May Volume Issue THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOOKS By Shelly

May 2006 Volume 4, Issue 2 THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOOKS —By Shelly Johnson, CEO, Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services oth of the phone calls came out of the blue; the voices on the other end were quiet and thoughtful. I sat for a time afterwards, just staring at the phone; my mind and heart coming to terms with their offers. Our Aboriginal students, they give me so much hope. More and more, they are becoming our teachers, leaders and activists before they even leave the schools. I have no doubt that the old stories are coming true; that this generation will be one that will awaken our collective consciousness, shake us from our sleep and call us to action. These examples are living proof. The first phone call was from a young man who identified himself as Joe Akerman, President of the Native Student Union at the University of Victoria. “Hello, Shelly?” he said. B “You don’t know me, but I was wondering if it would be ok with you if the Native Student Union held a fundraiser to support the work you are doing in the community? We did this last year and raised almost two thousand dollars for the Tsunami relief effort. This year we would like to help an Aboriginal organization in our community that works for our children.” You certainly did, Joe. By the end of week, their UVIC garage sale and raffle of two of Francis Dick’s donated prints “Comes a Woman” and “Protected by the Spirit Bear” along with three teddy-bears had netted Surrounded By Cedar $1832.68. Our vision is of healthy children who will grow up connected to their families, communities and culture. We will work together toward the day all children and families have skills, knowledge, education and support to ensure their children and their children’s children will not enter the child welfare or justice systems. —Outside the Books Would it be ok with me if the Continued Page 3 Native Student Union supported our children and agency? “I am honored, Joe” was what I managed to say. “No one has ever offered to fundraise on our behalf before and we would all be grateful for the NSU efforts. Who are your colleagues?” “Oh there’s a few of us” he replied. “People like Irene Robinson, Joe Krugar and Sarah Dickie, among others. There are enough of us to make a difference.” TEL 250.383.2990 / FAX 250.383.2509 NAME Shelly Johnson, MSW POSITION / PROGRAM Chief Executive Office CONTACT Extension #106 Email: shelly@sccfs.com Bradley Dick, FNCS Diploma Cultural Programs Coordinator Extension #103 Email: bradley@sccfs.com Jennifer Donison, BISW Social Worker Extension #102 Email: jennifer@sccfs.com Lisa George, BA Child and Youth Counselor Extension #107 Email: lisa@sccfs.com Beverly Slater, BA, LLB Nong Sila Worker Email: beverly@sccfs.com Barbara Lyon, BSW Aboriginal Roots Worker Extension #104 Email: barbara@sccfs.com TBA All My Relations Worker Extension # Email: Charlene Barney Maria Sampare, FNCS Diploma Part-Time Office Assistant Office Assistant Extension #100 Email: assistant@sccfs.com Lynn Owen Part-Time Book Keeper Extension #105 Email: finance@sccfs.com Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services was incorporated as a Society on September 17, 2002. We would like to recognize the financial support of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, First Nations Students Association, Camosun College, the Victoria Foundation in collaboration with the Adoption and Permanency Planning Fund, and the Aboriginal Strategic Initiatives Fund. Dream Speaker Newsletter is published 4 times per year. The cost to join our Society is $1.00 per year. For more information on Society membership, or how to become a Board Member or Advisory Council Member, please contact SCCFS staff. We’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns. Native Student Union Breathes Life into Surrounded By Cedar S st urrounded By Cedar and the Native Student Union wish to thank all those who contributed to the NSU fundraising efforts and to congratulate the winners! Special thanks to Francis Dick for her generous contributions of her stunning and beautiful artwork. 2nd prize – “Protected by the Spirit Bear” framed print by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Francis Dick Linda Bristol, past Chief of the T’Souke Nation Surrounded By Cedar Teddy Bears – George Klukowski – ED of Phoenix Human Services; Jim Henry – ED of Pacific Centre; Michael Baker – UVIC Social work student The $1832.68 raised by the NSU has purchased 50 Life Books for Aboriginal children in care in the Capital Region. Beginning in May, Surrounded By Cedar will offer a number of Life Book sessions for our children, their families and caregivers. For more information contact Lisa George at 383-2990. 1 prize – “Comes a Woman” framed print by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Francis Dick. Lise Erikson of MCFD, Community Services Manager hy do we celebrate Mothering Sunday and Mother's Day? It is a holiday that is celebrated throughout the world, although not always in May. But who started the celebrations? Did the tribes of prehistoric times gather flowers in the fields to bring to their moms back in the caves? Did the Egyptians send papyrus cards to their moms? The experts don't seem to have answers for all of these questions, but they can trace family celebrations honoring Moms back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Children as young as eight or nine would leave home to learn their trade as an apprentice or to become servants in the homes of the wealthy. These children usuPage 2 W Sunday May 14 is Mother's Day ally were in neighboring towns, but transportation was hard to come by and expensive. For most of the year they did not get to see their family. During Lent, before preparations for the Easter feasts required them to be busy and back at work, the young people would be allowed to return to their homes and families for a weekend. This became known as "going a-mothering." Children walked the roads picking spring wildflowers to give to their mothers when they arrived back at their homes. They often brought small gifts from the merchants or nobles they worked for as presents for the family, including the traditional simnel cake. The Sunday of their return the whole family would go to church and present gifts to the mothers Dream Speaker and offerings to the church. This was a day of feasting when all of the restrictions of Lent were put aside for the day...in a way it was the Easter celebration for the working classes. This feast day became known as Mothering Sunday. After Mothering Sunday, the children would return to their labors and would not visit home again until Christmas