Volume 10 Issue 12 ATTENTION: Elders Contact People Please Remember To Make Copies of The November 2010 EV Each Month For Your Elders And If EV’S 120th Issue! You Could Also Make Copies For Your Chiefs and Councils That Would Be A Great Help, And Much Appreciated! ______THE DATES ARE ANNOUNCED!! Hosts: Sto:lo and Coast Salish 35th Annual BC Elders Gathering July 12, 13, 14, 2011 LOCATION: The Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre or Tradex 1190 Cornel Street, Abbotsford ______HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL ELDERS BORN IN NOVEMBER !! ______SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 1ST PARTICIPANTS IN:

‘HAVE A FUNDRAISER FOR THIS ELDER’S OFFICE EVENT’

1. Shirley Matilpi, BC Elders Council & the Namgis Elder`s Group - $200 2. Deanna George, BC Elders Council & the Tsleil-Waututh Nation- $250 3. Grace Charest, BC Elders Council & the Weiwaikum First Nation$100

*BC Elders Council Members and their support people will be conducting 50/50 draws/raffles in local communities to help fundraise for the BCECCS. Your support is appreciated. **Any group who does not yet have a member on the BC Elders Council is encouraged to contact this elder’s office.

LEST WE FORGET - NOVEMBER 11th

Pg. 9: Winter Family Gathering Tradi- Inside this issue tional Pow Wow Easy Bakers Corner/Handy 2 Pgs. 10-11: Dream Fund Bursary Info Tips/Website Information Pg. 12: Minister of Children and Fam- ily Development Opinion - Editorial List of Paid Support Fees 3 Pgs. 13-15: Aboriginal Childhood Dev. Pg. 16: Gladue Training Workshop KINGCOME INLET FLOODED 4 Pgs. 17-18: Gladue Workshop Info Pg. 19: Downtown Eastside Day of Ac- Government Support 5 tion for Ashley Machisknic Pg. 20: National Chief Shawn A-in-chut BC ELDERS COMMUNICATION CENTER SOCIETY BC ELDERS COMMUNICATION CBC NEWS FLOOD ARTICLE 6 Atleo Letter to the Editor Pgs. 21-22: Electronics Tips King & Queen Thanks 7 Pg. 23: Keeping A Healthy Smile Tips Back Pg: Annual Elders Gathering Info, UBCIC Election Results 8 Our Contact Info, Quotes, and Jokes Easy Bakers Corner – Zucchini Nut Loaf- Conayt F.S. Cookbook In a large mixing bowl stir together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/8 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a 1/4 tsp of nutmeg.

In a medium bowl stir together 2 lightly beaten egg whites, 1 1/2 cups of finely shredded zucchini, 3/4 cup of sugar and 3 Tbsp of cooking oil.

Add to the flour mixture, stirring just till combined.

Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8x4x2 loaf pan.

Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool the bread in the loaf pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove bread and cool completely on rack.

HANDY TIPS 1. Spray your plastic food containers with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains. 2. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. 3. When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness. 4. A little leftover wine? (it happens): try freezing it into cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

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’ New Elder’s Website: www.bcelders.com 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. Issues of your Elders Voice Newsletter are also posted on the website each month, though all issues still continue to be mailed out to your Elder’s Contact People throughout the province (to ensure that no one is left out because of a lack of access to the internet). 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 profes- sional’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.

Page 2 BCECCS 10th Year GRATITUDE LIST Dec. 1st 2009 – Nov. 30th 2010 Year ($250)

1. Indian Residential School Survivors Society 46. Doig River First Nation 2. Ditidaht First Nation 47. Soowahlie Health Services 3. Qualicum First Nation 48. Union of Indian Chiefs 4. Cowichan Elders 49. Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band 5. Tsleil-Waututh Nation 50. Seton Lake Elders 6. Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society 51. Dzawada’enuxw First Nation 7. BC Assoc. of Aboriginal Friendship Centres 52. Tobacco Plains Indian Band 8. Kla-How-Eya Circle of Elders 53. Cook’s Ferry Indian Band 9. BC Transmission Corporation 54. Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation 10. K’omoks First Nation 55. Carrier Sekani Family Services 11. Douglas Band 56. Gitanyow Human Services 12. Kluskus Indian Band 57. Gitxsan Health Society 13. Lower Nicola Indian Band 58. Simpcw First Nation 14. Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society 59. Ulkatcho Indian Band 15. Hartley Bay Village Council 60. Ka:’Yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ Nation 16. Squiala First Nation 61. Tansi Friendship Centre Society 17. Akisqnuk First Nation 62. Ts’kw’aylaxw Elders 18. Wei Wai Kum First Nation 63. In-SHUCK-ch Nation 19. Wet’suwet’en First Nation 64. Leq’a:mel First Nation 20. Kitamaat Village Council 65. British Columbia Assembly of 21. McLeod Lake Tse’khene Elders Society 66. Tsawwassen First Nation 22. Da’naxda’xw First Nation 67. Taku River Tlingit First Nation 23. Gitwangak Education Society 68. Nicomen Indian Band 24. Quatsino Band 69. Ts’lkt Elders (Nuxalk) 25. Spallumcheen Indian Band 70. Eniyud Health Services (Xeni Gwet’in F.N.) 26. Williams Lake Indian Band 71. T’IT’Q’ET Elders Council 27. Indian Band 72. Pacheedaht First Nation ($125) 28. Lytton First Nation 73. Yakweakwioose First Nation 29. Lower Kootenay Band 74. Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council 30. Ehattesaht Tribe 75. Mount Currie Band Council 31. Xaxli’p Indian Band 76. Chawathil First Nation 32. Adams Lake Indian Band 77. Canoe Creek Band 33. Kwikwetlem First Nation 78. Wuikinuxv Nation 34. Osoyoos Indian Band 79. St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino 35. Hailika'as Heiltsuk Health Centre 80. Toosey Band ($125) 36. Carnegie Community Centre 81. Heskèn`scutxe Health Services 37. First Nations Health Society 38. We Wai Kai Nation 39. Hesquiaht First Nation 40. Sumas First Nation 41. Kamloops Indian Band 42. Shxwha:y Village 43. Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society 44. Chawathil First Nation 45. Gingolx Elders

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 12 Page 3

EMERGENCY PRESS RELEASE BELOW: Dear First Nations Elders and Community Members,

Below please find a press release about the devastation of Dzawada'enuxw First Nation (Kingcome Inlet) and the hardship of its 97 members. I know with our people that it doesn’t matter what nation we are from

these are our brothers and sisters, our children, grandchildren and our friends and they need our help now!

