Author Archive

Status Quo is No Longer an Option: Towards a Coalition on Action Against Indigenous Specific Racism in Health Care

Join us on June 1, 2021 from 8AM-4PM PST for a virtual conference!

Presented by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, in partnership with
Safespace Networks and San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

What do we want access to healthcare to look like in five years? How do we get there?

Join us for a generative conversation on action towards creating a safe health care system for Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous thought leaders will draw from their experiences as both patients and providers in Canada’s health system to discuss:

Tangible steps towards eliminating Indigenous specific racism and discrimination from Canada’s health system.

Solutions that are empowering Indigenous people to share their truths and define the pathway to safe health care.

Why current strategies for addressing racism in health care aren’t working—status quo is no longer an option.

Register here: Zoom Registration Portal

For more information on the speakers and schedule, please visit: bcaafc.com/events

Indigenous leaders calling for inquiry into recent deaths of Indigenous residents in BC Housing facility

Media Release                                                                                  

April 23, 2021

Smithers, British Columbia – Six Indigenous residents have died at a BC Housing facility located in Smithers within the past 12 months—marking the highest number of annual deaths to occur at one facility within the province. Local community members feel that the deaths are connected to a lack of culturally safe housing programs for Indigenous people. Indigenous leaders are calling on BC Housing to conduct an inquiry into the recent deaths of Indigenous people who were clients of Smither’s supportive housing and undertake a full review of the cultural safety available at supportive housing facilities.

“We know that Indigenous-led, culturally safe supportive housing is needed to provide equitable care to Indigenous people accessing housing assistance,” said Annette Morgan, Executive Director of Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre, “Smithers has the poorest example of Indigenous housing support in the province and we need to change that.”

The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre is part of a Canada-wide network of Indigenous social service organizations. In 2020, the Smithers Community Services Association (SCSA) indicated they did not support the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre’s new Indigenous Housing Support Program, stating that the Friendship Centre’s program duplicated SCSA services.   

“It is unacceptable that Smithers Community Services Association continues to be unwilling to recognize the value of a longstanding Indigenous organization providing support services that will contribute to community capacity to handle the housing crisis in a culturally appropriate manner,” said Morgan.

“We are seeing funding intended to support services for Indigenous people awarded to non-Indigenous agencies across all social service sectors,” said Leslie Varley, Executive Director of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), “Non-Indigenous agencies controlling services for Indigenous people perpetuates the barriers to equitable care. This can have deadly consequences when we are hearing from Indigenous people that they do not feel safe accessing social services.”

The impacts of colonization is inextricably linked to homelessness and addiction experienced by Indigenous people. Historical harm, systems of oppression and anti-Indigenous racism increase the risk for isolation, poverty, intergenerational trauma, and loss of connection to culture and community for Indigenous people, factors that must be considered in order to provide culturally safe, holistic care for Indigenous residents in supportive housing.

“The loss of Indigenous people accessing social services needs to be addressed at every government level,” Morgan said, “We all need to be asking if these services are ensuring people have the necessary supports to move towards holistic health.”

Smithers is located along the Highway of Tears, a corridor of Highway 16 linked to a high number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), which Indigenous leaders said must be a part of the investigation into the deaths of Indigenous residents in SCSA housing. 

For more information:

Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society: http://www.dzelkant.com/
Contact: Annette Morgan, Executive Director
(M) 250-877-2858 (Email) executive.director@dzelkant.com

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

Indigenous People are a High Priority to Receive COVID-19 Vaccinations

Media Release

April 15, 2021

Coast Salish Territory – The British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), Métis Nation BC (MNBC), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA), and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), are responding to questions posed by some members of the public asking why Indigenous people are a higher priority for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia (BC). 

“From the outset, the vaccine rollout to Indigenous people in BC was based on recommendations from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization, said Richard Jock, FNHA’s Chief Executive Officer. “In considering potential at-risk groups, the advisory committee identified Indigenous people as high risk and therefore considered a high priority to receive an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

FNHA Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shannon McDonald said, “Access to acute care within 2.5 hours was a key element and informed the decision to provide vaccines to remote communities first and work our way inward. As COVID-19 clusters were identified, the FNHA directed vaccine supply to those affected communities.”