time. The tradition of gifts, flowers and festive meals has endured to become what we know as Mother's Day. Outside the Books Continued he second phone call came from another young man, Dave Davidson who is Nisga’a and just completing his fourth year in the University of Victoria School of Social Work. “Hi Shelly” he said. “It’s Dave. We have a social work class assignment to write a mock proposal. So, a group of us decided that we would like to use this as an opportunity to write a real proposal for an agency that’s working with our children and we’d like to write it for Surrounded By Cedar. Do you think you might be interested in this?” T David Davidson, Practicum Student Who are they?” “Oh, the others are Alyssa Collister, Danielle Larocque and James Woodall” he said. “You don’t know them yet, but you will meet them soon. They’re in my First Nations policies class.” At the end of February 2006, Surrounded By Cedar received notice that the proposal was accepted and that we would receive $85,000 from the Vancouver Island Aboriginal Strategic Initiatives Fund to begin a new program. The position was posted and interviews were held in mid-April. The position will be re-posted and closes on May 19. Desiree Stevens, another Aboriginal woman student is just finishing her third year of social work at UVIC. She was a student in the Anti-Oppressive social work practice class that I taught this year. She suggested to her student colleagues that instead of completing the class assignment to develop and present a workshop, maybe they should be more action oriented and organize a Feast to connect with and feed some of Victoria’s homeless people. By March 17, 2006 she and 17 other students had fundraised enough to feed over 400 people a nutritious meal and hire a band to play calming music for three hours at the St. John the Divine Church hall. Along the way, they met and made connections with Victoria’s homeless community and the people who support them. I sat with community members at the Feast, asking and listening to the things that made a difference for them. One homeless man asked me if I knew how long it had been since anyone had looked at him or smiled at him. What made his voice crack with emotion was something we all deserve; the long overdue respect he felt from the students. Human, basic and simple – respect from others because he is a person. Definition of “Student”: A scholar or pupil. One who attends a school. Definition of “Leader”: A person that demonstrates the ability to guide, direct, or influence people. Four Social Work Students at the University of Victoria: Writing one proposal in collaboration with Surrounded By Cedar $85,000.00 Result: Approval and funding from the Vancouver Island Aboriginal Strategic Initiatives Fund to begin the “All My Relations” Program to reconnect children living in foster care to their families, communities and culture. Might I be interested in students writing a proposal for our not-forprofit urban Aboriginal agency? “That’s a wonderful idea, Dave” was what I managed to say. “Of course, I would love to do this with you and the other students. Page 3 Dream Speaker Continued from Page 3... Demonstrating respect and putting it into practice is something that the students did at the Feast and the people felt it. It’s what the proposal writing students did– they took a risk and made their effort count for something other than grades at an educational institution. It’s what the NSU did in their raffle and garage sale. It was their way of saying “we are walking with you and we believe in you”. Each of these 25 students and the others who support them, in their own way, continue to shape and mould the people, agencies and institutions that form part of the circle around them. None of the UVIC students has ever written a proposal or fundraised to build the capacity of Surrounded By Cedar or fundraised to feed the bodies or nourish the minds and spirits of Victoria’s homeless before. Their ways of being in relationship with their community is changed and their practice will be different because of these experiences. At the end of the day, I am confident that none of the students will ever be the same. I know this to be true, because I will never be the same. As the students are becoming teachers and leaders and activists, I am also becoming someone different. There are many reasons I won’t be going back to teach in the Fall. Education is circular, happens in many different places and in many different ways. At times – Volume 4, Issue 2 Joe Akerman NSU like the students , I am the teacher, at times I am the learner. Always we are listening and learning from our Elders, extended families and community experiences. Most times it is our community that continues to hold us up, helping us to do the work we need to do until the time comes when we will have adequate resources, legislation, policies and practices that are grounded in our cultures, in our ways and are being enacted by our peoples for our peoples. Until that day comes, we are continually reminded that our most precious ones are watching and learning from us. This year, on August 12, 2006 Surrounded By Cedar and our community partners will host our 4th Annual Aboriginal Back to School Community Picnic. This is the day we celebrate our children’s return to school with a day of cultural events, food and our goal of providing 400 backpacks of school supplies for low income Aboriginal families with children in grades K-12. It is my belief that among some of those 400 students will be more leaders, teachers and activists that will support our community for many years to come. They will join over 700 Victoria area Aboriginal children and youth that for the past three years Surrounded By Cedar has helped to start new school years with back packs, school supplies and hope. Our children are an important part of our circle and supporting their future is cause for celebration. I hope you will join us. Back to School Picnic, 2003 Native Student Union at the University of Victoria: One garage sale and raffle in support of Surrounded By Cedar $1,832.68 Result: Life Books for Aboriginal children and youth living away from their families. Social Work 323 – AntiOppressive Practice Students – An Anti-Poverty Feast Result: A fine dinner and beautiful music for 400 of Victoria’s Homeless People Page 4 Have you thought about opening your home to an urban Aboriginal child who is in care? Do you have questions about that process? Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services Invites you to participate in our upcoming May 24, 2006, 2 – 4 p.m. June 15, 2006, 2 – 4 p.m. 1031 Vancouver Street, Victoria BC **Child Minding and Bus Tickets Available upon request** Please RSVP to reception @ 383-2990 assistant@sccfs.com Page 5 Dream Speaker “ALL MY RELATIONS” PROJECT Proposal sent October 28, 2005 to Aboriginal Strategic Initiatives Investment Fund Funding received by SCCFS February 24, 2006—$85,000.00 “ need. The staff at Surrounded By Cedar graciously offered their As 4th year Social Work expertise, support and collaborastudents at the University of tion throughout the process. We Victoria, our First Nations were both appreciative and overPolicy course was given an whelmed at the support offered assignment to create and present a from the community including mock funding proposal. The individuals and agencies. assignment goal was for students to gain experience and understanding the process and challenges Our research has confirmed the involved in writing an application for urgent need for a program to grants. We approached reconnect urban Aboriginal children Surrounded By Cedar Child and and youth in care of the Provincial Family Services Society looking for Director of Child Welfare with their guidance and information to create Aboriginal identity, family, commua program that would focus on the nity and Nation. A recent review of needs of First Nations children and Ministry of Children and Family youth. When the Chief Executive Development urban Aboriginal child Officer suggested we design a in care files by Surrounded By program for submission to the Cedar found that less that 2% of Queen Alexandra Foundation, we the child in care files have a agreed to support their identified culturally appropriate plan identified Dear Committee Members, or enacted. This program will reconnect Aboriginal children with their families and communities, thereby helping Aboriginal peoples by promoting positive self-identity, increasing knowledge of cultural traditions and strengthening families. Again, we thank you for taking time to consider our application. Sincerely, Alyssa Collister Danielle Larocque David Davidson James Woodall Social Work 451 Students, UVIC Shelly Johnson, MSW, CEO SCCFS” CONGRATULATIONS Letter sent April 10, 2006 “ your team work with her to develop a proposal for funds to support I am writing to express my Aboriginal children in our hearty congratulations to you community. She was absolutely and your colleagues, Alyssa thrilled when Queen Alexandra Collister, Danielle Laroque and Foundation funded that proposal James Woodall for taking up the for $85,000. opportunity, challenges and risks to do something real for a community Your work will have an impact on children’s lives and futures, and agency as part of your SocW 451 therefore is a significant course. Shelly Johnson of accomplishment. I applaud you and Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services appreciated having wish you the best as you graduate Dear David, Volume 4, Issue 2 this spring. The University of Victoria School of Social Work is indeed fortunate to have you as one of our graduates. Sincerely, Leslie Brown, PhD Director” Page 6 BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION— Aboriginal Roots Worker I am very honored to be living and working in Coast Salish territory. I have been living, working and studying on Vancouver Island for the past eleven years. The “Roots Are Forever” program helps to ensure that each Aboriginal Child in the care of the government of British Columbia, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, has a cultural plan to preserve the Aboriginal child’s identity and to promote ties to his or her family, Aboriginal community and heritage. I became part of the Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family service team in March, 2006, as the Aboriginal Roots Social Worker. I will be exploring children’s cultural connections, heritage, community history, descent and I will be helping them to reconnect to their language, customs, spiritual beliefs and geographic areas. Some things to know about me: • • • My hobby is painting on canvas, rocks and crafts. I never go on a “diet” just an “adjusted nutritional program”. I love to travel and I think I’m very lucky as I don’t have to travel by canoe or by horseback, only when I want to. • • • I am of Cree and English ancestry. I am a member of the Chapleau Cree First Nations (Northern Ontario) I graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Social Work and I am currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work at UVIC. I am a mother and a grandmother of three. I love to sit in the sun at the beach. I am enjoying meeting the children and families, and community partners in our community. I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of connecting children and youth to their Roots. —Barbara Lyon Aboriginal Roots Social Worker • • Colleen’s Chicken Dance/ Honour Dance Colleen Charleson Completes Her Delegation Training through Caring For First Nations Children Society. —By Shelly Johnson, CEO or the past few months, we have been patiently awaiting the return of our social worker, Colleen Charleson. She has been away at delegation training in Vancouver and completing her delegated field placement training at Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services north of Duncan and at Lalumutul Smuneem (Cowichan Tribes) in Duncan. Our thanks have gone out to ED’s Arnold Fox and Lise Haddock for helping to shape Colleen’s training. F On April 28 Colleen completed her resources and guardianship training and celebrated another birthday. Way to go Colleen! She will be returning to begin her delegated work in our office on May 8th. We are looking forward to her return and beginning the resources work with Jennifer Donison. Colleen’s Graduation Page 7 Dream Speaker NONG SILA: “Many Grandparents, Many Grandchildren” A Community Based Research Approach to Developing an OffReserve Aboriginal Adoption Strategy for Greater Victoria re you an Aboriginal parent or non-Aboriginal parent who is currently fostering one or more Aboriginal children? Have you adopted a child or had a child adopted? If you are Aboriginal, have you had a child placed in foster care? If this description represents you, we would like to hear from you! OR Are you a service provider currently working in the field of foster care and /or Adoptions? Does your work focus on Aboriginal families? If this description represents you, we would like to hear from you too! This project is very important and we need your expertise. By sharing your experiences as Aboriginal parents, non-Aboriginal parents and service providers in the foster care and adoption system, you can help determine what is currently working in these fields. You will also help identify A existing barriers to adoption and to providing foster care. The project findings will help us develop a culturally-relevant adoption strategy for off-reserve Aboriginal families in Victoria. All participants must be over 18 years of age. Participants will take part in a 3 hr. focus group in May or June 2006, to share their experiences with foster care and adoption services in Victoria. An honoraria is provided for your participation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about this project. We look forward to hearing from you. Meduh, Beverly Slater, Nong Sila Worker (Tahltan Nation) Surrounded By Cedar beverlyslater@telus.net Office: 383-2990 Black Elk Oglala Sioux Holy Man 1863-1950 You have noticed that everything as Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round..... The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours.... Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves. NONG SILA WORKER y name is Beverly Slater and I am a member of the Tahltan Nation from northern British Columbia. I was born in Prince Rupert BC and raised in Nanaimo BC. I am married with three children, ages 8,13, and 16. I have lived in Victoria BC for the last three and a half years while I acquired a law degree from UVIC. Prior to attending law school, I Volume 4, Issue 2 M attended Malaspina University College in Nanaimo and acquired a two year diploma in Criminology and also went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies. Outside of academic studies, my interests revolve around studying healing modalities that focus on healing the human spirit. My favourite author is Caroline Myss. I am also a member of the Curves gym and continue to work on my physical well-being. —Beverly Slater Nong Sila Worker Page 8 Funding to Support Our Elders Council The Answer to a Prayer for our Elders – Youth Conference from the Minister of Children and Family Development Artemis Prayer for Strength —By Shelly Johnson, CEO April 26, 2006 I have the strength to carry the world. Wisdom and knowledge “ Shelly do you suppose you could pray about my Visa bill?” that’s what Maria asked when I told her grant money had arrived in the mail over lunch. I had spent part of the morning wondering where I could find money to begin to plan an Elders- Youth conference and when the mail came over the lunch hour, there it was. A cheque for $5,000 from the Minister of Children and Family Development to support the work of our Elders. “I don’t think it works like that Maria, but you never know.” We laughed together wishing we could wipe out our Visa the way the commercial says it could be done if we lived in a perfect world. Our thanks goes to the Minister of Children and Family Development, Stan Hagen and his staff at the Aboriginal Relations Branch, Julie Dawson and Gary McDermott for making this possible. If community members have ideas about workshops they would like to see at an Elders-Youth gathering, please contact our Elders Council reps, Minnie Clark or Freda Shaughnessy or our Youth Council rep Della Preston. Congratulations to all the other delegated agencies in the province who also received the one time only $5,000 grant. is what encourages me to be the best I can be. But I will be humble as long as I live. I will be respectful to everyone and everything. I have faith, faith for strength, strength for women. These thoughts are my tools, my power and at the end of the day I am satisfied with what I have accomplished. Love will bring happiness and love will being humor, (He was loving and kind; damn, he was fine) Our humour is the key to facing a world of reality and love will make our hearts smile. Although I am clothed, I stand before you naked, Farewell to Artemis —By Lisa George pril 13, 2006 marked the bittersweet day that we ended our first group in collaboration with Artemis Place. Sue Hodgekinson, Bradley Dick and myself joined together to create the Strong Women’s Group which has been meeting since November 17, 2005 and it has been a great success. Through the course of the group, we have seen 13 wonderful young Page 9 My faith is beautiful; I pray in silent grace, hopeful for better days. A women discover new aspects of their own identity as well as aboriginal culture. Our most successful session was drum making where we created 11 new drums for the community to hear! Meegwetch (thank you) to all our facilitators: Leslie McGarry, Janet Rogers, Fabian Quocksister, Mike Sheehan (Beatboard.org), Maggie Charlie, Gina Elliott and the Quw’utsun’ Cultural & Conference Centre. The group could not have been such a success without the influence and input of these wonderful people. Through a creative writing workshop facilitated by Janet Rogers, the girls created a poem that they have given permission to be shared (attached above). It speaks to their hard work and sense of identity. Dream Speaker Independent Living Group For Aboriginal Youth Ages 15-19 SURROUNDED BY CEDAR CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES Suggested life skill topics: • • • • • • What is Independent Living? Budgeting & Goals Time Management Resources in the Community Problem Solving Cooking & Shopping Are you thinking of going on Independent Living? Wondering how to do that? Why not join one of our new groups? We’ll help you make a plan, give you some skills, and have fun learning more about your aboriginal culture. Refreshments will be served and bus tickets are available. To register or for more information, contact We’ll also include components of Aboriginal identity: • • • • LISA GEORGE at (250) 383–2990 Identity and Culture Drum making Guest Speakers Field Trips Every Wednesday afternoon 3:30 — 5:30 p.m. We’re still accepting applications for our group! Why not give us a call to learn more! Group will be held at Surrounded by Cedar Page 10 SURROUNDED BY CEDAR CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES 1031 Vancouver Street Victoria, BC V8V 4T6 (250) 383-2990 FAX: (250) 383-2509 E-mail: lisa@sccfs.com Volume 4, Issue 2 Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services Child and Youth Counselling Program 1031 Vancouver St Victoria BC V8V 4T6 Phone: (250) 383-2990 Fax: (250) 383-2509 Date: ___________________________ Child’s information: Name: Address: Phone: __________________________ Birthdate/Age: _______________ M or F ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Aboriginal Community: _____________________________________________________________ Child’s Social Worker/Phone: ________________________________________________________ School Name / Phone Caregiver’s information: Name of Parent/Legal Guardian:___________________________________________________ Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Name of Caregiver (Foster/Relative): Address/Phone: Referral Source: Name: ___________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Agency Name: _______________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________ Presenting Issues/Reason for Referral: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ List any Special Needs/Considerations: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ List all other services or agency involvement that the child participates in:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please fax or e-mail this referral to Lisa George, Aboriginal Child and Youth Counsellor at (250) 383-2509 or lisa@sccfs.com Page 11 Dream Speaker Headstone Feast at Ahousaht Remembering the late Sherry Charlie —By Shelly Johnson, CEO April 16, 2006 – Easter Sunday e met at the Victoria Wal Mart parking lot at 5:30 AM. It was still dark and as the four of us climbed into the small car for our trip to Port Alberni, our driver promised we would be there in two hours. “Only if there are invisible wings on this car” I thought to myself. Della Preston, our Vice President and Youth Council rep and Suzanne Bate, our Family Council rep fell back asleep while I watched the scenery speed by. Apparently there are invisible wings located somewhere on that car, because we arrived in Port Alberni at 7:30 AM, two hours later. In another two hours we had passed through four inches of snow, sleet, hail and rain and found ourselves on the dock at Tofino waiting for the boat to take us the final 45 minutes to Ahousaht. For the record, I would like to make clear that I was not driving. The boat trip over swells and around islands has given me a whole new appreciation for the people who have fished and hunted off the coast of Vancouver Island since time immemorial. Arriving in the community we were greeted by a number of community dogs that are bred with wolves who seem to believe Volume 4, Issue 2 W that whatever you might be carrying in your bags, is obviously meant as a gift for them. One friendly young fellow tried to climb into my package and seemed genuinely surprised when I objected to his snout rooting around at the bottom. “Sheesh lady, I was just looking” was what I swear his expression said as he wandered nonchalantly away. We gathered at the home of Ina Campbell, a welcoming Elder who walks and appears much younger than her years. She is a gracious and warm woman from whose living room we viewed the spectacular water and mountain scenery and the weather change every five minutes. When it was time, we gathered with the family at the old community hall across the street. It was full of the joyful sounds of happy, playing children and people speaking at once. After the meal and visiting, the hall fell silent as we remembered the late Sherry Charlie. On the way back to Tofino, our boat toured past Kelsmet and paused just off the beach where one day in 1965 a Tsunami wave wiped the village from the face of the earth. On our boat was the grandfather of Sherry Charlie, Hereditary Chief Harvey Charlie and we sat in silence as he remembered many happy times he’d spent on the beach. No one lives there anymore. At a signal between Harvey and the boat captain, we continued on to Tofino. Once on the road back to Victoria we rode together, lost in our own thoughts and reflecting on what we had seen, felt and experienced in the community. I found my way home late in the night and as I reached for my own child, I gave thanks for her safety within the embrace of our family. I want to express my thanks to the Charlie family for inviting us to the headstone feast to witness their courage, strength and healing after the tragedy of the past years and for the gracious and warm reception we received from the families at Ahousaht. Kleco Kleco. Meegwich. Page 12 Presents for the Children MOU signing by the Aboriginal – Non Aboriginal Coalition —By Shelly Johnson, CEO March 15, 2006 Victoria BC Mya and Leslie and friends at the signing ceremony. T he Unity drummers welcomed the 100 people gathered in the theatre of the new Victoria Native Friendship Centre. The people represented community members, agencies and educational institutions who live and work on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples of south Vancouver Island. Some came to witness the signing of the MOU that will guide the work of our agencies in the coming five years. The purpose of the MOU is to work together to ensure the safe, healthy and respectful return of Aboriginal children and youth to their families, communities and nations. Our MOU and signatures were also painted on a drum that will travel between our respective agencies. The drum will be brought to each A.N.A. meeting and will travel to a new agency each month. It is the responsibility of each agency to share the story of our agreement with their staff and colleagues. Since March 15, the drum has been cared for by Bruce Parisian, ED of Victoria Native Friendship Centre. • • • • • • Victoria Women’s Transition House University of Victoria – School of Child and Youth Care Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Victoria Youth Clinic Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Together Against Poverty Society Federation of Child and Family Services Parent Support Services Camosun College Foster Parent Support Services Society Cascadia Counselling WJ Stelmaschuck Associates Neighborhood House Sooke Family Resources Society Choices Adoption Special thanks to Clarence Dick, Song- • hees Nation for making and painting the MOU drum, and to Verna Barker • for writing the agreement on the drum. • • • • • • • As the agency directors and community members lined up to sign the document, some of us received a potlatch pouch made by Leslie McGarry as a gift to remember the day. Each agency director brought a gift for a child and placed them on a pile. There was laughter and a discussion about the state of affairs in our community and in our agency, changes we anticipated and those we did not. Thanks goes to the Kettle Valley caterers and those who made the feast possible. At the end of the signing we divided the children’s gifts into two piles. It was the children and families who have brought us together and it seemed fitting that we should keep them close in our thoughts on this day. The Victoria Women’s Transition House (a non Aboriginal agency) and Surrounded By Cedar (an Aboriginal agency) names were drawn and so we each took a pile of children’s gifts to be given to the children to whom we provide services. Page 13 Below is a listing of the Aboriginal agencies that have signed the MOU: • • • • • • Victoria Native Friendship Centre M’akola Group of Societies and M’akola Housing Surrounded By Cedar Hulitan Social Services Victoria Kwaguilth Urban Society Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents Society & many community members. Our work continues at the next meeting of the Coalition which is on May 12 at CAFCA. Two agenda items are on the