We all know that the government doesn’t jump to help us when problems strike like tainted water or mould- ridden homes, so keeping that in mind; we all need to do whatever we can to help as quickly as we can, as the crisis is happening to these 67 adults and 30 children right now. If every person reading this newsletter across BC could donate and/or come up with fast fundraising campaigns we could make a difference and help these First Nations families. Donations can be made to the Kingcome Inlet Relief Fund at the Coastal Community Credit Union Acct. #726917. Sincerely, Donna Stirling, Coordinator BCECCS

For: Dzawada'enuxw First Nation Date issued: September 28, 2010 Contact: Joe Willie, Chairman Primary Phone: 250-974-8203 DZAWADA'ENUXW FIRST NATION VILLAGE FLOODED & EVACUATED

Kingcome Inlet, BC, NEWS RELEASE, Sep.28 /CCNMatthews/ - 97 members of the Dzawada'enuxw First Nation of Kingcome Inlet, BC were evacuated by helicopter from the remote and isolated community on the Kingcome River on Saturday September 25, 2010.

The Kingcome River flooded its banks and caused severe devastation to the village infrastructure and homes. This was a result of the torrential downpour of rain leading up to the weekend experienced in the North Vancouver Island region.

"The Dzawada'enuxw First Nation members who have been evacuated need a sustained and strategic assistance plan from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. We invite Minister John Duncan to visit our village and see for himself the extent of this natural catastrophe and the challenges that we will face in our near future" says Chairman Joe Willie.

Initial reports of damage to Kingcome Village are very troubling. It is not safe to go back to the village for some of the following reasons shown below:

"A majority of the homes in our community have sustained both water damage and structural damage. Many homes electrical systems have been compromised as well. We have witnessed damaged infrastructure such as disrupted septic systems which of course add a serious Health Risk to our village members if we were to return prior to repairs being made," says Chairman Joe Willie.

Given the remoteness of the village, availability of storage for personal belongings and building materials as well as crew accommodation; the eventual rebuild will face a host of logistical issues, which will need to be overcome. These of course will add to the overall cost and timeframe for repairs.

The 67 adults & 30 children members of the Dzawada'enuxw First Nation who were evacuated are staying in Alert Bay, BC where the 'Namgis First Nation and Village of Alert Bay are doing everything they can to accommodate an entire community with their own.

In closing Chairman Joe Willie says "The Dzawada'enuxw First Nation are a proud Nation with a deep history within British Columbia. Our valley has contributed untold wealth into the coffers of BC and Canada through forestry. We fully expect that our First Nations needs are to be met in a timely manner so our children can return to their homes." Government of Canada supports flood recovery

Ref. #2-3426

Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia (October 12, 2010) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non- Status Indians, and Dzawada'enuxw (Tsawataineuk) First Nation Chairman, Joe Willie, met in Kingcome Inlet today to view damage caused by recent flooding and to set in motion plans for repairs and for returning community members to their homes.

"Any time people are forced to leave their homes during an emergency, it can be traumatic. For the people of the Dzawada'enuxw (Tsawataineuk) First Nation this has been compounded by damage to some homes in their community," said Minister Duncan.

"Visiting the community has allowed me to see the extent of the damage and the efforts it will take to complete the repairs. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is committed to helping people return to their homes as soon as possible. We will continue to work in partnership with our provincial and First Nation counterparts to ensure concerns of community members are addressed."

Council Chair Joe Willie of the Dzawada'enuxw First Nation said, "Our community has suffered enough. We want to go home. Our community is anxious to begin the clean up and repairs to get our families back to their homes. It will take time and the continued support of all to make this happen. We welcome the on-site visit of Minister Duncan and First Nations leadership who can see first-hand the work that needs to be done. The Dzawada'enuxw appreciate Minister Duncan's support, and appreciate the commitment to ensure resources are available for our full recovery from this extraordinary crisis."

"I would like to thank the people of Alert Bay and the Namgis First Nation for opening your homes and hearts to support your neighbours in need," said Minister Duncan. "Your generosity has made all the difference."

For more information, please contact:

Minister's Office Michele-Jamali Paquette Press Secretary Office of the Honourable John Duncan 819-997-0002

Media Relations Indian and Northern Affairs Canada 819-953-1160

Dzawada'enuxw First Nation Michael Bonshor 604-671-6102

By CBC News, cbc.ca, Updated: October 20, 2010 12:29 PM from www.msn.com

Bella Coola residents battle flood waters The B.C. coastal community of Bella Coola is threatened by more flooding, with Environment Canada forecasting another 40 millimetres or rain by early Thursday.

Another rainfall warning has been issued for the B.C. Central Coast region as flood-weary residents of the Bella Coola Valley battle another round of swollen creeks and raging rivers.

On Tuesday evening, Steve Waugh, the area's emergency co-ordinator, said his biggest concern was Thorsen Creek, where one dike had given way and another was being pounded by creek waters.

But by Wednesday morning emergency crews had repaired the critical dike, Waugh said.

