Author Archive

BC State of Emergency: BC Friendship Centres Response to Climate Crises

PDF of Statement

November 19, 2021 – BC Friendship Centres are responding to the current impacts of the climate crises in British Columbia. Catastrophic flooding and landslides have caused widespread damage resulting in the displacement of thousands of people, loss of life, evacuation orders for 62 dairies, and the closure of major highways and railways.

Merritt, BC, is under a citywide evacuation order, resulting in the closure of Conayt Friendship Society. Conayt Friendship Society staff continue to be in touch with clients and community members to support their access to safety, food, and shelter; connecting with Elders to ensure they have what they need and distributing gift cards for supplies and food to community members who have relocated to Kamloops and Kelowna.

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society and Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (Kelowna) are providing outreach to an influx of evacuees, responding to challenges accessing food, clothing, shelter and other required resources. 

Mission Friendship Society is responding to a local state of emergency. The Friendship Centre is currently unable to receive food shipments to supply their community food programs. Friendship Centres across the province are responding to the consequential impacts of road closures on food security and resources.

Friendship Centres are actively working with clients and community members in response to challenges around milk supply for infants, shelter for people displaced, food security, and the psychological impacts of the devastation unfolding.

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is in communication with the provincial and federal government and community partners to provide information and facilitate solutions to temporary shortages of food, supplies, and shelter.

To donate directly to Friendship Centres:

Conayt Friendship Society (Merritt): Donate by e-transfer to CoreET@conayt.com.

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society: Donate through GoFundMe account.

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (Kelowna): Donate through CanadaHelps account.

Mission Friendship Society: Donate through CanadaHelps account.

The action, leadership and compassion of Friendship Centre staff in the face of emergency and disaster continues to amaze us. Friendship Centres open their doors to many, provided outreach wherever and whenever they can, and are constantly striving to implement solutions in times of crises.

We are dedicated to supporting each Friendship Centre and their ongoing commitment to taking care of one another. We raise our hands to the staff, community members, farmers, first responders, distribution workers, and health care professionals who are doing all they can to protect and serve their communities at this time.

In solidarity,

Leslie Varley

Executive Director

Resources:

Provincial state of emergency declared (Government of BC, November 17, 2021)

Current Flooding Information, Nov 18, 2021 (Government of BC)

Alerts for: B.C. Peace River (Government of Canada, November 19, 2021)

Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

BC Flood Resources for Small Businesses (Small Business BC)

Indigenous-led research project will improve support services for Indigenous women and children facing intimate partner violence

PDF of Media Release

October 18, 2021 – There has been a dramatic increase in intimate partner violence against Indigenous women since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An Indigenous-led survey entitled “Intimate Partner Violence against Indigenous Women in BC: Unintended Impacts of COVID-19”, will provide information to improve support services for Indigenous women, and their children, who are facing intimate partner violence.

The survey is part of a multi-phase research project led by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) and conducted by Indigenous health researchers at the University of Victoria.

“The continued overrepresentation of Indigenous women and girls in cases of gender-based violence indicates a clear need for Indigenous-led support services that are culturally safe, relevant, and accessible,” said Leslie Varley, Executive Director of the BCAAFC.

The number of women and girls killed by violence in British Columbia is among the highest by region in Canada (Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2021). Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than non-Indigenous women, a number that is even higher for Indigenous women and girls in the North (National Inquiry, 2019).

“Canada is in a crisis, gender-based violence towards Indigenous women, girls, trans, two spirit and non-binary people is the worst it has ever been. This survey will clearly identify the barriers and what still needs to happen to protect Indigenous women and girls from not only the threat but the act of gender based violence,” said Summer-Rain, Manager, Indigenous Women’s Program, BWSS.

The knowledge shared by participants in the research study will help social service organizations, such as BC Friendship Centres and the BWSS, improve and increase support services that address the needs of Indigenous women and girls experiencing gender-based violence.

A report on the research findings will amplify the voices of Indigenous women and girls, and call for the design, development and delivery of anti-violence supports that serve them.

The survey is available online at http://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/IndigIPVResearch. 

Contacts:

Media:
Ricki-Lee Jewell, Communications Coordinator, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
(M) 778-966-8571 (Email) communications@bcaafc.com

Program Inquiries:
Lucy Hagos, Anti-Violence Coordinator, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
(M) 250-891-8478 (Email) lhagos@baafc.com

About BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is the umbrella organization for the 25 Friendship Centres located throughout the province. BC Friendship Centres are not-for-profit, Indigenous-led, social service organizations that develop and deliver accessible programs and services to support Indigenous people living in urban areas and away from home to achieve their vision of health, wellness and prosperity. The BC Provincial Government estimates approximately 85% of Indigenous people in BC live off reserve or in urban areas. Collectively, BC Friendship Centres employ over 1,200 people and have over 600 community partnerships—making them the largest Indigenous service delivery infrastructure in the province. The BCAAFC works with Friendship Centres, partner organizations, and government institutions to establish best practices for Indigenous program delivery and advocate for equitable resource allocation for services by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.