The following factors formed some of the basis of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendations:

• Racialized and marginalized populations in Canada have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
• Systemic barriers to supportive care for COVID-19 also exist in urban settings due to factors such as poverty, systemic racism and homelessness.
• The risk of transmission is especially high in remote or isolated First Nations communities where physical distancing and other infection prevention and control measures are challenging.
• Adults living in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, where access to health care may be limited and infection can have disproportionate consequences,should be prioritized to receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The existence of anti-Indigenous racism within the provincial health care system has been well documented and cannot be ignored. Indigenous-specific racism can lead to hesitancy in seeking care, negative experiences at the point of care, inequitable medical treatment, physical harm and even death for BC’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

“In Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s review into systematic racism towards Indigenous peoples in BC’s health care system, we heard first-hand from Métis voices across the provinces about the inequitable treatment they experienced before the pandemic,” said Lissa Dawn Smith, Acting President, MNBC.  “That they are having these experiences during the pandemic, and during the critically important vaccination stage, shows there is still so much work to do to increase education of the general public about the Métis population in BC and to root out inequities that exist in our society”, “We must and we can do better. Through collaboration with our Indigenous partners, the province and its health authorities, we can transform our system, which will ensure a safer healthcare experience for all Indigenous people.”

Existing data shows the extent to which Indigenous people are disproportionally affected with a much higher risk of hospitalization and death due to the transmission of the COVID-19 virus than the non-Indigenous population in BC. 

“Statistics show that Indigenous people face a higher risk of death from COVID-19 and prioritized immunization will save lives,” said Leslie Varley, Executive Director of the BCAAFC. “We know that many Indigenous people do not feel safe accessing health services due to experiences with anti-Indigenous racism. It is critical that the Ministry of Health communicates why Indigenous people have been identified as a high priority for the vaccination to build a shared understanding and support for one another throughout the immunization process.”

As of March 17, 2021, COVID-19 data reveals that:

• First Nations people tested positive for COVID-19 at a rate of 3,660 people per 100,000 compared to 1,713 per 100,000 in other residents of BC, more than double the rate¹.
• The median age of hospitalization for First Nations with COVID-19 was 11 years younger than the provincial median. Half of the First Nations people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 were under the age of 55, while half of the people in BC admitted to hospital with COVID-19 were under the age of 66^1,2.
• The median age of ICU admissions for First Nations was six years younger than the provincial median. Half of the First Nations people admitted to ICU were younger than 59, while half of the people in BC admitted to ICU with COVID-19 were under the age of 65^{1, 2}.
• The median age of death for First Nations who died from COVID-19 was 18 years younger for First Nations compared to the provincial median. Half the First Nations people who died from COVID-19 were under the age of 67, while half of the people in BC who died from COVID-19 were younger than 85^{1, 2}.

¹Provincial Laboratory Information Services data as of March 17, 2021
²COVID case line list prepared by BCCDC, as of March 17, 2021

While the above data is specific to First Nations people, given the prevalence of anti-Indigenous racism in the health care system and systemic barriers faced by Indigenous people, it is reasonable to expect similar outcomes for all Indigenous people.

The evidence is clear. It is an unfortunate truth that Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus. This and other compelling data is at the core of the need to quickly and efficiently deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to First Nations people both in-community, and urban and away from settings,  as quickly as possible.

“Systemic racism in health care is the daily, lived experience for First Nations people in BC – creating poor health outcomes for our people with higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions – and higher COVID-19 infection rates’ said Charlene Belleau, FNHC Chair. “A shared goal of equal access to health care requires partners to be accountable for a system grounded in cultural humility and safety and free from racism.”

“First Nation Health Directors are the voice of the community, working to transform and decolonize the health care system in BC – an essential step to creating a health care experience free of racism for First Nations people,” said Keith Marshall, FNHDA President. “Health Directors will continue to deliver health and wellness services that are closer to home and that affirm First Nations cultures, rights and identities – actions we know improve health outcomes for First Nations people.”

Learn More:

British Columbia Aboriginal Association of Friendship Centres https://bcaafc.com/
Media contact: Ricki-Lee Jewell, Communications Coordinator
(M) 250-940-5184 (Email) communications@bcaafc.com

Métis Nation British Columbia https://www.mnbc.ca/
Media contact: Nick Hosseinzadeh
(M) 778-996-6425 (Email) nhosseinzadeh@mnbc.ca

The First Nations Health Authority http://www.fnha.ca/
Media Contact: Kevin Boothroyd, Director Media Relations
(M) 604-831-4898 (Email) media@fnha.ca

The First Nations Health Council https://fnhc.ca/

The First Nations Health Director’s Association https://fnhda.ca/

Global News Morning BC: Leslie Varley on Safespace

A new tool to report racism within B.C.’s healthcare system

The ‘SafeSpace’ App allows Indigenous people to report racism within the healthcare system without fear of backlash. Leslie Varley of the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centre explains how the app works.