"It sounds like we held the dikes, rebuilt the dikes overnight, and we've protected two homes that were immediately threatened, and it looks like with the rain abating, we'll be able to get the upper hand by later today. We'll take full advantage of it and be prepared for the next one," Waugh said.

Although the rain has let up on Wednesday, Environment Canada is forecasting another 40 millimetres of rain will fall on the Central Coast region by early Thursday, and the B.C. River Forecast Centre expanded its flood warning for the valley on Tuesday afternoon to include the tributaries and the main stem of the Bella Coola River.

Evacuation order issued. The Central Coast Regional District declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday and issued evacuation orders for about a dozen families in the valley.

Last month the Bella Coola River flooded much of the community, cutting off Highway 20 and the airport and forcing hundreds from their homes.

Waugh says the equipment brought in to repair the highway is now being used to fight the floodwaters.

"We have four excavators, three of them quite large, and we have as far as I can tell now, up to five rock trucks hauling large blasted rock up to the site," he said Tuesday night. "We have lights set up. They do intend to go 24 hours."

By Tuesday night, 12 homes, most already damaged by the earlier flood, were evacuated. Waugh called it another setback for people facing a long winter but said residents are coping the best they can.

"When we first got hit three weeks ago it was a big surprise and it was the flood of the century," he said. "So people were shocked initially and then I think they were a little depressed, and I think that has turned to anger for some of them, thinking that perhaps we had better do more earlier."

People can help by sending money to relief accounts set up at the Williams Lake and District Credit Union, Waugh said. "We have outside resources such as the Salvation Army, the Mennonite disaster relief group, the Red Cross. This is a community that normally looks after itself and they are willingly [accepting help] from people from the outside because it's beyond what we can handle." Shuswap Nation Tribal Council . SUITE 304 - 355 YELLOWHEAD HIGHWAY, KAMLOOPS, B.C. V2H 1H1 Phone: (250) 828-9789 Fax: (250) 374-6331 e-mail: [email protected]

September 29,2010 Donna Stirling, BCECCS and BC Elders Council, 1415 15 Wewaikum Road, Campbell River, BC V9W5W9

Weyt,

We'd like to express our thanks for your work with BC Elders and for our experience as King and Queen ofthe 2010 BC Elders Gathering.

First, we have to thank all of our sponsors. They are too many to name, but, we appreciate each and every one ofthem.

Next, we thank the elders group for recognizing our work over the years, for our people and our communities, in choosing us as 2010 King and Queen. It was a big responsibility and we hope that we fulfilled your expectations.

Thank you to the Chiefs, Councilors, community members and volunteers for all their hard work.

From this experience, we learned many things about people. Respect was shown and respect was returned. There were many people we didn't know, but, we greeted everyone. We didn't want to see anyone alone. Our elders taught us to never pass someone who is alone or sick. To acknowledge them makes life worthwhile. It gives us courage and strength.

We'd like to thank the elders who travelled to Salmon Ann. It felt like one big family getting together, greeting each other in friendships, new and old, reminiscing and laughing. We were all so happy to see each other.

And thanks to the Creator for the strength, health and all the goodness of our people.

Kukstemc,

-i ID and Ethel Billy Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Re-elected as President of the UBCIC News Release September 20, 2010

(Vancouver/Coast Salish Territory – September 20, 2010) Grand Chief Stewart Phillip stated today “I am very deeply grateful that the Chiefs-in-Assembly at the 42nd Annual General Assembly have re-elected me to be the President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs for the next three years. I believe it represents a strong mandate and full endorsement of the inclusive approach that has guided me over my 30 years of political life.”

Last week, the Chiefs-in-Assembly met at the 42nd Annual General Assembly in Vancouver. The election for the position of President was held on September 16. With last week’s election, Grand Chief Phillip will begin his fifth consecutive three-year term as the President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

“The theme of our AGA was ‘United We Stand’ and I hereby commit to work collectively with the Chiefs of the UBCIC, the First Nations Summit and the BC Assembly of First Nations. We must work together to ensure the governments of Canada and British Columbia endorse and implement the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for our Nations and communities. We must work together to compel government to update the Comprehensive Claims Policy to reflect the many hard-fought court victories such as the Delgamuuk’w, Haida and William cases,” said Grand Chief Phillip. “To bring justice and healing, we must work together, side by side, with the many families and friends of the missing and murdered women throughout British Columbia in the upcoming public inquiry.”

Grand Chief Phillip added, “The proposed Prosperity Mine, the proposed Enbridge Pipeline and the proposed Site C dam are mega-projects that are vigorously opposed by many First Nations communities and tribal councils. The Elders, leadership and families know that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs fully supports their determined efforts to protect their respective territories, their watersheds and their way of life. It is time for action-oriented leaders to step up and support the Nations and communities who will suffer the devastating consequences of these mega-projects.”

Grand Chief Phillip concluded, “I would like to acknowledge Kukpi7 Wayne Christian for his life-long work serving his community of Splats’in, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and to the critical issues of children and families.”

Grand Chief Phillip has been married for twenty-six years to Joan. They have four grown sons, two daughters, four granddaughters and five grandsons.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Cell: (250) 490-5314 Email: [email protected]

Lake Country Native Association Invites You to the 16th Annual Winter Family Gathering Traditional Pow Wow November 20, 2010

Winfield Memorial Hall Noon to 8:00 p.m. Grand Entry: 1:00 p.m. Host Drum: Little Hawk Tiny Tot Toonie Special Special Presentations: LCNA Rainbow Hoop Dancers TRADITIONAL DINNER ARTS & CRAFTS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ! In partnership with For more information, to reserve a craft table register a special presentation phone 250-548-3723 Other Useful Resources

