Fraser Basin Council

On November 25 (11 am to noon), join the Fraser Basin Council for a free virtual learning lab to discuss wildfire resilience for renewable energy projects. Register today! Eric McKay, Prevention Coordinator and FireSmart BC Research Analyst at the BC Ministry of Forests, will present on the "FireSmart Critical Infrastructure Guide" and how it can be applied to renewable energy (solar and/or biomass) project sites. Come for this timely presentation & audience Q&A. The learning lab is part of the Renewable Energy Climate Adaptation Project (RECAP), led by the Fraser Basin Council in partnership with Natural Resources Canada and other key collaborators. The goal is to enhance the resilience of BC’s renewable energy systems, with a focus on solar and biomass energy. Register at https://lnkd.in/gsXj45JB!

Today we wrap up the First Nations and Local Government Land Use Planning Regional Workshop where we have had the privilege of being hosted at the beautiful Thunderbird Hall, on Wei Wai Kum Nation in Campbell River. Thank you to the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ people of the Wei Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations for the honour of hosting this workshop here, and to Wei Wai Kum Nation Chief Roberts for the warm welcome. Thank you to the First Nations Public Service Secretariat for partnering on this workshop, as well as the Fraser Basin Council for supporting the delivery. Thank you to Elders Dorman Joseph, Katie McKay, Lavern Henderson and Youth Witness Lyric John-Cliffe for witnessing this important work. Thank you also to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia, and FortisBC for your financial support. We could not have put on this program without you. Big shout out also to all our speakers and presenters: - Jen Greenway, - Wei Wai Kum Culture Group, - Gwen Bridge, - Darcy Lindberg, - Melissa Tokarek, - Ron Mattiussi, - Chief Ken Watts, - Chief Brandy Lauder, - Mayor Sharie Minions, - Aftab Erfan, and - Kerry Mehaffey Regional workshops for the Interior BC and Northern BC regions will take place in 2025 and 2026, so keep your eye out for registration details.

We are pleased to announce creation of the Chief Roy Mussell Bursary for Indigenous Youth, which honours the legacy of the Fraser Basin Council’s founding Vice-Chair. The bursary supports young Indigenous leaders in BC (aged 17-30) who are pursuing an educational course or studies program that will help them reach their goals to advance sustainability and/or reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the province. Please share! Applications for the 2024-2025 Bursary award are accepted now through November 29, 2024. https://lnkd.in/g6PAkgAN

The Fraser Basin Council Directors and staff offer our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Honourable Murray Sinclair, as we recognize his deep, abiding impact on Canada and all its people. Within a life devoted to equity and justice, Murray Sinclair chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In that role, he raised consciousness across the country, so that Canadians face the tragic history of Indian residential schools and take meaningful steps on the path to reconciliation. A sacred fire has been lit in his memory and a public memorial service has been announced for Sunday, Nov 10 in Winnipeg, a time for reflection. https://lnkd.in/gJw3s52j

The 2024 Mental Health and Addictions Symposium is next week in Prince George, November 13-14. This event is co-hosted by the NCLGA, City of Prince George, Lheidli T'enneh and Regional District of Fraser-Fort George — with strategic partnership services of the Fraser Basin Council. Take a look and register today! https://lnkd.in/gDHaatbb

Eligible First Nations in BC are reminded to connect with the Fraser Basin Council (caribou@fraserbasin.ca) if you have any questions about the First Nations Caribou Recovery Implementation Fund. November 15 is the deadline to send in proposals for the fall intake. https://bit.ly/4984JYb

Yes, register TODAY! This Land Use Planning Workshop has a packed agenda and a great speaker line-up. See the workshop brochure and registration information at the link below.

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! The workshop will begin with Jenelle Greenway leading the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop on November 12. Learn more about the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop: https://ow.ly/Upon50TVUWw Jenelle Greenway, a Two-Spirit Tahltan-Kaska writer, podcaster, and Indigenous Rights activist, will lead this session, focusing on decolonizing education and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and Settler communities. Her approach centers on creating inclusive spaces, guiding organizations in adopting reconciliatory practices, and offering tools for supporting the LandBack movement and Reconciliation. Through her work, Jenelle highlights the impact of lateral violence on creativity and performance, offering participants spiritual self-care techniques and insights into managing team dynamics. Bursaries available for First Nation staff. Register before Nov 4. https://ow.ly/3unx50TVUWx FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment

Our warm congratulations to Kristina Disney and Sean O’Rourke, recipients of the 2024 Elizabeth Henry Scholarship for Communities and Environmental Health! Take a look at the collaborative research projects they have underway. https://lnkd.in/gdKnVc26 Watch for the next call for applications in early 2025! 🖋

Financial assistance bursaries are available for First Nations staff to help offset registration costs of the LGMA Land Use Planning Regional Workshop. Anyone who meets the eligibility and experiences financial barriers accessing the workshop is strongly encouraged to apply! Connect with experienced practitioners and discover tools for shared land use practices. Find registration information and program eligibility on the LGMA website. https://ow.ly/EfE550TVUh3 In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) and with support of the Fraser Basin Council. FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #CapacityBuilding #FinancialAssistance #LGMA