Volume 16 Issue 2
BC ELDERS COMMUNICATION CENTER SOCIET Y
January 2016
ATTENTION: Elders Contact People
Please Make Copies of the EV Each
Month For Your Elders, Chief &
Council or Board of Directors.
EV’S 182nd Issue! The 40th Annual Elders Gathering
Will be held in Williams Lake, BC
On July 11, 12, 13, 14, 2016
Next year’s 2016 gathering
will begin with the
“early bird Wild West Celebration day”
on Monday, July 11 at
the Williams Lake Stampede grounds
beginning with a mountain race and Rodeo.
_____________________________________
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL ELDERS BORN IN JANUARY!! __________________________________ REMINDER: SUPPORT FEES ARE NOW DUE
Inside this issue
Easy Bakers Corner/Website
2
List of Paid Support Fees
3
40th Annual BC Elders
Gathering
4
BCECCS BUTTON BLANKET
RAFFLE—TICKETS $5
5
2016 Gathering of BC
Aboriginal Non-Profit Org
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AWARD: Vancouver
Native Housing Society
Message from Parliamentary
Secretary Darryl Plecas
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Pgs. 9-10: Record Number of First Nations
First Responders Graduates Recognized n BC
Pg. 11: FNHA—Generic vs. Brand Name Meds
Pg. 12: FNHA —Facts About Generic Drugs
Pg. 13: Overdose Awareness Poster
Pgs. 14-15: For the Child Taken, for the
Parent Left Behind
Pgs. 16-17: Leadership & Capacity Program
Pgs. 17-18: FN Leaders Urge Trudeau
Government to Keep Promises—Site C Dam
Pg. 19: VIHA—Fentanyl Overdoses
Pgs. 20-21: VIHA—Life Saving Naloxone Take
Home Program/Home Health Monitoring
Pg. 22: Can’t Sleep A Wink?
Pg. 23: AFN Press Release
Back Page: Annual BC Elders Gathering Info
Corner , Horoscope/Quotes/Contact Info
Easy Bakers Corner – Applesauce-Raisin Bread
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8 x 4 pan.
Mix all of the ingredients below and stir each time you add an ingredient.
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup of cooking oil
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 3/4 cup of bread flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup raisins
Pour into prepared pan.
Bake about 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Enjoy!
What Can you please share?
The following is a short list of Elders suggestions of what might be shared: Your local Newsletters/Upcoming Local
Events/Prayers/Poems/Quotes/Comments/Storytelling/Drawings/Articles of Interest/Native Songs Lyrics/Wellness
Seminars/Obituaries, etc. Submissions are best forwarded to me via email by the 15th of the preceding month. If you are
interested in providing articles, please do so, I look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to contribute to the content of your newsletter.
Gilakasla, Donna Stirling
‘PRESERVING THE PAST’
The First Ever Elder’s Website “Preserving the Past” is now online (as of Sept. 2002). Registration forms, booth forms,
maps of the host territory, accommodation information, etc. concerning the Annual Elders Gatherings are available each
year on the BC Elders Communication Center Society’s website www.bcelders.com as soon as they are made available
from each new host community.
As of Aug.1st. 2011 issues of your Elders Voice Newsletter will be emailed out to all contacts as well as posted on the
website www.bcelders.com the 1st of each month. Although we mailed out the issues for almost 11 years (128 issues) we
can no longer afford the cost to do so. Please email [email protected] to be added to the email list. Thank you
Disclaimer:
Health articles, etc. are provided as a courtesy and neither the BC Elders Communication Center Society’s Board
Members or anyone working on its behalf mean this information to be used to replace your doctor’s and other professional’s advice. You should contact your family physician or health care worker for all health care matters. Information is
provided in the Elders Voice for your reference only. And opinions contained in this publication are not those of Donna
Stirling, Coordinator unless her name appears below the material.
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BCECCS 15th Year GRATITUDE LIST
Support Fee from Nov. 1st 2014 – Oct. 31st 2015
(In the past the fee has always been $250 yearly, but in these economic times it has become necessary to ask groups to consider assisting more, if possible, to make up for groups who cannot help.)
Your support is much appreciated!
LEVELS OF SUPPORT
$5,000 - Thunderbird
$2,500 - Killer Whale
$1,500 - Eagle
$1000 – Salmon
$750 – Frog
$500 – Sisiutl
$250 - Hummingbird
Thunderbird - $5,000
1.
Killer Whale - $2,500
1.
Eagle Level - $1,500
1. Provincial Health Services Authority
2.
