News

After an overwhelming response from applicants to the initial call for students, the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training offered to double the funding so that CSTC could increase the number of students enrolled from 15 to 30 people.

The training provided by Indigenous Communities for Leadership and Development (ICLD) includes an eight-week course with opportunities to earn tickets required to work in the field, followed by eight weeks of job coaching, including opportunities to directly connect trainees with potential employers.

Registrants who have been selected for the program will be contacted directly.

CONTACT:
Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer; 250-617-3862, communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

“We want CSTC members and First Nations to be engaged with as many projects and sectors as possible in the province, such as the Coastal GasLink pipeline, forestry and mining. One of our goals is to assist CSTC members and First Nations to be forearmed with the appropriate resources, education, skills and tickets to enter the workforce, therefore playing a role in reducing the socio-economic gap that exists between First Nations and Canadians,” says CSTC General Manager John Lewis.

At no cost to students, the program is funded through CSTC by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. 

It includes an eight-week course with opportunities to earn essential tickets to work in the field, followed by eight weeks of job coaching. During that time, students will have opportunities to directly connect with potential employers.

The course also contains a cultural component that includes opportunities for local elders to participate in sharing knowledge. Additionally, supports to ensure students can get the most out of class include the provision of meals and childcare. 

Registration is open to 15 people who are unemployed or underemployed and self-identify as Indigenous, Metis or Inuit. The course begins March 1 with an orientation class and the in-class component will commence later in the month.

Contact:

Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer, CSTC: 250-617-3862, communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

“On behalf of the CSTC Staff and Board of Directors, thank you for taking time to join us, we appreciate that many, if not all communities have pressing priorities and matters to attend. This online format seems to be the new standard of outreach and engagement.” – CSTC Tribal Chief Mina Holmes

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the AGA was held online for the first time, allowing members to attend from their homes and communities. This initiative was intended to assist with social distancing and to avoid increasing the risk of infection during this global pandemic.

The eight-hour presentation was a success in large part due to CSTC staff and leadership, community members, sponsors and many contributors who joined us to share their knowledge as speakers.

Several resolutions were passed during the AGA. Because the volume of resolutions was higher than usual, which we are grateful for, and because we were not able to maintain quorum for the full length of time, some resolutions did not make it to the floor to be voted on. CSTC will inform the communities promptly on how this will be resolved and will also release the resolutions that were already voted on. Community engagement and access to information are high priorities for the Tribal Council, so we are working to ensure the remaining resolutions are handled with careful consideration. An AGA Report will be provided to the CSTC Board of Directors including resolutions and action items for the CSTC Tribal Chief and General Manager.

Tribal Chief Mina Holmes and General Manager John Lewis provided great insight into the many developments and accomplishments of CSTC in the last fiscal year, within which the CSTC member nations began to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, CSTC has continued to work tirelessly to serve the communities through projects funded by the Pathways Agreement 2.0, as well as some new initiatives designed to serve those in need of housing and access to food.

CSTC is also grateful for the contributions of Kym Gouchie, Camille Callison, Regional Chief Terry Teegee, Chief Clarence Louie, the Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Dr. Judith Sayers and Zandra Ross. Each of these contributors added their unique element of depth, inspiration, energy and wisdom to the AGA. Our theme, Resilience Through Unity: since time immemorial, was strengthened by all of their thoughtful words and care.

We thank our many sponsors for making this event possible and enriching it through the generosity of financial and material donations: Capri CMW Insurance Services, MNP Financial, Gowling WLG, Forest Eco System Solutions Ltd., TC Energy, Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance, Radloff & Associates, Royal Bank of Canada and Canfor. Because of you, CSTC was able to create an unforgettable experience during our 38^th Annual General Assembly.

Finally, CSTC thanks each and every community member who made the time to engage with us through this event. All of the work we do here at CSTC is for the benefit of members and it is our pleasure to report to you and to hear your feedback whenever possible.

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CSTC member nations have witnessed the apathy and inaction of RCMP in response to acts of violence towards the Mi’kmaq people. It is the responsibility of the federal government to immediately ensure Canadian laws that protect treaty rights to earn a living from fishing are enforced.

The escalating events in the Atlantic lobster fishery dispute are further revealing a deeply flawed standard of justice that is fueled by systemic racism.

Immediate action from the highest level of government must be taken as those inciting hatred and fear have instilled and perpetuated an environment of lawlessness and little action has been taken to prosecute this criminal behavior.

CSTC works hard to build on promises of reconciliation from all levels of government and continues to support meaningful progress and respect for the rights, title and jurisdiction of it member First Nations. We stand in solidarity with Mi’kmaq communities and call on the federal government to exercise its power in upholding the constitution.

(Unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, B.C. – Sept. 3, 2020) — Carrier Sekani Tribal Council usually conducts its research on endangered white sturgeon by sourcing Sockeye salmon to use as bait from the Lheidli T’enneh or Stellako First Nations. But salmon returns are so low this year, there isn’t enough salmon to use as bait without getting it from the grocery store. It’s a symbol of just how endangered the runs are. CSTC Fisheries Program Manager Christina Ciesielski had no choice but to purchase 30 kilograms of salmon from Save-On-Foods, in order to attract juvenile sturgeon to be studied.

“It felt criminal that we’re buying these food-grade fish from a corporation to catch an endangered species that we’re studying — when there’s people in our communities who are starving. That could have fed members of our communities,” says Ciesielski.

CSTC values its ability to trade for or buy the salmon from neighbouring First Nations. “We do it to help each other out,” says Ciesielski. “We’re First Nations and we want to support other First Nations groups. It’s what people used to do and we want to keep that alive.”

The Early Stuart Sockeye Run has been reduced to a fraction of its historical peak numbers from 500,000 salmon to what’s estimated to be 16,000 this year. The Late Stuart Run and part of the Summer Run (Stellako) are also low this year at 55,000, down from a historical peak of over 1.6 million and about half the 2015 return numbers.

Ciesielski says that without rapid investment from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to train CSTC’s member nations to run new hatcheries in their communities, those numbers won’t improve.

A recent study (2009, Levy et al.) by the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFFCA) shows that high water, high temperatures and other migration conditions have played a big part in the decline of the Early and Late Stuart Sockeye runs. Adding to that the recent Big Bar landslide and a multitude of factors in the ocean all contributing to devastating returns.

Social Development Manager of Qualifications 
 
Temporary 
 
Education / Experience: • Degree in Social Development, Social Science or another relevant field • Minimum of 2 years’ relevant management experience in the area of social development and project management • Practical knowledge and experience in the management, planning, implementation and evaluation of community-based projects • Possess a valid drivers’ license and reliable transportation • Experience in working with First Nations Communities  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered 

Major Accountabilities: • Develop, manage and ensure successful execution of the client’s social development programs • Supervise and ensure the coordination and integration of the social development activities  • Establish the applicant eligibility for admission into the Stellat’en First Nation Social Assistance Program • Provide effective and efficient administration of the Basic Support and Shelter Assistance component of the Social Assistance Program by: calculating Old Age Security Social Assistance support and allowance rates; submitting a monthly list of all client basic support and shelter assistance calculations; and completing budget and decision sheets  • Band representative with Ministry of Children and Family Development • Provide effective and efficient administration of the Special Allowances component of the Social Assistance Program through explaining Incentive Allowance Contract terms and conditions and administering these contracts; liaising with local employers and community service program administrators; assessing clients to determine eligibility for special needs allowance; submitting all special allowance applications to Band Administrator • Provide effective and efficient administration of the Assisted Living component of the Social Assistance Program by establishing financial eligibility of applicants for adult-in-home-care services; ensuring monthly Homemaker Service statements of accounts are submitted and reconciled with timesheets; liaising with the Community Health Representative regarding clients; submitting monthly Assisted Living Report & Approval forms to ISC • Provide effective and efficient financial management of the Social Assistance Program by liaising with other program field workers; investigating and reviewing social assistance financial decision complaints; and developing annual social assistance program budgets for submission to ISC • Maintain client records and files • Liaise with Education Coordinator to develop training programs • Use project management tools to manage and report on social development projects • Coordinate the social development activities carried out  • Provide guidance and mentorship to facilitate the professional development of the social development team • Work with the Band Administrator and Finance Officers for implementation plans and budgets for social development initiatives • Evaluate, prioritize and monitor implemented social development projects • Promote and maintain positive relations with the Stellat’en First Nation community and other local communities and government agencies, community-based organizations and other stakeholders in order to ensure their involvement in social development initiatives • Promote the active participation of the Stellat’en First Nation community in the design, implementation and management of social development projects • Carry out research and relevant studies relating to social development as required • Handle public relations associated with corporate social responsibility, social development and community relations • Open to learning and ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions • Perform other duties as required 
 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Proven report writing skills • Strong analytical and planning skills  • Superior organizational skills • Effective teamwork and networking abilities • Ability to multi-task and meet high pressure demand and tight deadlines • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills • Excellent time management and stress management skills • Effective listening communication skills • Strong computer skills including the ability to operate spreadsheets and word processing programs at a highly proficient level • Knowledge of client files and record management • Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations • Familiar with ISC Social Assistant Program policies and procedures • Strong knowledge of the Stellat’en First Nation culture and traditions 

Community Futures of Fraser Fort George is currently seeking a dynamic and energetic individual to join their team as a LEAP Project Assistant. This role of the Projects Assistant is to act as assistant and social media co-ordinator for the LEAP project coordinator.
 
The Leadership & Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (LEAP) is designed to assist women to break down barriers that are holding them back from starting or expanding their business, taking their place as leaders, or moving into male dominated sectors.  
 
