News & Media

About BC Friendship Centres

If you are a member of the media and are looking for comment, please contact communications@bcaafc.com.
The official spokesperson for the BCAAFC is Leslie Varley (Executive Director).
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Recent Posts

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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