Pass the Feather – Why Indigenous Doula/Birthwork?

The BCAAFC was honoured to host the Indigenous Birthworkers Forum with BC Association of Pregnancy Outreach Programs (BCAPOP) on February 23! Massive thanks to our Advisory Group for overseeing and guiding the delivery of the Indigenous Birthworkers Forum. ⁣ ⁣

The forum included presentations and trainings to support inclusivity, maintain integrity and honour the health, wellbeing and safety of Indigenous birthers and families. 70 Indigenous birthworkers attended the forum.⁣ ⁣

Indigenous doulas from the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program shared the values they bring to birthwork in this video for the forum.

To learn more about the DAFGP program, please visit http://bcaafc.com/dafgp/​. ⁣

Why Indigenous doula/birthwork?

Video credits in order of appearance:⁣ ⁣

Siyothlewot (Brooke Bobb-Reid):⁣ Seabird Island (Sto:lo Territory) and Sts’ailes⁣ Auntie (Kwiyo:s), Birth Doula, Traditional Birth Keeper, Maternal Child Health Lead.⁣ ⁣

Nicole Williams:⁣ From Nlaka’pamux’, living in Secwepemc territory. Mother, DONA certified birth/postpartum Doula, and Team Leader of Early Years Wellnessteam. Breastfeeding assistant.⁣ ⁣

Iris Jules:⁣ Elder from Adams Lake Indian Band⁣ I have assisted with all my daughters and a couple of my nieces with birthing. I have been taught this from my Grandmother and Mother in-law as well as other elderly woman. Also, traditional birthing and preparation of after birth ceremony.⁣ ⁣

Jacqueline Snelling-Welsh⁣: Mixed Ojibwe and European living in Lekwunken traditional and unceded Territory. I’m a Mother, Doula, Birthing From Within Mentor and the DAFGP Coordinator for BCAAFC.⁣ ⁣

Redwillow Dawn Morningstar Peters⁣: I am from the Xat’sull (soda creek) First Nations band in the unceded, unsurended Secwépemc Territory. I am a birth and postpartum doula birth keeper within our communities; Breastfeeding lactation assistant as well as an Aboriginal infant development consultant.⁣ ⁣

Jackie Jack⁣: Nuu-Chah-Nulth. Birth, Post Partum & End of Life Doula. I have been supporting families since I was 16 in various ways.⁣ ⁣

Roxanne Mierau⁣: Sayisi Dene, Tadoule Lake Manitoba. Tready 5 territory.⁣ Mother, Matriarch, Auntie, Sister, Birth Doula, Health and Wellness Counsellor at Urban Native Youth Association.⁣ ⁣

Pass the feather! ⁣ ⁣

**Please note: We do not own the rights to this music. The music belongs to its respective owners. Songs: Electric Pow Wow Drum by A Tribe Called Red and Hoppípolla by Sigur R**

Joanne Mills accepts new role as Executive Director of Indigenous Relations at Community Living BC

We at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) congratulate Joanne Mills, former Executive Director of the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA), on her new role as Executive Director of Indigenous Relations at Community Living BC (CLBC).

Joanne Mills is a member of Fisher River Cree Nation with ties to Skidegate. Her proactive leadership at FRAFCA can be felt by staff, clients, and partners. FRAFCA is a leading centre in the Friendship Centre Movement, receiving the Friendship Centres of Excellence Award presented by the National Association of Friendship Centres in 2019.

FRAFCA is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Fraser Salish People, including the Kwantlen, Katzie, QayQayt, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen. The Friendship Centre collaborates with the host nations to design and deliver services for the Indigenous peoples living in the Fraser Salish Region.

Joanne, thank you for your dedication to the movement—you will be greatly missed and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

Joanne will continue to serve as Treasurer of the BCAAFC Board of Directors until her term is up.

Three actions you can take to help freeze the 2021 VicPD budget

**ACTION NEEDED BY JANUARY 10, 2021**

In the midst of a global movement to combat racism and police brutality and defund police forces across so-called “North America”, the City of Victoria is proposing a 1.5% increase to the Victoria Police Department’s operating budget for 2021, which amounts to $60.7 million or 23% of their $255.9 million budget.

