude to the new and continuing Board members, Elijah Mack (continuing Vice President), Carol Camille (continuing Director), Fabian Alexis (continuing Director), Tami Omeasoo (continuing Director), Rosanna McGregor (Director), and to Cyndi Stevens (BC Representative on the NAFC Board).

We look forward to what we will accomplish together in this next term.

Statement in Support of Healthcare Workers and Patients Accessing Care

PDF of Statement

September 13, 2021 – The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) stands in solidarity with healthcare workers, and patients accessing care.

BCAAFC believes in our inherent collective responsibility to take care of one another. We ask that those choosing to protest outside hospitals fully consider the harmful impacts of their actions on those providing care during a global pandemic, as well as on patients accessing care and their families.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have sought scientific advice from the Provincial Health Office, public health leaders, and medical health experts to maintain our understanding of how best to protect our communities. We urge others to seek information on COVID-19 vaccination from trusted science-based sources.

We raise our hands in high respect and appreciation for the healthcare workers who give their time and energy to provide care to others, especially through times of intense pressure and loss. We extend our love and support to those in need of care, and their families, and to those who have lost loves ones, community members, and knowledge keepers due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Thank you to the Friendship Centre staff, healthcare workers, partners and volunteers who have helped to make COVID-19 vaccination clinics within BC Friendship Centres a safe and welcoming space for community members. We need as many people as possible fully vaccinated to best protect our Elders, knowledge keepers, children, families, and neighbours.

Resources on COVID-19 and Vaccination:  

How to get vaccinated for COVID-19 (Government of BC)

COVID-19 Support Resources (BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres)

COVID-19 Vaccine (First Nations Health Authority)

In solidarity with healthcare workers and patients accessing care, 

Leslie Varley
Executive Director

BC Friendship Centre COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics: Protect your community with COVID-19 immunity

We need as many people as possible fully vaccinated to best protect our Elders, knowledge keepers, children, families, and neighbours.

Please visit http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register to register for your vaccination.

We raise our hands in high respect and appreciation for the Friendship Centre staff, partners, health care workers and volunteers who gave their time and energy to create a safe and welcoming space for community members to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.

A special thank you to Mission Friendship Centre Society​ and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre​ for making this video possible.

Annual Gathering Our Voices: Indigenous Youth Leadership Training Event Cancelled Until Further Notice

August 27, 2021

PDF of Statement

After careful consideration, we are saddened to announce that the Gathering Our Voices: Indigenous Youth Leadership Training event will not return in 2022.

This decision was not made lightly—we know the connections made at Gathering Our Voices are invaluable, and we have greatly missed the passion, knowledge and joy shared by the Indigenous youth in attendance each year. We also know that protecting our communities is of the utmost importance and right now the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus is too great. 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been in contact with the Provincial Health Office, public health leaders, and medical experts to maintain our understanding of how best to protect our communities. Factors influencing our decision to delay the return of Gathering Our Voices include the availability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine for Indigenous youth, the low vaccine uptake among Indigenous people living in BC, the uncertainty of COVID-19 variants, and the resurgence of COVID-19 in parts of the province.

We hope that we can safely host Gathering Our Voices in 2023. The return of the event will be a priority following emerging and heightened challenges that have unfolded during the global pandemic. We raise our hands in deep respect and appreciation for the Indigenous youth who have made sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect their communities. 

The 25 Friendship Centres across the province have expressed concern for the health and wellness of Indigenous youth who are navigating the climbing impacts of global events such as COVID-19 and the climate crisis. Our team at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, in collaboration with the councils and member centres, are advocating for increased supports for programs and services upholding the health and wellness of Indigenous youth.

We know the most effective leadership and wellness resources for Indigenous youth are Indigenous led. Thank you to our partners and funders who recognize this and share our vision. Together, we look forward to strengthening the tools and resources available to Indigenous youth leaders and fostering new ways of connection and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For crisis lines and support resources, please visit: http://bcaafc.com/health/

For inquiries, please contact: govcoordinator@bcaafc.com

The Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council is looking for new council members!