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres The First Citizens Fund student bursary program is funded by the Province of British Columbia and delivered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. This program provides financial assistance to Aboriginal students enrolled in post-secondary education. The level of assistance will be determined by need and will reflect the amount of assistance received from other sources. The maximum level of assistance is $700/year students funded by Donate To donate to the Dream Fund please go their Nation and $2,000/year for non-funded students. to https://fbcyicn.pincgiving.com/ For more information visit: www.bcaafc.com

National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) NAAF is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising funds to assist Aboriginal people achieve brighter futures. The bursary www.fbcyicn.ca and scholarship program provides awards to students in these main [email protected] areas; the fine arts, health careers and other post-secondary fields of study. The purpose of this program is to meet the increasing toll free 1.800.565.8055 needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students for financial phone 604.527.7762 support and to assist them in the pursuit of excellence in every fax 604.527.7764 discipline. The annual deadline for applications are; May 1- Fine Arts, June 1- Health Careers and Post-Secondary. Dream For more information visit: www.naaf.ca

Student Awards* StudentAwards.com helps students achieve their dreams of higher education by providing free, quick and easy access to Fund information on scholarships, bursaries, grants and awards. You don’t have to be an “A” student to find awards – there’s Federation of BC something for every type of student. Register and tell us Youth In Care Networks Bursary about yourself, and we’ll match you with awards suited to 55 8th Street YOU – all online. As one parent said, “Studentawards is like a New Westminster, BC dating service between my child… and money!” Canada V3M 3N9 www.fbcyicn.ca For more information visit: www.studentawards.com toll-free 1 800 565 8055

* reproduced with permission from Studentawards.com ©2009 FBCYICN Internal Scholarships External Scholarships and Funding Dream Fund The Dream Fund is an education fund that was established Agreements with Young Adults Youth In Care Canada in 1999 by young people involved with the Federation of BC Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program for young (also known as National Youth In Care Network) Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN) in response to funding cuts adults who until their 19th birthday were in permanent care or The Ken Dryden Scholarships are awarded to young people that greatly impacted the ability of young people in and from on a Youth Agreement and who want to finish their education, currently or formerly n the care of Canadian child welfare care to pursue their educational and vocational goals. get job training or take part in a rehabilitation program. systems, who demonstrate great achievement and promise. Each scholarship covers up to $3,000 or 80% of the cost of In an attempt to meet some of this need and to alleviate For more information visit: tuition and fees based on reasonable progress toward the some of the financial burden associated with post-secondary www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/aya.htm completion of an undergraduate degree or diploma. education, upgrading and training, the FBCYICN created the Dream Fund, two distinct bursaries that assist with costs For more information visit: associated with educational, career and personal development. Youth Educational Assistance Fund www.youthincare.ca/work/scholarship.html Eligible applicants are those young people in and from both The Youth Educational Assistance Fund (YEAF) provides permanent and temporary care who have been significantly grants to eligible young people who are 19 years of age up to impacted by their involvement with the child welfare system. 24 years of age and who were in MCFD permanent care or an Aboriginal Agency’s permanent care until 19 years of age or British Columbia Federation of Education Achievement Bursary whose guardianship was transferred per CFCSA Section 54.1. Foster Parents Associations Education Achievement Bursary was established by a Former permanent youth in care who were adopted may also be The BCFFPA administers the William Curtis and Merv Davis donation from the Pacific Children’s Shelter Society for eligible for YEAF. The YEAF grant is $5,500 per academic year. bursaries for former youth in care who are 19-30 and who were young people in and from care who wish to pursue their in MCFD permanent care. Bursaries range up to $500. education at the post-secondary level. This bursary assists For more information visit: young people who have been or are currently on continuing www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/other_services/yeaf/index.htm For more information visit: www.bcfosterparents.ca or temporary care orders or youth agreements. It provides funding for tuition, books and supplies if they are enrolled in a designated post-secondary institution. This bursary is Public Guardian and Trustee worth up to $2,500 per academic year (two semesters). The Public Guardian and Trustee Educational Assistance Federation of Community Fund provides bursaries for former permanent youth in care Social Services of BC Reach for Success Bursary planning to study at a post-secondary level in an academic, FCSS bursaries assist young people in and from care who Reach for Success bursary offers financial assistance to technical or vocational program. This bursary is for youth wish to pursue a career in social, health or education services those who want to pursue educational, personal or career aged 19 and older and has no upper age limit. The goal is to with the financial costs of tuition, books, and supplies for development goals. This bursary assists young people in and help as many former permanent youth in care as possible. post-secondary academic, technical or vocational training or from care with the financial costs associated with workshops, Successful applicants are award annual bursaries ranging in academic upgrading. This post-secondary bursary is available tutoring, attendance at conferences, or participation in other value up to a maximum of $3,300. to a maximum of $1,000 per academic year (two semesters). skill building activities that require a registration or tuition fee. Applicants can apply for up to $500 once per year. For more information visit For more information visit: www.trustee.bc.ca/services/estate/edu_assistance.html www.fcfs.bc.ca/youth-in-care-scholarship.php For more information and to apply visit www.fbcyicn.ca/dreamfund

OPINION-EDITORIAL FOSTER FAMILIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By Mary Polak Minister of Children and Family Development October 7, 2010 393 words (English) For Translation

This year is the 20th Anniversary of Foster Family Month in British Columbia – a time to celebrate fostering and recognize the remarkable and caring contribution foster families make in our communities and in the lives of children, youth and families, as well as to the organizations that support them.

Whether they provide emergency, short or long term care, foster families play an invaluable role in the lives of thousands of children across B.C. Foster parents come from all walks of life. They have diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds, and they bring a variety of life experiences to their role. They are ordinary people engaged in extraordinary acts of kindness.

In B.C., there are around 3,400 foster families caring for over 6,000 children and youth. Children and youth in care arrive in foster family homes with a diverse range of needs. Although each child is unique, they all share the need to be surrounded by caring adults who will nurture their development and provide a stable living environment. Fostering enables children, youth and their families to come through some of the most challenging situations and -- by recognizing and building on their strengths -- helps to develop the resilience they need to reach their full potential. All of this strengthens not only those children but also, and importantly, the fabric of our communities.