When other city services and programs such as planning and public works are being reduced due to significant decreases in city revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s proposed 2021 budget continues the concerning trend of annual increases to the VicPD budget. But there is something we can do about it! The City of Victoria is currently soliciting feedback on the 2021 proposed budget and there are three ways you can let them know that an increase to the VicPD budget is unacceptable.

ACTION 1:

Use the letter template (http://ow.ly/hmid50D1Kf6) to craft your own letter to the city outlining why you would like to see the police budget frozen or decreased.

**Be sure to address it to engage@victoria.ca and send it by midnight on Sunday January 10, 2021.**

ACTION 2:

Complete the budget survey on engage.victoria.ca by midnight on Sunday January 10, 2021. You must register by providing your email, birth year and postal code. You can use the points in the letter template (http://ow.ly/hmid50D1Kf6) to complete Question 10.

You do not need to complete the rest of the survey if you don’t want to; however the folks over at Poverty Kills have done a great analysis of the budget (http://ow.ly/S3gI50D1KpO), if you want to provide more in-depth input.

Note that the results of the survey will be quantified and reported out to the public; therefore, the more responses to the survey that oppose increases to the police budget, the better.

ACTION 3:

Participate in the Virtual Budget Town Hall on Wednesday January 13 at 6:30pm by submitting a written question/comment or 3-minute video to engage.victoria.ca, or registering to speak live via phone by emailing engage@victoria.ca by January 12 at 2pm.

You can also tweet your questions/comments using the hashtag #victownhall.

For more information visit https://engage.victoria.ca/2021-draft-budget.

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More support for friendship centres benefits urban Indigenous peoples during pandemic

News Release

VICTORIA – Indigenous peoples living in urban areas are receiving increased supports to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through new provincial funding for friendship centres throughout B.C.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has tested everyone in ways we never imagined, and Indigenous peoples living in urban areas are relying on the help offered by friendship centres at unprecedented levels,” said Premier John Horgan. “We have provided additional funds through the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to meet this significant demand and support the critical, culturally appropriate services that friendship centres are providing during this particularly challenging time.”

Friendship centres throughout B.C. provide many essential services for Indigenous peoples living in urban areas, including child care, counselling, food, and shelter. Over the past several months, friendship centres have seen a substantial increase in needs from people impacted by the pandemic.

“Friendship Centres have seen a rapid increase in requests for services during the pandemic,” said Leslie Varley, executive director with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. “They are fulfilling the need for culturally safe and appropriate supports during a time where our people are more susceptible to the impacts of COVID-19.”

“We are addressing three priorities as a result of COVID-19—food security, personal protective equipment and sanitation, and equipment and supplies. The allotted funding will help ensure that those who are most vulnerable to the virus have access to food, and that our staff have the equipment and supplies they need to provide these services safely.”

This one-time COVID-19 relief funding of $7.8 million will help friendship centres continue to assist individuals, young families, single parents, youth and Elders through a mix of in person and online services. The grant will help provide supports like meals and hampers, care packages for seniors and education kits for children. It will help keep staff and clients safe with new handwashing stations, sanitization and personal protective equipment.

“Expanding our government’s support for friendship centres, and the Indigenous peoples they serve, is one of the important priorities the Premier tasked me with in my new role,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “Given the pressures friendship centres have been facing as a result of the pandemic, this new funding comes at a critical time to bring them needed relief, and support their vital services for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people in urban areas – including Elders who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and must be protected as knowledge-keepers of language and culture.”

This announcement is one of the immediate actions government is taking to protect British Columbian’s health and livelihoods from the threat of COVID-19. Government will continue working hard to keep people safe and healthy, so British Columbia can move as quickly as possible to address the economic recovery and its broader priorities: investing in people, strengthening communities, and supporting jobs and growth in a clean-energy future.

Quick facts:

B.C. friendship centres are part of a national network of Indigenous-led social service organizations that have served Indigenous families for over 70 years.

There are 25 friendship centres located throughout British Columbia.

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres is distributing this one-time funding among all the centres.

Approximately 78% of the Indigenous peoples in B.C. live off-reserve or in urban areas.

In 2018, the B.C. government more than tripled the financial support for friendship centres by providing the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres with an additional $6.45 million over three years. This was the first time reliable, dedicated funding was provided to the association.

Learn More:

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

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC Or visit the centre‘s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

Contacts:

Cale Cowan
Media relations
Ministry Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
250 356-7324

Leslie Varley
Executive director
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
250 893-0494
lvarley@bcaafc.com

Congratulations to B.C.’s new cabinet

We at the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) congratulate the Government of B.C.’s new cabinet members on their positions.