The next election will take place virtually on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Click here to download the PAYC Candidate Application Form (fillable form on page 3)

Notice of BCAAFC Annual General Meeting 2021

The BCAAFC Annual General Meeting is scheduled to take place Thursday, September 23, 2021, to Saturday, September 25, 2021, on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam people in Richmond, BC.

Voting will take place in person at the event.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email govcoordinator@bcaafc.com. 

Thank you, 

BCAAFC Board of Directors

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Evaluation Services for Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program

Download a PDF of the RFP

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is requesting submission of proposals from experienced, qualified consultant(s) to conduct an evaluation of the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP) through research and engagement with current and past participants in the program.

1.2 BACKGROUND

Since 1972, the BCAAFC has been a leading provincial organization that exists to support the 25 Friendship Centres across BC. The BCAAFC works with Friendship Centres, partner organizations and governments to develop and improve resources that support the health, wellness and prosperity of the 80% of Indigenous peoples who live in urban and off-reserve areas. The BCAAFC is also responsible for delivering the DAFGP program, which provides Indigenous families with funding in order to remove the cost barrier to accessing doula services.

The DAFGP has over 300 doulas currently enrolled in the program. Meaningful engagement with participants and feedback integration is critical to ensuring doulas are adequately supported to deliver their services.

2. SCOPE OF PROJECT WORK

The primary task to be completed is the research into the regional needs and gaps for birth support through conducting engagement sessions:

Engage with past and current participants in the DAFGP Program; ensuring a diverse range of identities and experiences are reflected (i.e., rural, urban, LGBTQIA2S+, living on and off reserve, etc.)

Engage with the DAFGP Advisory Committee and DAFGP Knowledge Keepers.

Conduct research and collect data on existing birth support gaps and needs in each region, including data to support the need for wage parity and researching wage range through engagement with DAFGP doulas.

Determine an estimate of expected demand and growth of the DAFGP Program.

Compile feedback and research findings into a report that is to be utilized internally and integrated into external reports to program funders by the BCAAFC.

3. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS

The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this RFP:

3.1 Only qualified individuals or groups with prior experience on projects that relate to cultural safety should submit proposals in response to this RFP. The submission should highlight the following:

Experience engaging with Indigenous peoples and communities.

Experience organizing and facilitating engagement sessions.

Working knowledge of OCAP Principles.

Demonstrated experience developing and leading projects from conception to delivery.

Experience working in the field of reproductive, maternal and child health.

3.2 The proposal must include details on your most recent two projects relevant to proposed work.

3.3 The proposal must include two (2) references.

3.4 The proposal must include a schedule that clearly identifies milestones for deliverables, including a proposed engagement strategy.

3.5 Ideally consultants and consulting firms should be insured and bonded, but it is not required.

4. TIMELINE

September 15, 2021 to December 15, 2021

5. BUDGET

$25,000.00 – FIXED

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The BCAAFC reserves the right to:

Reject any proposals whether complete or incomplete.

Reject proposals that it considers to be not in its best interests.

Request further information.

Contact references provided.

7. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

The proposal shall be addressed to:

Julie Robertson, General Manager

551 Chatham Street | Victoria BC | V8T 1E1

jrobertson@bcaafc.com

PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: Friday August 13, 2021 end of day.

SUBJECT LINE MUST INCLUDE: Proposal for Evaluation Services

All questions should be directed to Jacquie Snelling-Welsh at doulaprogram@bcaafc.com

Preference will be given to Indigenous-led teams.

Murray Porter Musical Performance July 1, 2021 (Watch on Facebook Live)

The British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres Presents Murray Porter Solo on July 1st, from 2 pm/PDT to 2:30/PDT.

In these challenging and trying times, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on all that we’ve been experiencing as Indigenous People in Canada…the sadness about the news of the Children who never made it home from residential schools.

Let’s also take time to listen to music that will lift us up, and to music that speaks about truth and moves our soul.