SALMON LEVEL - $1,000
1. Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation
2. Kwakiutl Band Council
FROG LEVEL - $750
1. Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation
2. Westbank First Nation
SISIUTL LEVEL - $500
1. Tk’emlups Te Secwepemc
2.
HUMMINGBIRD LEVEL - $250
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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BC Association of Community Response Networks
Chawathil First Nation
Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre Society
Spuzzum First Nation
Weiwaikum First Nation
Mamalilikulla Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em Band
St. Mary’s Indian Band
K’omoks Health Centre
Irving K. Barber Foundation
10. First Nations Tax Commission
11. Doig River First Nation
12. Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
13. Skidegate Band Council
14. Osoyoos Indian Band
15. First Nations Tax Commission
16. Da’naxda’xw First Nation
17. Neskonlith Indian Band
18. Adams Lake Indian Band
19.
40th Annual BC Elders Gathering in Williams Lake, BC July 11, 12, 13, 14, 2016
To all BC First Nations Communities and Annual BC Elders Gathering Society Sponsor Partners
The host for the 40th Annual BC Elders Gathering under the guidance of Councillor Cecil Grinder and
Elder Stan Stump is the Tl'etinqox Government from the Tsilhqot'in Nation with support from the
Secwepemc, Carrier, Nuxalk & St'át'imc communities.
The 40th Annual BC Elders Gathering, will be held July 12,13 & 14, 2016 in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Next year’s 2016 gathering will begin with the ”early bird Wild West Celebration day” on
Monday July 11 at the Williams Lake Stampede grounds beginning with a mountain race and Rodeo.
A camp site on the Stampede Grounds is set up for motor homes and tents with cultural activities, Pow
Wow, Sweat Lodges, healing circles and Slahal tournaments already in the early planning stages.
With the enormous excitement the elders from all across British Columbia have already demonstrated
with next year’s gathering being held in Williams Lake, the organizing committee is already looking at
a shuttle service to the gathering for hotels in Quesnel, Williams Lake, Lac la Hache and 100 Mile
House. The committee is putting together a list of camp sites for tents and motor homes. A list of billet
and bed and breakfast locations is already being developed. With the early bird Wild West Celebration
elders groups may wish to book four days this year.
The hunters, fisherman and cooks are already talking about making preparations for the traditional
feasts. Tours are already being planned that will provide the opportunity for elders and guests to witness the rich culture, history and beauty of the Region.
Meetings have already taken place with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), Tsilhqot'in Nation
Chiefs, Williams Lake City Hall, Williams Lake Indian Band, Cariboo Friendship Centre, Waste disposal service providers, Food Service providers, Portable washroom facilities providers, Williams Lake
Tourism, Cariboo-Chilcotin School District, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake
Stampede Grounds and many others in making preparations for the gathering.
Our next planning meeting for the 40th Annual BC Elders Gathering with the host community elders
will take place July 31, 2015.
It is the hope of the Annual BC Elders Gathering Society that all 203 First Nations Communities in the
province attend the 40th Annual BC Elders Gathering in Williams Lake. It is also our wish that the
Chief or their designated representative from every community attends the gathering in respect for
their elders.
We look forward to all our sponsor partners and invited guests attending next year’s gathering to
share a meal and get to know the traditions and rich culture of our First People.
With great respect
Kw’as hoy (Thank you),
Brad Boyes (Sqela’:ta:le)
Director, Sponsorship Chair, Annual BC Elders Gathering Society
36007 Sundew Place
Abbotsford BC,V3G 1E9
Phone: 1-604-852-4503
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 1-604-217-9364
http://bcelders2015.ca
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BC ELDERS COMMUNICATION CENTER SOCIETY Fundraiser For Our Bid to Host The 2017 Elders Gathering in CAMPBELL RIVER st
1 Prize: Adult Button Blanket and Apron Hand Made By Elder Susan Paquette nd
2 Prize: VTECH 4 Handset Cordless Digital Answering System Donated By Staples Tickets: $5.00 DRAW DATE: APRIL 4TH, 2016 Email For Tickets To: [email protected] 5
2016 Gathering of BC Aboriginal Non‐Profit Organizations Save the Date! January 28th, 2016 The Hilton Vancouver Airport Vancouver, BC A gathering of BC’s Aboriginal non‐profit agencies to learn about our HR practices, to share our good work, to unite our sector, and to strengthen and grow the workforce that serves our communities. For more information please visit: www.bcaafc.com/initiatives/anpbc There is no registration fee for this event and limited travel subsidies are available for attendees — see the website for more details. If you have any questions regarding the Gathering please contact Rosy Hartman, Special Projects Coordinator at the BC Association of Abo‐
riginal Friendship Centres at [email protected] or 1‐250‐388‐
5522. 6
Vancouver Native Housing Society receives the ATAC National Aboriginal Cultural
Tourism Award
December 3, 2015 Aboriginal Tourism BC
Coast Salish Territories (Vancouver, BC) – Aboriginal Tourism BC congratulates the Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS), owner and operator of Skwachàys Lodge and the Urban Aboriginal Fair
Trade Gallery, for receiving the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC) National Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Award at the Canadian Tourism Awards in Ottawa, ON.
The Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) opened Skwachàys Lodge & Residence in 2012, in the
heart of Vancouver’s Downtown. The society ambitiously transformed an existing 3.5 story, completely
derelict, single room occupancy hotel into a magnificent seven floor property. The never before attempted marriage of Victorian and Aboriginal heritage in this structure is a source of pride and an
iconic beacon for native people in the Downtown Eastside. Today, the 18 individually designed rooms
in this boutique property make up Canada’s first Aboriginal Art Hotel. At street level, the Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery showcases Aboriginal artistic and cultural work. The property also features
a rooftop sweat lodge and smudge room used for spiritual cleansing, studio/workshop production
space, and a commercial kitchen, while also maintaining 24 shelter rate apartments for Aboriginal people at risk of homelessness, and two social enterprises that support the VNHS’ mission and financial
sustainability.
“Both Skwachàys Lodge and the Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery are a testament to the success
of the vision of the Vancouver Native Housing Society and the increasing role that Aboriginal tourism
plays in BC,” says acting CEO and Chair of Aboriginal Tourism BC, Brenda Baptiste. “We are absolutely thrilled to see the nationwide recognition of these properties.”
The Skwachàys Lodge, combined with the street level Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery, uses a social enterprise model to fund supportive housing. Instead of taxpayer dollars providing the ongoing
monthly subsidy for the 24 Aboriginal artist live/work studios onsite, the funds come from the operation of these two social purpose businesses. When a guest spends their overnight travel dollars at the
Skwachàys there is a social impact – people are housed. When a guest, a member of the community or
a company purchases authentic Aboriginal art at the Fair Trade Gallery there is a social impact – a
simple purchase fights cultural misappropriation and ensures that Aboriginal artists are paid fairly for
their work. For additional information on the VNHS social enterprise businesses, visit http://
skwachays.com/social-enterprise/.
“At the Vancouver Native Housing Society we could not be more proud of what has been achieved at
Skwachàys Lodge and Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery,” says Dave Eddy, CEOF of VNHS. “We
have been successful in creating an economic engine in the neighbourhood and a social enterprise
model of sustainable housing that supports many marginalized indigenous people, and at the same time
showcases to the world the culture, sophistication, and beauty of what so many urban Aboriginal artists have to offer.”
VNHS was shortlisted in the category alongside the Adäka Cultural Festival (Whitehorse, YT) and
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site (Fort Macleod, AB). The award recognizes an
Aboriginal Tourism business that has demonstrated a commitment to the development, promotion and
delivery of an authentic, innovative and enriched Aboriginal cultural tourism visitor experience. The
recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in the region.
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About Aboriginal Tourism BC
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is a non-profit, Stakeholder-based
organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal
Tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and cooperative marketing programs, AtBC is a one-stop resource for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. AtBC works
closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help BC’s Aboriginal Tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and local
residents. www.aboriginalbc.com. -30Media Contacts
Kate Rogers, Tartan: 604-880-1494 or [email protected]
Brian Cant, Tartan: 250-592-3838 or [email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________
SeniorsBC.ca e-Newsletter—Message from Parliamentary Secretary Darryl Plecas
Another year has flown by and the holiday season is here. Many of us will be gathering with loved ones
to share in family time and create new memories.
For some people however, this time of year can be a lonely one, whether they are living by themselves,
are recently widowed, or have family far away.
Social isolation among seniors is a growing issue. We all know someone – whether it’s a friend or a
family member - who is at home and can’t get out much, if at all. And, it can also be magnified during
the holiday season.
In my travels throughout the province, I frequently hear from seniors that independence is important.
They also tell me they want to feel included in the community.