We raise our hands in the Coast Salish way, in respect and appreciation for the work of Premier John Horgan and the previous Ministers.

The BCAAFC looks forward to working with Minister Murray Rankin and the newly appointed cabinet to continue our collective work towards a vibrant society that supports Indigenous peoples living in B.C. and a brighter future in Canada for all.

Full cabinet for the new NDP government

Premier: John Horgan

Attorney General (and Minister Responsible For Housing): David Eby

• Parliamentary Secretary – Anti-Racism Initiatives: Rachna Singh

Advanced Education and Skills Training: Anne Kang

• Parliamentary Secretary – Skills Training: Andrew Mercier

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries: Lana Popham

• Parliamentary Secretary – Fisheries and Aquaculture: Fin Donnelly

Citizens’ Services: Lisa Beare

Children and Family Development: Mitzi Dean

• Minister of State for Child Care: Katrina Chen

Education: Jennifer Whiteside

Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (and Minister Responsible for The Consular Corps of British Columbia): Bruce Ralston

Environment and Climate Change Strategy (and Minister Responsible for Translink): George Heyman

Parliamentary Secretary – Environment: Kelly Greene

Finance: Selina Robinson

• Parliamentary Secretary – Gender Equity: Grace Lore

Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development: Katrine Conroy

• Minister of State for Lands, Natural Resource Operations: Nathan Cullen

• Parliamentary Secretary – Rural Development: Roly Russell

Health (and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs): Adrian Dix

• Parliamentary Secretary – Seniors Services & Long Term Care: Mable Elmore

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation: Murray Rankin

Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation: Ravi Kahlon

• Minister of State for Trade: George Chow

• Parliamentary Secretary – Technology & Innovation: Brenda Bailey

Labour: Harry Bains

• Parliamentary Secretary – New Economy: Adam Walker

Mental Health and Addictions: Sheila Malcolmson

Municipal Affairs: Josie Osborne

Public Safety and Solicitor General: Mike Farnworth

• Parliamentary Secretary – Emergency Preparedness: Jennifer Rice

Social Development and Poverty Reduction: Nicholas Simons

• Parliamentary Secretary – Community Development & Non-Profits: Niki Sharma

• Parliamentary Secretary – Accessibility: Dan Coulter

Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport: Melanie Mark

• Parliamentary Secretary – Arts and Film: Bob D’Eith

Transportation and Infrastructure: Rob Fleming

• Minister of State for Infrastructure: Bowinn Ma

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-cabinet-announcement-1.5816947

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres Releases ‘Urban Indigenous Wellness Report: A BC Friendship Centre Perspective’

News Release

B.C. – November 23, 2020 – On this week dedicated to national conversations on substance use – National Addictions Awareness Week – the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) released the Urban Indigenous Wellness Report: A BC Friendship Centre Perspective. The report is informed by the collective experience and expertise of individuals within urban Indigenous communities across the province, and lays the groundwork for transformational change that will contribute to the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples.

“The Urban Indigenous Wellness Report is a community-based framework for achieving the actions required to improve health outcomes for urban Indigenous people,” said Leslie Varley, Executive Director of the BCAAFC, “We know there is a need for Indigenous specific mental health services, especially for youth, and these programs need to be accessible and affordable.” 

The BCAAFC began work on the report in 2019 in response to the pressing mental health and substance use issues – notably the opioid crisis that B.C. has been facing since 2016 – that disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples living off-reserve and in urban areas. The need for individualized approaches to detox and treatment centres, as well as adequate aftercare and recovery supports, is also identified as a high priority.

Friendship Centres are the largest service-delivery infrastructure for urban Indigenous peoples and provide critical support for the wellbeing of individuals and families living in urban, rural, and off-reserve areas. The report provides guiding recommendations for the systemic change required in order for Friendship Centres to fully meet the health and wellness needs of urban Indigenous peoples in B.C.  

“In order to improve the health outcomes for urban Indigenous peoples, systemic change must occur at multiple levels,” said Varley, “We encourage all partners and stakeholders to read the Urban Indigenous Wellness Report and implement the recommendations.”

To read the full report, visit http://bcaafc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/BCAAFC-Urban-Indigenous-Wellness-Report.pdf.

For media inquiries, please contact: Leslie Varley at 250-893-0494 or lvarley@bcaafc.com.

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