Welcome to our new quarterly newsletter, one of several ways we are improving how we, the Board of Directors at FVACFSS and the agency, communicate to our stakeholders and partners. We will be letting you know about news and changes, about cultural programs we are offering, and generally just letting everyone know what we’ve been up to. Please share with anyone you think may be interested or encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter on our website: www.fvacfss.ca/our-organization.

Our Vision, Mission and Principles

In June the Board of Directors reviewed the vision, mission and principles of the Society. We made a few minor changes to the language, but remain committed to our vision of advancing our inherent right to provide a healthy, safe and nurturing environment for all our Indigenous children and families living without our xaxa témexw te Stó:lō. For more information on our vision, mission and core values, please visit our website: www.fvacfss.ca/our-organization.

Strategic Priorities for Governance and Operations

During a Board strategic planning session in June 2018 the Board established two categories of goals for the Agency: 1) Governance goals which are strategic priorities the Board wishes to achieve regarding the Board’s work and functioning; and 2) Operations Oversight Goals which are strategic priorities the Board wishes to see achieved by FVACFSS Operations, and which will be implemented by the Executive Director.

The Board also developed four broad goals that include: 1) continuing to improve Board Governance through development of policies and processes; 2) developing processes for operations oversight and maintaining our relationship with the executive leadership team; 3) strengthening board visibility through improved communications about the work of the board; and 4) enhancing the role of culture in the work of the board.

In terms of our operations oversight goals we are committed to ensuring a culturally vibrant work place where employees are engaged; creating sound human resources and financial management processes and procedures; building relationships with our communities; strengthening our delegated programs; and enhancing our family strengthening programs.

To date, we held a successful Annual General Meeting last November and are scheduling another one for this fall. We also held several honouring ceremonies for staff, elders and the executive leadership team of Rod Spitzig and Nazeem Ratanshi. Additionally, we have updated our bylaws and made improvements to our website. We are also now on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Xyolhemeylh) and Twitter (@Xyolhemeylh) and would be delighted if you signed up to follow us on those platforms.

Thank you to all our stakeholders, partners and staff for your support in helping us achieve our goals.

The Board of Directors
Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children & Family Services Society

This summer approximately 25 UBC students studying in the health professions participated in our summer camps to learn about the Stó:lō people through drumming, singing, canoeing, Longhouse ceremonies, talking with Elders and interacting with youth. The award winning program, Community as Teacher, started in 2006 and provides cross cultural learning opportunities for UBC health profession students to attend summer camps.

Attending the Family Camp at Kwantlen First Nation in August were Ellen Jopling, who is studying clinical psychology at UBC, and Kirsten Larsen and Caitlin Leahy, both nursing students at UBC.

“My research and clinical interests lie in depression, anxiety and trauma related disorders in youth,” said Ellen, who wants to work with populations in northern BC. “Any effort that future health care practitioners can make to become more culturally competent, respectful and understanding will only further our ability to help those in our communities wherever we work.”

Ellen says the experience has also taught her the importance of community in health. “It’s given me an understanding of the strength and power of community.”

Kirsten Larsen was motivated to join the program because of the racism she saw in her work in hospitals. “I want to be someone who can fight against racism in the system,” said Kirsten. “Every student in healthcare should have to do a program like this. If you’re going to learn about Indigenous culture, and the impact of colonization it’s important to listen and learn from the community.”

Caitlin Leahy, a UBC nursing student, said the program has taught her about cultural humility. “You need to be walking along side people to learn humility.”