table including the proposed EldersYouth Conference for the Fall 2006 and the trip to Sto:lo Nation in the Fraser Valley to view their residential resources for families. We hope you will join us. & the Non Aboriginal Agencies: • • • • • Child and Family Counselling Association (CAFCA) Boys and Girls Club Pacific Centre Youth Empowerment Society VSEA – Artemis Place Dream Speaker S urrounded by Cedar hosted it’s 3rd Annual Spring Break Cultural Camp and what a success it was. On the first day the gymnasium filled with children of all ages. It was great to see so many new faces to our program, and to see those that have supported us from the get go. The anticipation built up around the events was still in my gut as I introduced staff and volunteers that were assisting throughout the week. Mike Sheehan, facilitator of BeatBoard.org set the pace by creating a cacophony of sound thru claps, snaps, and slaps. What an energizing experience this was. This was just what I needed to get my heart going—as if it was not going fast enough. Diversity Thru Hip Hop, Youth Working the Moves - Facilitated by Mike Sheehan Day 1, Circle of Respect The five-day cultural camp was facilitated by great community members who walk their walk. The programs were filled with energy, cultural, tenacity and open minds. What more could you ask for? Children witness the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Agencies Diligently working on their hoops, Facilitated by Violet John Each day varied, and there was no shortage of activities and culture. Cultural overload? No. Child and Youth Empowerment? YES! Pizza? No, Drum Making Facilitated by Janet Rogers Thank you to every one that made this Spring Break 2006 Cultural Camp a SUCCESS. Beautiful Painted Paddles & Drums Facilitated by Clarence Dick Jr.& Gilbert Dawson What a terrific turnout and thank you parents, caregivers, staff, facilitators, VNFC Staff & SCCFS Staff for all your support. And most of all thank you to the 74 children and youth for your respect and presence at our Camp. Creation at its Best, works from the Spirit Jewels Facilitated by Julie Devrie "Our children's children will hear a good story. " —Bradley Dick, CPC Volume 4, Issue 2 Page 14 BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC Call for Volunteers —By Jennifer Donison A s this school year draws to an end, it is time to start planning the 4th Annual Aboriginal “Back to School” Community Picnic in support of urban Aboriginal children and families return to school in September, 2006. This event began in 2003, with our 1st Annual Aboriginal “Back to School” Community Picnic. At that time, by joining with other urban agencies, we managed to provide 100 children and youth with backpacks filled with school supplies. In 2004, the 2nd Annual Aboriginal “Back to School” Community Picnic held at Rudd Park saw approximately 230 urban Aboriginal children and youth receive a backpack full of school supplies. Last year’s 3rd Annual picnic was even larger, and approximately 330 urban Aboriginal children and youth received backpacks and supplies. What an awesome success!! We continue to see the growth in need over the three years that the picnic has been offered and we hope for another successful event this year. Our goal for 2006 is to provide 400 urban Aboriginal children and youth with backpacks and supplies. We cannot meet this growing need without support and are asking for volunteers to ensure that the 2006 Back to School Picnic will be a success. All volunteers must complete a criminal record check prior to the picnic date. As a volunteer, this can be done free of charge. A meeting will be held on May 4, 2006 at 1:30pm in our office. This meeting will help us determine the number of interested community members and professionals and assess if we have enough support to continue. We require volunteers to assist with the following committees: food, games, set up and take down, registration, transportation, health and safety, backpack and supplies, fundraising, etc. In you are interested in volunteering to ensure that the 4th Annual Aboriginal “Back to School” Picnic is a success, please contact Barbara at SCCFS for more information and the next meeting date. We look forward to seeing you here. ATTENTION: Sponsors We are planning our 4th Annual Aboriginal “Back to School” Community Picnic for Saturday, August 12, 2006 between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Victoria and we are once again seeking your support to ensure that our event will be successful. Our agency and many community partners, fully appreciated the donations that were received for last year’s event, which ensured the picnic was successful. Last year, this event helped 325 Aboriginal children and youth from preschool to grade 12, begin the school year with school supplies and a backpack. This year we anticipate 400 students in need. In the past 3 Page 15 D ear Sponsor: years we have helped over 700 students return to school with backpacks filled with school supplies. The “Back to School” picnic helps low income Aboriginal families with the costs of sending their children back to school. Your donation will assist with these high costs for the 2006/2007 school year. Our community agencies and businesses will supply transportation, lunch, games, and races for the children, youth and their families, as well as the school supplies for the upcoming school year. We are pleased to announce that tax receipts will be available, upon request, for any donations that are received this year. Support from community partners is what makes this event a success. We look forward to any support your business may be able to contribute to this event again this year. How you can help: We are accepting donations to assist with the costs of the following items: food, refreshments, backpacks, entertainment, and school supplies. For more information please contact Barbara Lyon or Shelly Johnson at 383-2990 at Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services. We thank you on behalf of the Aboriginal community and the children who will benefit from your generous donations. Dream Speaker Saturday, May 27, 2006 and continued on Sunday June 4, 2006 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm We invite foster parents and aboriginal children in care to partake in a workshop to capture the memories and special events of their lives. We have a talented scrapbook hobbyist to teach us how to preserve these special memories in a fun and creative way, in the Life Book created by Surrounded by Cedar. Refreshments will be served, scrapbook materials and Life Books will be provided, and child care is available. 