Learn more:

2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG National Action Plan Core Working Group, June 3, 2021)

Gender-based Violence is on the Rise (Battered Women’s Support Services, July 21, 2021)

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (National Inquiry, 2019)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015) 

BC Friendship Centres partner with TELUS to provide mobile phones to Indigenous women and girls to support access to anti-violence services

PDF of Media Release

October 4, 2021 – Friendship Centre organizations across BC will be distributing mobile phones to Indigenous women and girls who otherwise would not have access to cellular communication. Increasing accessibility to mobile communication is one part of BC Friendship Centres’ strategy to prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls and improve their safety. The phones will come with one year of nationwide talk & text + data from TELUS, made possible through the TELUS Mobility for Good program.

The distribution of mobile phones follows federal and provincial investments to complete cellular coverage along Highway 16, which is known as the ‘Highway of Tears’ because it has been the location of many missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Completing cellular coverage along Highway 16 was a recommendation from The Highway of Tears Symposium Report (2006) and National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019).

“Reliable cellular communication will help ensure Indigenous women and girls have access to services to support their safety and wellbeing,” said Leslie Varley, Executive Director of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), “this is an important step towards increasing our capacity to provide culturally safe and inclusive anti-violence services.”

Friendship Centres are Indigenous-led social service organizations that have been providing services by and for Indigenous people for over 60 years. Anti-violence programs and services have been a priority in BC Friendship Centres, especially those in Northern BC with proximity to the Highway of Tears.

Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than non-Indigenous women, a number that is even higher for Indigenous women and girls in the North (National Inquiry, 2019). Evidence shows that services designed, developed and delivered by Indigenous people are successful in meeting the needs of Indigenous clients; yet, historically, and still today, the majority of services provided in BC for Indigenous women fleeing violence are by mainstream organizations.

“This commitment from TELUS reflects an understanding for the importance of Indigenous specific services being led by Indigenous people,” said Varley, “We are grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it will have on Indigenous women and girls, and their communities, who are accessing Indigenous anti-violence services to support their security and wellbeing.”

The majority of phones will be distributed in locations within BC identified as high risk for human trafficking and violence against Indigenous women and girls.

Contact:

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
Media Contact: Ricki-Lee Jewell
(M) 778-966-8571 (Email) communications@bcaafc.com

TELUS
Media Contact: Lena Chen
(Email) lena.chen@telus.com  

About BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres – https://bcaafc.com/

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is the umbrella organization for the 25 Friendship Centres located throughout the province. BC Friendship Centres are not-for-profit, Indigenous-led, social service organizations that develop and deliver accessible programs and services to support Indigenous people living in urban areas and away from home to achieve their vision of health, wellness and prosperity. The BC Provincial Government estimates approximately 85% of Indigenous people in BC live off reserve or in urban areas. Collectively, BC Friendship Centres employ over 1,200 people and have over 600 community partnerships—making them the largest Indigenous service delivery infrastructure in the province. The BCAAFC works with Friendship Centres, partner organizations, and government institutions to establish best practices for Indigenous program delivery and advocate for equitable resource allocation for services by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.

About TELUS –  https://www.telus.com/en/social-impact/connecting-canada/mobility-for-good

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $16 billion in annual revenue and 16 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. We leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. In 2020, TELUS was recognized as having the fastest wireless network in the world, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better. TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health technology, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes. TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that delivers next-generation AI and content management solutions for global brands across the technology and games, ecommerce and FinTech, communications and media, healthcare, travel and hospitality sectors. TELUS and TELUS International operate in 25+ countries around the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly. 

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $820 million and 1.6 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

Photo: Leaders at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), TELUS, and Prince George Native Friendship Centre commemorate the new partnership between BC Friendship Centres and the TELUS Mobility for Good program at the BCAAFC Annual Membership Meeting (September 23, 2021).

Pictured (left to right): Leslie Varley, Executive Director at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), Tony Geheran, Executive Vice President & Chief Customer Officer at TELUS, Barbara Ward-Burkitt, Executive Director at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, Marissa Nobauer, Manager of Reconciliation Strategy and Indigenous Connectivity at TELUS, and Geoff Rankin, Director of Policy at the BCAAFC.

