CLBC Aboriginal Advisor Donna Good Water

Community Sessions: Consulting with the Aboriginal Community

Aboriginal peoples are culturally, geographically, economically and socially diverse. However, they share a common need to access resources and services for people CLBC supports.

CLBC wants to increase awareness of, and access to, culturally appropriate, safe supports and services for Aboriginal peoples in a way that recognizes the importance of Aboriginal tradition, the knowledge and experience of communities, and the issues that impact Aboriginal people.

In February and March 2010, CLBC will be holding consultation sessions throughout BC inviting Aboriginal people with developmental disabilities or individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) with significant limitations in adaptive functioning, self-advocates, family members, elders, community members, service providers, leaders, youth and CLBC staff.

The sessions will include discussions on the needs and challenges of Aboriginal adults with these special needs, and how CLBC can better develop connections with Aboriginal communities. There will also be a chance to learn about the services CLBC funds in communities.

Through the sessions, CLBC will gather feedback and recommendations regarding gaps, needs and services.

There is no cost to attend. People interested in attending a session are asked to pre-register so organizers can ensure the number of people can be accommodated. The registration form can be found on the CLBC website under What We Do > Aboriginal Initiative. For more information on these sessions, please contact Donna Good Water, CLBC Aboriginal Advisor, at Donna.Good.Water@gov.bc.ca.

Join us at these sessions:

March 2 - Kamloops
9:00am - 3:00pm
Kamloops Henry Grube Centre

March 4 - Lytton
9:00am - 3:00pm
Lytton Memorial Hall

March 5 - Kelowna
9:00am - 3:00pm
Kelowna Friendship Centre

March 15 - Duncan
9:00am - 3:00pm
Quw’stsun’ Cultural and
Conference Centre

March 16 - Vancouver
9:00am - 3:00pm
Vancouver Aboriginal
Friendship Centre Society

March 17 - Chilliwack
9:00am - 3:00pm
Sto’lo Nation
Government House

March 22 - Terrace
9:00am - 3:00pm
Terrace Nisga’a Society
Community Room

March 24 - Prince George
9:00am - 3:00pm
Prince George Native
Friendship Centre

March 26 - Fort St. John
9:00am - 3:00pm
Royal Canadian Legion
Branch #102