There is always a need for more individuals and families to open their hearts and their homes to help children and youth. The most important qualification someone can bring to this role is a desire to provide a supportive, caring home environment and to make a positive difference in a child’s life. Anyone, 19 years of age or older, who wants to share their home with a child in need can apply to be a foster parent. I encourage anyone interested to call the Fosterline at 1-800-663-9999 for more information.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for the important work that foster families undertake throughout the year to support our children and youth in care. They take on one of society’s most important jobs by caring for children in need and opening their hearts to some of our most vulnerable citizens. I hope you will join me in recognizing and supporting foster families who make a difference in your community – during the month of October and throughout the year.

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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Ministry of Children and Family Development 2010CFD0020-001043 Vancouver Island University Sept. 14, 2010

RESEARCH SUPPORTS ABORIGINAL CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

NANAIMO – A new $2.5-million B.C. regional innovation chair at Vancouver Island University will engage First Nations communities to create meaningful, culturally relevant and practical resources for early childhood educators of Aboriginal students, Children and Family Development Minister Mary Polak announced today.

“The B.C. regional innovation chair in Aboriginal early childhood development will be instrumental in training more professionals to work with children in ways that reflect and promote the traditions and values of their culture,” said Polak. “That, in turn, will help give Aboriginal children the best chance to succeed and develop to their full potential.”

The total chair endowment is $2.5 million, with $1.25 million provided by the Province through its $56.25-million Leading Edge Endowment Fund (LEEF).

This is the first LEEF Aboriginal early childhood development chair to be appointed in B.C. It is a permanently endowed chair with Vancouver Island University.

The goal of the chair is to strengthen the cultural relevance of training for early childhood education and development practitioners. This will be achieved through a new collaborative approach that combines research with community-based practice to help create innovative and culturally relevant programs and services. The research and innovation agenda will be collaboratively set, actively involving Aboriginal practitioners and educators in research and curriculum development.

Linda McDonell, the newly appointed chair, is a dedicated researcher in early childhood development. McDonell has been involved in groundbreaking work in Aboriginal and Indonesian communities with students and early childhood educators to enhance the connections between practitioners, family, community and culture.

“I feel both honoured and humbled by the opportunity to do this work and potentially make a difference in an area that has formed an important focus for my work over the past two decades,” said McDonell. “I feel especially fortunate that this opportunity is in an area that has both challenged and transformed my own beliefs, perspectives and approaches to teaching, learning and living in so many significant and positive ways.”

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The chair will be in VIU’s faculty of health and human services, and will have links to faculties across the institution such as the faculty of social sciences, the department of First Nations studies in the faculty of arts and humanities and the faculty of education. External links with the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University will be expanded to promote collaboration and information-sharing.

“We are very proud of Linda. Her work in the area of First Nations early childhood education and development is exceptional,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, president and vice-chancellor, Vancouver Island University. “I know she will undertake her new role with a strong commitment and respect for Aboriginal communities. This is an important appointment for our province and First Nations.”

The B.C. government launched LEEF to encourage social and economic development in B.C. Based on a cost-sharing partnership with the private sector, LEEF is establishing 20 permanent leadership research chairs at public post-secondary institutions across the province in the areas of medical, social, environmental and technological research. LEEF is also establishing nine regional innovation chairs to create opportunities in communities through B.C.’s colleges, universities and institutes.

McDonell is the 21st LEEF chair to be appointed.

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A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts: Christine Ash Media Relations Manager Ministry of Children and Family Development 250 356-1639 250 812-3616 (cell)

Toni O’Keeffe Communications and Public Relations Vancouver Island University 250 740-6341

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

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BACKGROUNDER For Immediate Release Ministry of Children and Family Development 2010CFD0020-001043 Vancouver Island University Sept. 14, 2010

RESEARCH SUPPORTS ABORIGINAL CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Chair Summary

The chair has four specific objectives: To enhance family and community knowledge of early childhood development by gathering and sharing information. To mobilize and integrate knowledge about early childhood development among professionals, families and community representatives to build links between the classroom and the community. To enhance accessibility and expand culturally sensitive education and professional development for Aboriginal students and practitioners in early childhood development. To strengthen connections between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal early childhood development professionals to transfer knowledge.

Linda McDonell

Linda McDonell has worked in early childhood education over the past three decades in a variety of capacities, including 20 years as a frontline early childhood educator (1971- 1991), 22 years as a child-care researcher (1988-present time) and 16 years as a post- secondary instructor (1994-present time). McDonell has been a professor for early childhood education and care at VIU since 1995. Throughout her career at VIU, McDonell has focused on community-based research as a key means to develop meaningful, relevant and high-quality educational programs for Aboriginal students. In her more than 20 years of research experience, McDonell has been involved in groundbreaking work in Aboriginal and Indonesian communities with students and early childhood educators to enhance the connections between practitioners, family, community and culture. -30-

Media Contacts: Christine Ash Toni O’Keeffe Media Relations Manager Communications and Public Ministry of Children and Family Relations Development Vancouver Island University 250 356-1639 250 740-6341 250 812-3616 (cell)

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

GLADUE PRINCE GEORGE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE TRAINING NovemberOCTOBER 18/19, 201021 & 22, 2010 WORKSHOP TIME: 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

LOCATED AT: 1600 3RD AVENUE, PRINCE GEORGE, BC WHAT IS A GLADUE REPORT?