I attended an ideas exchange event this month in Courtenay which focused on social isolation among
seniors. This informative gathering was attended by numerous stakeholders with a goal of increasing
understanding of this issue. Attendees also examined innovative approaches to address the matter,
which included an exploration of transportation to support seniors’ social inclusion.
A report highlighting the ideas exchange event will be presented to a meeting of federal, provincial and
territorial ministers’ responsible for seniors, taking place next summer in Victoria.
I was encouraged by the creative ideas and interest of the participants to find ways to address social
isolation of seniors in the Comox Valley.
This month provincial funding was also provided for a program that supports Farsi- and Koreanspeaking seniors in the Lower Mainland to become more self-reliant. It can be tough to break down
language and cultural barriers for new Canadians, and the seniors enrichment program offered by
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. helps older adults feel empowered when they are out around town. This is done through
basic computer and cell phone classes as well as English language classes.
We know that when seniors are engaged in the community, everyone benefits.
Thank you, Darryl Plecas
Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health
For more information about seniors’ services and supports, visit www.seniorsbc.ca.
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LEADERSHIP & CAPACITY
Program launched for excellence in Aboriginal sport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 18, 2015
VICTORIA - The Province of British Columbia is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for
a new awards program celebrating the athletic achievements of Aboriginal youth.
The Premier's Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport has been developed with the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation, and Physical Activity Partners Council - a partnership made up of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the First Nations Health Authority, and Métis Nation BC.
Nominees will be scored on athletic achievement, leadership skills, commitment to higher education,
and for recognition as community role models both on and off the field of play.
These awards build on Premier Christy Clark's announcement earlier this year of a commitment to
establish a program to honour and celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal youth in sport.
Athletes will be honoured at the 2016 Gathering Our Voices Conference in Victoria. There will be 12
awards handed out (six male and six female) and recipients will also be invited to attend a special high
performance workshop to further their athletic skills and leadership.
Quotes:
Premier Christy Clark "To young people, sports are powerful, giving meaning in confusing or even difficult times. One of the
ways we can embrace reconciliation is by recognizing and celebrating Aboriginal achievement in
sports."
Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development "We have many great Aboriginal youth athletes in this province and they deserve to be acknowledged
for their hard work and dedication to sport and community. These awards will leave a new legacy that
promotes teamwork, education and leadership."
Gordon Hogg, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Sport "In partnership with Aboriginal leaders, we are building a foundation to promote and advance youth
participation in sport. Together we have created an award for sport excellence that celebrates the
achievements of our First Nations and Aboriginal athletes in a way that allows their home communities, as well as the public, to show their appreciation.
Paul Lacerte, executive director, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres "We are pleased to join the Province in recognizing the best Aboriginal athletes in B.C. There will be a
strong First Nations presence in the selection process and recipients will receive an award designed by
a First Nations artist and selected by the council."
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Joe Gallagher, chief executive officer, First Nation Health Authority "͞These awards focus on the winning combination of athletics, scholarship, leadership and culture, and
will recognize and honour the health and wellness of youth from a holistic perspective. The winners
will serve as an excellent example not only for First Nations and Aboriginal youth, but for all British
Columbians."
Quick Facts:
The 2016 Gathering Our Voices Conference will take place in Victoria March 21-24, 2016.
Learn More:
Nomination forms for the Premier͛ s Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence can be found here:
http://aboriginalsportbc.ca/grants-and-opportunities/premiers-awards-for-aboriginal-youth-excellence
-in-sport/
Media Contact:
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-356-6334
________________________________________________________________________________________
First Nation leaders urge Trudeau government to keep campaign promises, stop proposed Site C dam, and usher in new era of cooperation Posted by Ubcic 0sc on December 10, 2015 (Ottawa, ON ‐ December 10, 2015) First Nation chiefs from British Columbia and represen‐
tatives from the Assembly of First Nations are calling on the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take a second look at a Cabinet decision of the former federal govern‐
ment providing initial approval of the controversial Site C dam. The Chiefs also are calling on key federal Cabinet Ministers to meet with them and are seeking a halt on any further federal permitting until the issue of Treaty rights infringe‐
ment arising from the proposed project is fully examined and resolved. The call comes as a delegation of Chiefs from British Columbia arrives in Ottawa to press for meetings with key federal Cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister to ask that the fed‐