JUNO Award winner Murray Porter will share his heart-felt songs about being an Indigenous Man. Songs about the land, the water, the MMIWG+, Indian Residential Schools…and of course, about Love.

Please go to the Murray Porter II Facebook page for his FB LIVE Performance: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004206405906

Please share far & wide!

Nia:weh, Chi-miigwetch, Huy’chka, Mēduh, Wela’lin, Naqurmiik, Tshiniskumitin, Kinanâskomitin, Hiy Hiy, Big Thanks!

Statement in Support of Indigenous Elders, Families and Communities Impacted by the Residential School System

Statement

May 28, 2021 – We at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) extend love and support to the Elders, families and communities impacted by the Canadian Residential School System.

The Tk’emlups confirmed findings of 215 children buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School brings forward the trauma experienced by residential school survivors, families and communities from the insufferable actions of the Canadian Government.

We raise our hands in high respect and appreciation for the strength of Elders and community members who are holding space for one another at this time.

Wally Samuel, Ahousaht Elder, BCAAFC Elders Council Member, and Survivor of the Alberni Indian Residential School, is part of a collective organizing a vigil for survivors, outdoors at the Port Alberni Friendship Center. Community members are encouraged to bring their feathers, regalia and drums to honour victims of the residential school system, their families and communities.

The vigil organized at Port Alberni Friendship Center is one example of the love and leadership demonstrated by Indigenous communities to heal and take care of one another in the face of unspeakable loss.  

We encourage survivors and families in urban Indigenous communities to reach out to their local Friendship Centre community for support. The BCAAFC will be holding a ceremony in honour of survivors at our next annual general meeting. 

Support resources available:

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society: 1-800-721-0066

Indian Residential Schools Program (First Nations Health Authority)

In solidarity, on behalf of BC Friendship Centres,

Leslie Varley
Executive Director

Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

Last year, BC Friendship Centres partnered with the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) BC Human Rights Clinic to increase knowledge of human rights for Indigenous peoples and the services available to Indigenous peoples living in BC to support and uphold their human rights.   

The BC Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in three main areas of daily life: our work places, our tenancies, and in our access to services such as stores, gyms, hospitals, and schools. We can use the BC Human Rights Code to hold people, businesses and other organizations accountable for discrimination.

Learn more by watching the animated video—Discrimination and Human Rights: Information for Indigenous People Part 1.  

The BC Human Rights Tribunal is like the court that hears human rights complaints and makes legal judgements and decisions.   

Learn more by watching the animated video—Discrimination and Human Rights: Information for Indigenous People Part 2.

When you make a case of discrimination to the BC Human Rights Tribunal and they decide you have proven your claim, they can order compensation from the person or organization who discriminated (called the respondent). Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to lost wages, expenses, or compensation for injury to dignity—meant to compensate people for the emotional impact that discrimination can have.

Learn more by watching the animated video—Discrimination and Human Rights: Information for Indigenous People Part 3.

The short film, Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples, was produced in addition to the three-part animated video series. In the film, Indigenous peoples share their experience of making a human rights complaint and working through the process.

Leslie Varley, Executive Director of the BCAAFC, said “I think that we need to put some of these cases before the courts and make them publicly known so that people will know where the line is—so that Indigenous people will know that they have this resource, and so that non-Indigenous people who are serving us will know when they’re crossing the line.”

The supporting print resources developed provide information specific to the following human rights:

We have the right not to be judged by the colour of our skin

We have the right to discrimination-free housing

We have the right to discrimination-free health care

We have the right to have our disabilities accommodated at work

We have the right to a harassment-free workplace

A PDF of the posters can be downloaded here: Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Posters

Education is a vital part of achieving justice in human rights. Please share the digital, print and video resources within your networks and communities to help support and uphold human rights for Indigenous peoples.

Thank you to the team at CLAS BC Human Rights Clinic for developing and delivering these educational resources, the Law Foundation of British Columbia for funding to support this project, to the participants who shared their experiences to help empower others, and to our partners for amplifying this work.

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