CONTACT PERSONS: CHRISTINE DALZIEL Under the Canadian Criminal Code S. 718.2– A Court that imposes

a sentence shall also take into consideration the following principles: (e) all available sanctions other than imprisonment * NO FUNDING FOR TRAVEL that reasonable in the circumstances should be considered for all * FREE WORK SHOP offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of * LUNCH WILL NOT BE PROVIDED aboriginal offenders LIGHT SNACKS AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE The Courts are asked for two things: PROVIDED 1) The unique systematic or background factors which may have played a part in bringing the particular offender before the Courts. 2) The types of sentencing procedures and sanctions which may be appropriate in the circumstances

This information is provided to the Courts through Gladue Reports

Kulus Consulting and Development ♦ P: 604-657-5488 ♦ E: [email protected]

Draft Curriculum / Gladue Training Workshop DAY ONE: - Opening Prayer - - Welcome and Introductions –

1) Pre-Contact / Post-Contact; Impacts of Colonization and Residential School Experience.

- Intergenerational and multigenerational trauma – defined. - What to look for. - The impacts in relation to the individual, community and criminal justice system. - Solutions; Aboriginal Empowerment and Education.

2) What is Gladue ?

- Legal considerations before and after 1996. - A Review of the Gladue case and Decision. - What does this mean to the Courts? - Is this applicable to Bail Hearings; Court Proceedings; Sentencing? ; What else? - How does this impact me; personally; professionally? - What “is” the law when it comes to Gladue and Aboriginal Peoples?

3) What is a “Gladue” Report ?

- Criminogenic vs. Non-Criminogenic Factors in risk assessment. - Static vs. Dynamic Risk Factor assessments of Offenders. - The Legal and Substantive Differences between a Gladue and Corrections Branch PSR’s. - What is applicable to Aboriginal Peoples? - What must be included in a “Gladue” Report? - How to collect the Information / Privacy and Resource issues. - Developmentally impaired individuals / FAS / People struggling with Trauma. - What does a “Gladue” Report “look like”? - Aboriginal Restorative programming and Gladue Reports to Court.

Open Discussion and lead in to Day Two agenda….

Kulus Consulting and Development ♦ P: 604-657-5488 ♦ E: [email protected]

Draft Curriculum / Gladue Training Workshop DAY TWO: - Opening Prayer – - Review of Materials covered in Day One –

1) The role of the Aboriginal Community in relation to “Gladue”.

- Chief and Counsel. - Community participation and accountability. - Elders and Survivors. - Healthy whole communities. - What programs, services etc are available in your community – networking opportunity for participants and PGNFC.

2) The First Nations Provincial Court of British Columbia.

- What is it? History to Present. - How do I access this service for self, clients, community? - How does this differ from ‘Normal” Court? - How this works with “Gladue” and Aboriginal Restorative Justice / Healing. - How to refer files. - What would an Urban PG First Nations Court “look like”. - What can you do to realize this goal?

3) How Gladue can be applied to make a difference to you.

- Where to go / what to say / what we know our legal rights to be. - How to advocate for your rights and those of your community. - Education is the key to empowerment.

Open Floor to Questions / Concerns.

For: Day of Action for Ashley Machisknic Contact: Stella August Primary Phone: 604-833-8516

Date issued: October 4, 2010, 13:49 e Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, Photo Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor

Day of Action for Ashley Machisknic, murdered in Downtown Eastside Ceremony and Vigil at 5 pm behind Regent Hotel (160 East Hastings), followed by rally to Vancouver Police Department

Vancouver, BC, NEWS RELEASE, Oct.04 /CCNMatthews/ - As part of a national day of action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, community members in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside will be honouring the life of Ashley Machisknic, a 22- year old Indigenous woman from Saskatchewan who was found brutally murdered in an alley behind the Downtown Eastside Regent hotel on September 15, 2010. A vigil and ceremony will be held at 5 pm behind the Regent Hotel (160 E. Hastings), followed by a rally to the Vancouver Police Department (Main and Cordova).

According to vigil organizer and Elder Stella August "Ashley's life was precious and we demand justice for her. The circumstances of her death clearly indicate this was not a suicide; this was a murder that absolutely must be investigated by the Vancouver Police Department. We are prepared to take action to make sure there is a proper investigation into her death; we are tired of her and others becoming just another statistic. There can be no more silence and no more sweeping of these deaths under the carpet."

Over 3000 women are known to have gone missing or been murdered in Canada since the 1970s. Last year, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issued this statement: "Hundreds of cases involving aboriginal women who have gone missing or been murdered in the past two decades have neither been fully investigated nor attracted priority attention."

"Government and societal apathy towards women living in poverty only compounds the ongoing risk to our women. Without adequate social housing, women are forced into shady hotels where they are vulnerable and more prone to violence by partners, family members, or drug dealers," continues August.

"This is a continuation of the daily systemic violence that takes the lives of women in the Downtown Eastside. The police and government say that it will stop, but this is an ongoing tragedy. An increasing number of women who are forced to live and work in conditions of extreme poverty and marginalization continue to be murdered or have gone missing," states victim services worker Carol Martin.

The recently announced Wally Oppal inquiry has also drawn sharp criticism from family members and advocates given Oppal's political party ties and the decision while he was the Attorney General to not proceed with the additional murder charges. - END RELEASE - 04/10/2010

For further information: MEDIA: Stella August 604 833 8516; Carol Martin 604 681 8480 x 233; Gladys Radek 778 839-0072. To arrange further media interviews with DTES residents, call Harsha Walia 778 885 0040

Release ID: 201010040001

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

Letter to Editor in response to First Nations last in openness, National Post October 7 2010

While First Nations are last on many key socio-economic indicators in this country, we are certainly not last in openness as claimed in John Ivison’s column published October 7, 2010.

First Nations constrained under the Indian Act file 60,000 reports annually to the federal government. They languish in this administrative quagmire, responding to existing and new reporting requirements from Ottawa, rather than to the needs of their citizens.