eral government intervene to stop the proposed dam, which would flood nearly 23,000 hectares of land along 107 kilometres of the Peace River, Moberly River, Halfway River and their tributaries. “The Site C dam would inundate the Peace River valley and several of its tributaries, de‐
stroying the last stretch of the valley that we have left. We’ve already lost 70 per cent of the valley to two massive reservoirs that have poisoned fish, wiped out hunting and gath‐
ering grounds and flooded burial sites. Ottawa must not allow what little remains to be wiped out as well,” says West Moberly First Nations Chief, Roland Willson. 17
“This project will have devastating impacts on the rights and territories of these Treaty 8 First Nations,” says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “The previ‐
ous government approved Site C with no consideration about how it will infringe on the Treaty rights of affected First Nations. That was wrong and goes against Canada’s own laws and Constitution. The new government has committed to reconciliation and a better rela‐
tionship with First Nations. We urge the government to reach out and begin rebuilding a constructive relationship with the affected First Nations.” The federal government can do a number of concrete things that would halt the proposed dam, which is not yet even close to construction, and ensure that the inherent rights of First Nations are protected. Several approvals by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and by Transport Canada have not yet been granted and are required in order for the pro‐
ject to proceed. The federal government also is currently opposing the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations in court after two Treaty 8 First Nations launched an appeal of a Federal Court decision ruling that the federal Cabinet can effectively approve a megaproject that in‐
fringes on treaty rights and violates section 35 of the Constitution Act. “We hope that Canada’s new Justice Minister Jody Wilson‐Raybould takes seriously her strong mandate to review and reconsider the federal government’s litigation strategy with First Nations,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “Stopping the fight against First Nations in court over the approval of Site C would send a welcome signal that Canada is seriously committed to a new, respectful relationship with First Nations across the country. Site C is an important litmus test of that commitment.” Chief Lynette Tsakoza of the Prophet River First Nation emphasized that halting the Site C project at this time is not that difficult a decision for the federal government to make be‐
cause the project is not that far advanced. The British Columbia government announced only two weeks ago the companies that were to be awarded the major construction pro‐
ject at the dam site. A contract setting out the terms of that work has not yet been signed. “It is not too late to change course,” Chief Tsakoza says. “Although preliminary construction has begun, the damage to the Peace River and the river valley is not yet irreversible. Stop‐
ping Site C provides the federal government with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to all Canadians that this government takes reconciliation seriously. We urge the Trudeau government to not miss this historic opportunity.” For more information contact: George Smith 1‐604‐989‐5094 18
NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Recent overdoses include fentanyl and other drugs
The B.C. Coroners Service has confirmed that a man found dead in the Johnson Street parkade on
Sunday died of an overdose.
Preliminary results from toxicology testing show the person died of a mixed drug overdose involving
toxic-to-fatal levels of morphine (probably from heroin), fentanyl, and methamphetamines, and lower
levels of cocaine.
The Coroners Service is investigating two other potential drug overdose deaths in Greater Victoria in
the past five days. There have been dozens of suspected additional non-fatal overdoses in the same time
frame. In some of these cases, naloxone was used in the community to prevent a tragic outcome.
Users have told authorities they thought they were only using heroin, and in other cases, only using
methamphetamines.
“This suggests any drug supply may include fentanyl as well as more likely being a mixture of drugs,”
said Dr. Paul Hasselback, Island Health’s Medical Health Officer. “Mixing drugs has become more
common, and is recognized as increasing the risk of overdose.”
A similar situation involving overdoses appears to be occurring in the Vancouver area.
Over the past few days, agencies that provide services to those who frequently use drugs have been issuing warning notices and sharing information about the problems with the current supply of illicit
drugs being distributed in the area.
Users are always encouraged to:
· Avoid using alone;
· Have an overdose response plan;
· Know your drug by taking a small sample first;
· Have a Take Home Naloxone kit handy; and
· Tell someone what you’re intending to use.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
BC Coroners Service
Barb McLintock
BC Coroners Service
250.356.9253
[email protected]
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Victoria Police Department
Public Affairs
Matt Rutherford
250.995.7294
www.vicpd.ca
Island Health
Kellie Hudson
Media Relations Manager
250.370.8908
[email protected]
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Can't sleep a wink?
It's estimated that about one-half of all seniors have some sleep problems. As we age, we tend to have
more "fragile" sleep, meaning we're more easily awakened, and deep sleep stages get shorter. Some of
these sleep changes are hormonal, but various illnesses, pain, psychiatric conditions, and medications
can also interfere with rest.
Whatever the reason, being deprived of sleep can leave you tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate.
It can also cause headaches, memory troubles, and accidents. On the other hand, we generally need
less sleep as we get older, so if you feel rested and refreshed in the morning, don't feel drowsy during
the day, and don't need long naps, you don't have anything to worry about.