12 seats available, contact Lisa George at 383-2990 or lisa@sccfs.com to register. Don’t forget to bring all those special photos and memories with you on the day of the workshop. Volume 4, Issue 2 Page 16 COST $40 /DRUM ALL MATERIALS SUPPLIED MAY 31, 2006 @ 9 AM – 1 PM POTLUCK LUNCH – BRING A FILLED DISH TO SHARE REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED IN THE MORNING TIME: 9 AM – 1 PM For Registration and Location please contact Maria Sampare or Bradley Dick Tel: 250-383-2990 / Fax: 250-383-2509 Or email assistant@sccfs.com bradley@sccfs.com Page 17 Dream Speaker An Aboriginal Life Book for First Nations Children and Youth reating a Path is a high quality, brightly colored life book for children and youth of First Nations ancestry produced by Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services of Victoria. Our life book has sections for recording a child’s nation, traditional regalia, traditional ceremonies, food and artwork, a map of the child’s traditional territory and much more relating to a child’s Aboriginal origins. C A Priceless Keepsake for children and youth of Aboriginal Ancestry Sections include: • • • Information about my birth and birth parents What my parents were doing when I was born Nation I belong to Traditional regalia Traditional ceremonies/foods/artwork Map of traditional territory Different types of families Reasons for not living with my birth family Moves I have made My families My family tree Schools I attended Friends Pets Letters and awards Adoption information Things I want to do in the future My health information Important names and addresses People who are important to me My birthdays Celebrations Holidays / vacations Times to remember Covered in soft brown leather, imprinted with moccasins, • the book feels as important as the information it is meant • to record. • Creating a Path is available for $55 from Surrounded • By Cedar Child and Family Services – • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1031 Vancouver Street, Victoria BC, V8V 4T6 Phone: 250-383-2990. www.surroundedbycedar.com Sample page from “Creating a Path” Book Volume 4, Issue 2 Page 18 CULTURAL AWARENESS WORKSHOP A HUGE SUCCESS —By Jennifer Donison n April 5, 2006, Surrounded by Cedar, in partnership with the Foster Parent Support Services Society, hosted its third Cultural Awareness Workshop. The event took place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. What a huge success!! We saw approximately 20 foster parents in attendance, along with a few community members and professionals. We also had the opportunity to meet approximately 12 little ones, as childminding was offered to those who needed the service to attend the workshop. Topics for discussion included the following: Nong Sila Project, Presenter: Beverly Slater, SCCFS O Acquired Brain Injuries, Presenter: Valerie Reynolds ROOTS Are Forever Project, Presenter: Barbara Lyon, SCCFS What is First Nations? Exploring First Nations Identities, Presenters: Bradley Dick and Jennifer Donison, SCCFS The feedback from workshop participants was excellent!! All of the caregivers who provided us with evaluations stated that they were satisfied with the workshop and that the information was of use to them. Many of the evaluations requested a longer time for the workshop, and suggestions for future workshops were excellent. Workshop participants provided excellent input during each presentation. A special thank you to the Foster Parent Support Services Society for their support in ensuring that the workshop was a success. Thank you to Dana Kinney for all of your support at the event. Our agency looks forward to working with you again in the near future. We are happy to report that we will be hosting our next Cultural Awareness Workshop on June 14, 2006. Times and location are yet to be determined. Contact Bradley Dick or Jennifer Donison at Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services, 3832990, for more information. WHITECROW VILLAGE 2006 Creating the context and philosophy for understanding and prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder 2006 Session Schedule and Pre-registration Information Confirmed dates and locations: March 11 – 18 Terrace, BC FULL May 21 – 27 Okanagan June Cowichan Lake Precamp training October Squamish Plus others now in planning throughout 2006 June 24 – July 1 Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island, BC July 8 – 16 Cowichan Lake July 29 – August 6 Cowichan Lake Potential dates and locations: May 7 – 13 Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island Page 19 To pre-register for a confirmed session, or to apply as a volunteer, please contact: Email; whitecrow@telus.net , fax; 250-655-1531, or mail; Whitecrow Village, 10707 Bayfield Road, N. Saanich, B. C., V8L 5S7 Dream Speaker MESSAGE FROM CAMOSUN STUDENTS —By Gina Elliot F Gina Elliot, Practicum Student irst we would like to express our appreciation to the local tribe, Songhee’s Nation for allowing us to continue our education in this territory. Hello to all, I’m Shelqwilumaut (Gina Mae Elliott) and I am from the Chemainus First Nation and have been living in Tsartlip for the past 8 yrs. I’m currently enrolled in the “First Nations Community Studies Diploma” (FNCS) program at Camosun College. Within this program, Margaret Charlie (Songhees Nation) and I were required to complete the course FNCS 204 – Individual Special Projects. This gives students opportunity to volunteer to a community, agency, or organization with the goal of giving back to the community by leaving a product (booklet) that can be useful in the future. Our project at Surrounded By Cedar Children & Family Services (SCCFS) was to develop a “Practicum Student Booklet” and a “Contact Resource Booklet” for SCCFS future practicum students. Margaret Charlie and I went through the initial process upon volunteering at SCCFS and utilized those experiences, along with staff input, advice, and phone calls to many agencies, to develop this booklet. We also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Spring Break Camp SCCFS hosted at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, co-facilitate other workshops, and chaperone on a field trip. We both would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to SCCFS, and thank Shelly Johnson & Bradley Dick for accepting to super- vise us throughout our stay. We are confident that with future development and relationship building in accordance with SCCFS, the booklets can be updated regularly. The teamwork and enthusiasm we’ve experienced will be with us forever. Again, we thank all the staff at SCCFS for their support, friendship, and encouragement while we were there! Hay,ch,qa, Siem Camosun College Practicum Students 2006 Maggie Charlie, Practicum Student NEW DEPUTY MINISTER APPOINTED TO MCFD V ICTORIA – The Office of the Premier has appointed