In contrast, First Nation communities that have moved forward through negotiation or settlement to advance their own jurisdiction and responsibilities, are fully transparent, accountable and demonstrate a level of service that is yielding real results. These First Nation governments exercise full responsibility and have democratic participation rates in leadership and other processes that are far stronger than anywhere else in this country. With authority comes responsibility and the capacity to deliver good government, effective services and hope for our people. This is the change that I, as National Chief, stand firmly behind.

Change will not come through a Private Member’s Bill out of Ottawa that imposes more reporting and fails to address the real issues.

If First Nation people are "furious" about anything, it's the unfair funding in critical areas that directly affect the well-being of our children. Over one thousand First Nation citizens and supporters gathered at Parliament Hill just weeks ago demanding fairness in education and a fair chance at opportunity for their kids.

The unfortunate reality is that First Nations are unfairly funded for all basic services. This is not a partisan issue - it has been the case since 1996 through both Liberal and Conservative governments.

When our children are being apprehended at alarming rates, forced to sit in schools that are making them sick (when they have schools to go to) then yes, we do question the wisdom of spending time and energy on a bill that Ivison's own data shows is not a major problem (Ivison cites three examples out of 633 FN governments).

This is why we are trying to meet with Member of Parliament Kelly Block and any of her colleagues (from any party) interested in accountability. Let's use this opportunity to kick start an initiative that deals with the real issues to ensure that First Nations can be accountable to their people and the government can be accountable to First Nations for its spending and results.

The Assembly of First Nations and First Nations across Canada are putting forward many ideas and action plans to deal with our shared priority issues. To date, these plans have been dismissed or ignored by government. We submit the government has to do its part to reboot the relationship by working with us to bring clarity, efficiency and results to the federal government's approach to First Nations. Together we can and must chart a path that begins with respect, settles and upholds long outstanding obligations of the federal government, and moves forward with us to build First Nation governments able to deliver effective services and supports to their people which includes full disclosure and accountability.

Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief Assembly of First Nations By Carol Thompson

How Rice Can Resurrect Your Cell Phone and 3 Other Natural Fixes for Common Tech Problems Easy ways to fix a wet device, scratched screen or gummed up keyboard.

For every convenience electronic devices bring us, there is an equal and opposite frustration. Flashlights go dim right as the power shuts off; the romantic date-night DVD has a fatal scratch; the smart phone fails to connect right when we need directions most. The most common ways electronic devices are damaged is when their owners drop them or get them wet, according to Aaron Cooper, marketing director for Worth Ave Group, which insures personal electronics like smart phones and laptops against lost, theft or damage. While warranties cover manufacturing defects, they won't cover scratched or broken screens, or the damage that results from submerging a phone in water (including toilet water, a surprisingly common problem, according to Cooper, and one that Worth Ave Group is proud to insure against). When it comes to claims, he said, "theft cracked screens and liquid damage that covers just about everything."

For those who didn't buy an insurance policy for that submerged, cracked, no-longer-functioning smart phone, try these tips for repairing common damage to electronic devices without using harsh chemicals or expensive products or paying a dime!

Wet Electronics

We learned in Electronics 101 to never mix water and electricity. Never. Unfortunately, accidents happen like you jumping into the lake to retrieve a lost oar and your cell phone coming with you. If you ever find that you have to deal with a wet device, don't just abandon it. Instead, try the following method to repair the water damage:

• Do not turn it on • Take it apart as much as you can. Take out the battery, the memory card and whatever else can be easily disassembled. (Just make sure you can put it back together.) • Store the parts in an air-tight container covered with either dry rice, silica gel packets or kitty litter. These will absorb the moisture from your electronics device, leaving it water-free. • If no rice, gel packets or kitty litter are available, try using a vacuum to suck the water out. Do NOT blow-dry the parts, it will only force the water farther in and cause more damage.

Scratched LCD Screens

LCD screens, typically found on laptops and televisions, are susceptible to scratches that can really degrade the quality of the screen's performance. Rather than replacing a screen (or worse, replacing the whole machine), fix the scratch with one of these basic tools: a pencil eraser or petroleum jelly. • For pencil eraser method: wipe away any dirt or dust from the screen and scratched area. Then, find a clean pencil eraser and buff out the scratch. Wipe away eraser shavings. • For petroleum jelly method: wipe any dirt or dust from the screen with a soft cloth (not paper - this will scratch more) and minimal pressure. • Rub petroleum jelly into the scratch. • Wipe away excess jelly from screen with a soft, clean cloth.

Dirty, Sticky Keyboards

Over time, food, dirt and dust particles can accumulate in a keyboard, causing the keys to jam or become hard to use. Instead of replacing the entire keyboard, just take a few minutes to clean away the dirt and get it back working as if it were new!

• Disconnect keyboard, turn it upside down and shake it gently to remove dirt, dust and food debris. • Blow compressed air (from a can) in between the rows of keys to loosen more dirt. • Turn keyboard upside down and shake gently again. • Vacuum between keys to pick up excess dirt. • Make a mixture of Leslie Reichert's Light Dusting Spray from The Joy of Green Cleaning : boil three cups of water and drop in two teabags. After that cools, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and remove the used bags. Place the liquid in a spray bottle, and spritz onto a microfiber cloth (don't spray directly on the keys). Wipe down keys until clean. According to Reichert, the acid in the lemon juice will cut through oils left by fingers, and the tannins in the tea will kill any mites that could be lurking. • Let keyboard dry before use.

Lost Connection or Function

If your device can't connect, fails to act as expected or has otherwise lost its mojo, it could just need some tough love: Namely, a hard reset. That's the first step most help lines will recommend for a device in need of reviving from unexplained ills. For many devices, like Blackberries or laptops, that means turning it off and popping out the battery. For iPods and iPhones, it means holding down two buttons simultaneously. It won't fix everything, but for the tech novice, it's the easiest fix to try before calling for advanced help. Didn't work? Try these tips for speeding up your computer.