It's easier to get a good night's sleep if you try the following:

Keep a regular sleep and wake schedule even if it is the weekend. Maintaining proper sleeping
patterns can help your body adapt and fall asleep easier.

Don't have drinks with alcohol or caffeine before bedtime. Alcohol may put you to sleep at first,
but you'll get less deep sleep and may wake up more often later.

Avoid having a big meal less than three hours before bedtime.

Avoid drinking extra fluids at least 2 hours before bedtime, to keep from waking up at night to go
to the washroom.

Don't smoke since nicotine can keep you awake (it's a stimulant).

Try not to worry about things when it's time to sleep – they can wait until tomorrow. If you simply can't put them out of your mind, try writing out your concerns to help put them aside until
daylight.

Avoid watching TV or reading in bed – keep the bed for sleeping.

Relax before going to bed by doing deep breathing exercises, drinking warm milk, or taking a
warm bath.

If you can't get to sleep, try not to watch the clock. Instead, get out of bed and watch TV or read
until you feel tired.
If your sleep troubles last over a month or disrupt day-to-day life, don't suffer in silence – ask your
doctor for help.
www.msn.com
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Assembly of First Nations Press
12/16/15 AFN National Chief Expresses Need for a Nation-to-Nation
Approach in Engagement Strategies with First Nations
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde, along
with other Indigenous leaders and a number of federal Cabinet Ministers, participated today in a meeting with the Prime Minister on determining a path forward to achieve a renewed relationship with First Nations and other Indigenous peoples. This came a day after
the Prime Minister committed to developing a national engagement strategy leading to a
National Reconciliation Framework informed by Calls to Action in the final report of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“Today was a productive discussion with the Prime Minister and seven Cabinet Ministers
on how we can begin work towards real reconciliation,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “It
was clear at today’s meeting that working nation-to-nation means that First Nations, the
Metis Nation and Inuit peoples each need their own approach with the federal Crown. We
are distinct peoples with our own unique rights, approaches and priorities. We will stand
with our Indigenous brothers and sisters in calling for action and engagement but the ongoing relationship must be bilateral, not multilateral. This is how we will close the gap in
the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians. This is how we will realize
the promise of reconciliation and a nation-to-nation relationship.”
Prime Minister Trudeau announced his intention to work together nation-to-nation with Indigenous peoples in a spirit of reconciliation and respect to close the gap. He also
pledged to provide accessible funding to Indigenous communities at the same level of services and opportunities as Canadians receive to strengthen Indigenous peoples, economies and communities.
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow
AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
-30Contact information:
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or
[email protected]
Jenna Young Castro AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or
[email protected]
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BC ELDERS
C O M M U N I C AT I O N
CENTER SOCIETY
ADDRESS:
1415 Wewaikum Rd.
Campbell River, B.C.
V9W 5W9
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Quotes
“If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever
else you do matters very much.”
“One must not let oneself be overwhelmed by sadness.”
“A camel makes an elephant feel like a jet plane.”
Phone: 1-250-286-9977
Fax: 1-250-286-4809
Toll-Free: 1-877-738-7288
Coordinator:
Donna Stirling
Website: www.bcelders.com
Email:
[email protected]
BCECCS HAS GONE
PAPERLESS!
AND NOW
ELDERS VOICE ISSUES
ARE EMAILED OUT TO
ALL CONTACTS AND
POSTED ONLINE BY THE
1ST OF EACH MONTH!
“I want minimum information given with maximum politeness.”
“I want to live my life, not record it.”
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love
of books is the best of all.”
“Now, I think that I should have known that he was magic all
along. I did know it - but I should have guessed that it would
be too much to ask to grow old with and see our children
grow up together. So now, he is a legend when he would have
preferred to be a man.”
S.C. Johnson Quote
“What matters most is that we live up to the expectations of
our children.”
CAPRICORN ‐ The Go‐Getter (Dec 22 ‐ Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambi‐
tious. Tends to be Good‐looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Of‐
ten pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they Want. Annual Elders Gathering Grand Entry Photos are on:
www.bcelders.com each year
ANNUAL BC ELDERS GATHERING INFO CORNER
The 40th Annual Elders Gathering
Will be held in Williams Lake, BC
On July 11, 12, 13, 14, 2016
Next year’s 2016 gathering will begin with the
“early bird Wild West Celebration day” on Monday, July 11th
at the Williams Lake Stampede grounds
beginning with a mountain race and Rodeo.
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