Lesley du Toit as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, effective immediately. Ms. du Toit has committed to a long-term appointment in this position of at least four years, consistent with the recommendations made by the Honourable Ted Hughes, Q.C., in his recent report. Ms du Toit is an expert in the field of child and youth care, particularly in the transformation of government operations to involve indigenous and nonindigenous communities in direct responsibility for service delivery, including capacity building and accountability. She has most recently held the po- sition of executive director, Child and Youth Care Agency for Development, in Pretoria, South Africa, and has extensive experience dealing with children and youth at risk. In 1995, President Nelson Mandela asked her to lead a team of officials to create a new, integrated and effective child and youth care system for South Africa. She and her team, reporting to an interministerial committee, were able to achieve a remarkable transformation in four years. In 2001, Ms. du Toit was appointed to an international panel to advise the Ministry of Children and Family Development and has served over the past five years in different consulting capacities in British Columbia. Since February 2006, Ms. du Toit has been retained by the Pre- mier’s Office to provide advice to government on transforming services for children and youth in British Columbia. Arn van Iersel will return to his position as Associate Deputy Minister, Regionalization and Strategic Projects, with the ministry. Beth James will remain in her current position of Acting Associate Deputy Minister in the ministry. Volume 4, Issue 2 Page 20 Creating a Path – A Life Book for Aboriginal Children and Youth Workshop On January 24, 2005 Surrounded By Cedar began to reconnect Aboriginal Children to their families, communities and cultures. That day marked the first time two of our staff members traveled from Victoria to Powell River with two children to their home community of Sliammon. IT WAS THE CHILDREN’S FIRST TIME HOME IN 15 YEARS. With your help, we can reconnect more children. Order a print of: “Comes A Woman,” by Francis Dick (Kwakwaka’wakw) $250.00 “Protected By Spirit Bear,” by Francis Dick (Kwakwaka’wakw) $200.00 Contact Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services 250.383.2990 Dates: Saturday May 27, Sunday June 4 Time: 1 PM – 4 PM Venue: Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services 1031 Vancouver Street , Victoria BC Registration: Contact Lisa George (250) 383-2990, Email: lisa@sccfs.com Bring your child’s keepsakes, pictures, awards, cultural information etc. **Supplies and Life Books Provided Free of Charge for Aboriginal Children and Youth in Care. **Limited 12 people per session. First come; first served. June 1st, 2006 12-4pm, will be the 9th annual National Aboriginal Day celebration at CFB Esquimalt by Duntze Head. Come out and enjoy our drumming, singing & dancing. Dance Competition ** Drum Competition ** Presentation of Veterans gifts Buffalo or Salmon Burger & refreshments - $7.00 Bannock/Jam - $1.50 ea. Aboriginal Arts & Crafts will be available for sale. Transportation will be available to and from Work Point Parade Square and Dockyard. Bring your family & friends. Please call 363-7626 for more information. NAME Bruce Parisian Della Preston Kevin Albers Nella Nelson Della Preston Freda Shaughnessy Minnie Clark Suzanne Bate Vacant President Vice-President POSITION CONTACT Email: bparisian@vnfc.ca Email: della_preston@yahoo.ca Email: kalbers@makola.bc.ca Email: nnelson@sd61.bc.ca Email: della_preston@yahoo.ca Secretary Treasurer Professional Services Representative Youth Council Representative Elders Council Representative Elders Council Representative Family Council Representative Delegated Agency Representative Email: bate@camosun.bc.ca Each of the Surrounded By Cedar Advisory Councils gather 4X/year. The purpose of all of the Surrounded By Cedar Advisory Councils is to provide child, family and community guidance and direction to our staff and board regarding our developing programs and services. All gatherings are held at SCCFS offices 1031 Vancouver Street. All gatherings begin with a meal (provided by SCCFS) – for family council gatherings, on-site child minding and bus tickets are available – we require advance notice of these needs. Everyone is welcome. Elders Council – is open to all Elders living in Victoria and surrounding area. (Contact Shelly Johnson for more information). Gatherings are : May 15, September 14 and November 28 Time: noon – 2 PM Youth Council – is open to all Aboriginal Youth living in Victoria and the surrounding area (Contact Bradley Dick for more information Gatherings are : May 25, September 25 and November 25 Time: 5-7 PM Family Council – is open to all Aboriginal family members who have been in care, adopted, fostered, been foster caregivers or adoptive parents or who have children currently in care living in Victoria and the surrounding area (Contact Jennifer Donison for more information) Gatherings are: May 16, September 13 and November 30 Time : 5-7 PM Professional Services Council—Is open to all professional Aboriginal people living in Victoria and the surrounding area (Contact Lisa George for more information) Gatherings are : May 11 @ 12-2pm, September 20 and November 22 Time : 2:30-4:30 PM Métis Community Council—Is open to all Métis people living in Victoria and the surrounding area (Contact Shelly Johnson for more information). Gatherings are being scheduled at print time; please call for more information. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy - Personal Information Protection Act Workshop CONTACT 1031 Vancouver Street Victoria, BC V8V4T6 Telephone 250.383.2990 Fax 250.383.2509 Website: www.surroundedbycedar.com What are your rights and duties regarding information collected about you and by your agency? —Facilitated by Jason Eanor-Goult Senior Legislative and Policy Analyst at the Information Services Branch When: Tuesday - May 23, 2006 from From our people to our people. 10 am- noon - lunch to follow Where: Surrounded By Cedar 1031 Vancouver Street Victoria We have 20 seats allocated - 10 are filled which leaves 10 seats available for sister agency staff. These are available on a first come - first serve basis. Email to Maria Sampare, assistant@sccfs.com Family Fun, Tradition, Culture “The Heartbeat of Our Nations” All Are Welcome Every Wednesday Night, 7pm—9pm At VNFC, 231 Regina Avenue For more information contact Leslie McGarry, 384.3211 We respectfully acknowledge the Coast Salish people of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations for allowing us to continue to live and provide service on their traditional territories.