Use these easy, at-home repairs to make your electronics last as long as possible. Old devices pile up in landfills and leach toxic chemicals into the air and ground, potentially contaminating the surrounding environment. Considering our affinity for personal electronics, this e-waste has become a dangerous and concerning problem. Recycling electronics properly is one important way to avoid e-waste, but it's even more important to keep the device working as long as possible!

From www.lifestyles.ca/msn.com Tips on how to keep your smile healthy from www.medbroadcast.com

1. Brush twice a day: Brushing is the key to good dental health, fighting gum disease and a healthy looking, beautiful smile for life. Remember to brush twice a day for at least two minutes morning and night, giving attention to the gum line with small circular movements.

2. Floss before brushing: Flossing helps remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth. If these particles remain between teeth, dental health problems such as cavities and gingivitis can result. It is best to floss before brushing to remove plaque and loosen debris from the tooth surface.

3. Get dental checkups at least twice a year: Visiting the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings is imperative for dental health and to maintain your healthy looking, beautiful smile. It is especially important for women who take birth control pills, or who are pregnant or menopausal, as they have an increased susceptibility to oral care problems such as gum disease and cavities.

4. Limit soft drinks, coffee and alcohol: Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body's level of calcium. This causes dental health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discoloured. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy looking, beautiful smile.

5. Put out the cigarette: Smoking cigarettes is one of the greatest contributors to an unhealthy mouth. In addition to staining teeth, smoking interrupts calcium absorption in the body and can also cause potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral and lung cancers. So stop smoking and enjoy the health benefits as well as a healthy looking, beautiful smile.

6. Visit your dentist before and during pregnancy: Expectant mothers can suffer from pregnancy gingivitis caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow in the body. To help prevent this, women planning a pregnancy should have their teeth cleaned to remove gingivitis and get a periodontal screening. Once pregnant, women should schedule regular dental checkups so any new gum disease resulting from their pregnancy is appropriately addressed.

7. Increase your calcium intake: Restore lost calcium with a daily supplement and by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens. These foods will also help to lower the acid buildup in the saliva that can lead to breakdown of tooth enamel.

8. Sleep at least 8 hours nightly: Sleep allows the body to be replenished and renewed. Plus, you're more likely to flash your healthy, beautiful smile if you're well rested. Lack of sleep will cause the immune system to become rundown and depleted. This leaves you susceptible to infection from oral bacteria in your mouth.

9. Take a daily dose of vitamins C and D: Vitamins C and D help support the absorption of healthy mouth minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which support the bone and gum tissue, keeping it healthy. This is an easy way to maintain dental health and fight gum disease.

10. Use the right toothbrush: Whether for children or adults, it's important to select just the right toothbrush, so look for one that will give you the clean you need with comfort and control.

11. Replace your toothbrush: Replacing your toothbrush every 3 months when the bristles become frayed and worn will keep your cleaning effective. Also replace your toothbrush or powered-toothbrush head after you have been sick to avoid harmful bacteria that may be stored on the toothbrush bristles.

12. Eat tooth friendly: Avoid sticky sweets that stick to your teeth and cause cavities, such as taffies and soft candies. Don't chew on ice, hard candies or other hard materials that can crack your teeth. Make sure to eat foods such as apples and carrots that clean the teeth naturally. BC ELDERS BED BUGS (emailed in to pass on) COMMUNICATION A bit of information that you might like to know about. We have friends CENTER SOCIETY here in our community and one of their sons is an entomologist (insect ex- pert), and has been telling them that there is an epidemic of bed bugs now occurring in America and elsewhere. Recently I have heard on the news ADDRESS: that several stores in NYC have had to close due to bed bug problems, as 1415 Wewaikum Rd. well as a complete mall in New Jersey. Campbell River, B.C. V9W 5W9 He says that since much of our clothing, sheets, towels, etc. now comes from companies outside of America, (sad but true), even the most expen- Phone: 1-250-286-9977 sive stores sell foreign clothing from China, Indonesia, etc. The bed bugs Fax: 1-250-286-4809 are coming in on the clothing as these countries do not consider them a Toll-Free: 1-877-738-7288 problem. He recommends that if you buy any new clothing, even under- Coordinator: Donna Stirling wear and socks, sheets, towels, etc. that you bring them into the house and Website: www.bcelders.com put them in your clothes dryer for at least 20 minutes. The heat will kill Email: them and their eggs. [email protected] DO NOT PURCHASE CLOTHES AND HANG THEM IN THE CLOSET FIRST. It does not matter what the price range is of the cloth- ‘ELDERS VOICE’ ing, or if the outfit comes from the most expensive store known in the ISSUES U.S. They still get shipments from these countries and the bugs can come ARE SENT OUT TO in a box of scarves or anything else for that matter. That is the reason why COMMUNITIES BY THE so many stores, many of them clothing stores have had to shut down 1st OF EACH MONTH. in NYC and other places. All you need is to bring one item into the house If your area’s copy is not that has bugs or eggs and you will go to hell and back trying to get rid of received in a timely manner them. He travels all over the country as an advisor to many of these please call into the office. stores, as prevention and after they have the problem.

QUOTES : “Fulfillment is reaching your own expectations, not the expectations of others.” “Do what you love and believe in and success will come naturally.”

“Miracles happen to those who believe in them.” SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talka- tive. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional. Annual Elders Gathering Grand Entry Photos are on: www.bcelders.com each year! ANNUAL BC ELDERS GATHERING INFORMATION CORNER THE DATES ARE ANNOUNCED!! Hosts: Sto:lo and Coast Salish 35th Annual BC Elders Gathering July 12, 13, 14, 2011 LOCATION: The Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre or Tradex 1190 Cornel Street, Abbotsford