Learn more:

Highway of Tears Symposium Recommendations Report: A collective voice for the victims who have been silenced (Lheidli T’enneth First Nation, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Prince George Native Friendship Centre, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association, June 16, 2006)

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (United Nations, 2007)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015)  

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (National Inquiry, 2019)

Complete cellular connectivity coming to ‘Highway of Tears’ (Ministry of Citizens’ Services, April 7, 2021)

2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG National Action Plan Core Working Group, June 3, 2021)

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

British Columbia Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Engagement Survey

Download the Survey Poster

The purpose of this research project is to gather community feedback regarding the consultation process on the British Columbia Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (BC DRIPA).

This research project is being conducted by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) Policy Unit.

Answers to this survey will be used to formulate a larger feedback report on the overall BC DRIPA consultation process to be shared with the provincial government, sector partners, and Indigenous communities.

You are invited to participate in this research project because you are:

– an Indigenous person, i.e. First Nation (Status or Non-Status), Métis, Inuit;

– an individual (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who accesses services at a Friendship Centre;

– an individual who has a vested interest in the Friendship Centre movement;

– an individual who is currently or was previously employed by or has volunteered with a Friendship Centre, or;

– an individual interested in the BC DRIPA consultation process.

The survey closes on November 30, 2021.

***Please review the information below before completing the survey. The survey link will open in a separate window, so you can refer back to this page.***

Click Here To Begin The Survey

Upon completing the short or full survey you will have the opportunity to enter your email through a separate form for a chance to win gift cards (more information below).

Thank you for your time and energy participating in the survey.

Consent and Privacy

By participating in the survey, you are consenting to the information you provide being used in the following ways:

– To formulate a larger feedback report on the overall consultation process with respect to BC DRIPA, which will be provided to provincial government, sector partners, and Indigenous communities.

– To inform future research projects.

This information will not be used in a way that personally identifies you.

If you have any questions about the research project, please contact policyteam@bcaafc.com.

Definitions and Acronyms

BC DRIPA – The BC government passed Bill 41: The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) into law on November 28, 2019. DRIPA establishes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as the Province’s framework for reconciliation, as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action.

Disenfranchised – An Indigenous person who has lost their Indian Status and has therefore been deprived of their inherent constitutional rights enshrined by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which provides constitutional protection to the Indigenous Peoples in what is now known as Canada.

Indigenous Governing Body – A council, government or other entity that is authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, community or people that holds rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 (e.g. Band Councils, Tribal authorities).

Indigenous Person – “Indigenous” describes any group of people native to a specific region since time immemorial. However, questions regarding Indigenous identity in this survey are specific to Indigenous Peoples recognized by the Canadian government (First Nations (Status or Non-status), Inuit, and Métis).

TRC – The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada was a truth and reconciliation commission active in Canada from 2008 to 2015, organized by the parties of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

UNDRIP – The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is an international instrument adopted by the United Nations on September 13, 2007. UNDRIP protects collective Indigenous rights that may not be addressed in other human rights law. In December 2020, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to implement UNDRIP. On June 21, 2021, Bill C-15, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent.

Section I: Getting To Know You

This information will not be used in a way that personally identifies you.

Section II: Familiarity with Declaration and Information Sharing

The TRC’s Calls to Action are specific to Canada and are focused on addressing the historical and ongoing damage caused by colonialism and the residential school system. The TRC called on all governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement UNDRIP as a framework for reconciliation while focusing on improving the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, covering areas such as child welfare, education, language and culture, health, social, governance, economic outcomes, and justice.

BC DRIPA imposes three distinct procedural obligations on the provincial government:

– To align provincial laws with UNDRIP;

– To establish an action plan to meet the objectives of UNDRIP; and

– To produce annual reports on progress.

All of these obligations are to be met in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples.

Section III: Consultation 

Work to implement British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act has been underway for the past two years.

The BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act enables new decision-making agreements between BC and Indigenous governing bodies on decisions that directly affect Indigenous Peoples as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous governing body means a council (Band Council), government or other entity that is authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, community or people that holds rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Section IV: Action Plan

The British Columbia Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIPA) Act aims to create a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous peoples while introducing better accountability, transparency and predictability on behalf of the province. It requires the development of an Action Plan to achieve this alignment over time.

DRIPA requires British Columbia to ensure that all its provincial laws are “consistent with” UNDRIP, through consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples.

Resources

For more information on the BC DRIPA legislation and UNDRIP please visit:

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (BC Laws)

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (United Nations)

For more information on the BC DRIPA Draft Action Plan please visit:

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Draft Action Plan (Government of BC)

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