Community Futures was established by the Federal Government in 1985 as a community-based economic renewal initiative. Our main objectives are to help rural Canadians start or expand a business and to help sustain and improve communities and their local economies. Locally, Community Futures Fraser Fort George serves the communities of Mackenzie, Prince George, McBride, Valemount and surrounding rural areas.

Requirements: 

This position is required to work 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday; however, may require some flexibility in accommodating work outside of regular hours or on weekends.
The service area of this position includes all of the Fraser Fort George region, as such travel may berequired 
The incumbent is expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the CFBC Core Values and QualityStandards

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Project Assistant is responsible for assisting the LEAP Project Co-ordinator in planning, delivering and reporting on the LEAP Project or other new projects as they emerge. The core duties of the Project Assistant are, but are not limited to:

Project Assistance:

• Coordination and facilitation of workshops and community events;
• Graphic design, marketing and promotion of LEAP programs & events;
• Social media marketing on 3 different platforms;
• Purchase and development of social media advertising;
• Development and maintenance of social media advertising budget;
• Delivery of a social media analytics report;
• Preparation of reports for internal and external stakeholders, including CFDC Board of Directors project funders, project partners, and community stakeholders;
• Delivery of internal Community Futures Fraser Fort George training workshops;
• Work with the other team members where and when required;
• Ensures that CF FFG is presented in a positive manner in all public relations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Demonstrated experience as a social media marketer or similar role;
• Background in marketing, graphic design and social marketing will be considered an asset;
• Demonstrated communication and workshop facilitation skills;
• Must be familiar with Microsoft programs, including Office 365, and online delivery platforms (such as Zoom);
• Strong organizational skills, including multitasking and time management;
• Knowledge of event coordination, marketing, grant writing and reporting;
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license are required.

How to Apply:

Forward resume along with cover letter via email to: Susan Stearns, General Manager    email:  susans@cfdc.bc.ca
 
Closing Date: June 17, 2020 at 5:00pm

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Human Resources Management including, conducting staff meetings, personnel management, training and orientating new staff, drafting contracts, managing timesheets and payroll, administrating performance reviews, and solving disputes.  Conduct teambuilding workshops and activities and providing guidance and mentorship to staff. • Supervise all programs and services administered by WFN including assisting program managers, coordinators, and staff in preparing reports and writing proposals.  Encourage staff to develop their programs to fulfill and exceed our responsibilities to membership, including out of community members. • Ensure policy and procedures are followed by staff, council and chain of command • Ensure all budgets are being followed and financial statements are prepared monthly and work closely with the Finance Officer.  Ensuring all required reporting to Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and organizations that provide services and programs to WFN.   • Promote Wet’suwet’en culture, language and values in our programs and services. • Respond to and listen to community members’ concerns and advocate on their behalf by giving them direction and ensuring their concerns are dealt with appropriately and respectfully. • Prepare media releases and assist Chief and Council with communications with other First Nations, Hereditary Governments and Non-Wet’suwet’en Governments. • Attend Finance Council Meetings, Community Members Meetings and other meetings as required. • Review all incoming mail and direct to appropriate person with direction for follow up. • Conduct short- and long-term strategic planning for WFN • Draft a work plan with deliveries and deadlines
 
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: • Knowledge of Wet’suwet’en governance, history, culture and traditional values, mandatory. • Knowledge of Wet’suwet’en (Carrier) language an asset.
• A minimum of 5 years combination of education, skills and experience in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Proposal Writing and Fundraising. • Demonstrated experience in CMHC and AANDC housing/Infrastructure policies and procedures and other AANDC programs and services. • Knowledge of UNDRIP, Indigenous Rights and Titles as well as thorough understanding of methods of decolonization, self-determination and Indigenous governance. • Excellent interpersonal and team management skills; problem solving skills, conflict resolution • Experience in community development and governance/organizational reform and the ability to provide progressive policy advice to the Chief, Council, Community Members and Staff. • A proven track of record of financial accountability and transparency. • Can demonstrate them to be respected by the indigenous community, participate in community events and potlatches. • Ability to write business reports, press releases, presentations and other documents. • Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality.
 
WAGE RANGE: Wages to commensurate with education and experience.
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Until position is filled 
 
Please submit cover letter and updated resume with (3) written references pertaining to the General Manager to the address below:
 
ATTENTION: Chief Maureen Luggi WET’SUWET’EN FIRST NATION #21 Tom Drive PO Box 760 Burns Lake, BC    V0J 1E0 Fax: (250) 698-7480 Email: wfnchief@lakescom.net
 
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
 
ONLY THOSE THAT ARE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

• Access COVID-19 Provincial Support
• Access BC Government News
• Access COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is working closely with First Nations partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada, other departments such as Heath Canada, Public Safety and provincial and territorial counterparts to protect the health and safety of First Nations and support First Nations communities in responding to public health threats, including COVID-19.

To read the full version please click the links below.

English version: Self Screening Tool – visitors and returning members to communities_0403

Version français: Outil d’auto-observation – visteurs et membres revenant dans la communauté