IAC members, CLBC Board members, and staff visited a newly built home in Prince George that will support six individuals, including those eligible for CLBC services. Operated by AiMHi, the home will include Elder support from the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
People and partnerships were at the heart of a recent visit by CLBC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) and members of CLBC’s Board of Directors to service providers and community sites on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh in Prince George.
The visit in August fostered meaningful connections with individuals and organizations in Northern B.C. who are working to support Indigenous adults with developmental disabilities to live full, inclusive lives in their communities.
“This visit was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within our communities. When we come together to listen, share, and build relationships, we create space for culturally grounded supports that honour Indigenous ways of knowing,” said Sue Sterling-Bur, a proud member of the Nłeʔkepmx and Stó:lō Nations and IAC Chair. “I am proud of the work the IAC is doing to advocate and ensure Indigenous individuals with developmental disabilities are seen, heard, and supported in ways that honour their lived realities, distinct culture, and worldview.”
IAC and CLBC Board members shared perspectives on the Reimagining Community Inclusion Initiative, which empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives.
The IAC is made up of Indigenous individuals, families, and community members from across BC. Committee members provide culturally informed advice and identify strategies to CLBC’s Board to support improved services for Indigenous individuals with a developmental disability, and their families. The Committee also helps to strengthen relationships between CLBC staff and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations. Since its inception in 2012, the Committee has played a vital and unique role in CLBC’s governance and helped advance CLBC’s commitment to Reconciliation.
The Lheidli T’enneh are the people of the confluence of the Nechako and Lhtako (Fraser) rivers. During the visit, IAC members were honoured to receive several acknowledgements of the territory from Lheidli T’enneh Elders.
“The IAC’s time in Prince George reaffirmed the importance of walking alongside Indigenous communities in a spirit of respect and reciprocity,” said Joanne Mills, a member of Fisher River Cree Nation with ties to Skidegate and CLBC’s Vice President of Quality Services and Indigenous Relations. “CLBC is committed to learning from Indigenous partners and co-creating services that reflect their priorities. This is not just about improving programs—it’s about advancing reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.”
The Collins family—Rona Sterling Collins (IAC member), Wyatt Collins, and Don Collins—joined CLBC Board Chair Shane Simpson outside the Uda Dune Baiyoh – the House of Ancestors. Wyatt, Naka’pamux from the Nicola Valley, specializes in Abstract Expressionism and created two paintings for CLBC in tribute to Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The IAC and Board members met to share input into the next Reimagining Community Inclusion work plan. The initiative seeks to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead self-directed lives. Focus areas include housing, employment, and health services for Indigenous people, as well as research and innovation.
After initial meetings at the Uda Dune Baiyoh – House of Ancestors, the group toured the Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC). Executive Director Barbara Ward-Burkitt welcomed guests to the largest friendship centre in Canada. Barbara and her staff highlighted partnerships that support Indigenous individuals eligible for CLBC services. These include community inclusion, employment, housing, and supports for people with complex needs.
“CLBC continues its commitment to reconciliation by building partnerships with Indigenous communities across B.C. This employment project with PGNFC has strengthened collaboration, increased cultural awareness, and advanced inclusive supported employment,” said Annette Borrows, CLBC’s Manager of Services and Community Development.
Participants then visited several Prince George locations that support Indigenous people served by CLBC, including:
- House of Friendship – operated by PGNFC and offering global outreach;
- Ketso Yoh – operated by PGNFC and providing men’s programs;
- Youth Services Building – featuring cluster housing and outreach;
- Fraser Inn – offering low-barrier supportive housing; and
- Friendship Lodge – operated by PGNFC and providing mixed gender supportive apartment housing.
Meanwhile, CLBC Board members Shane Simpson (Chair), Diane Sugars, and Tanya Rothe visited a newly built staffed home for Indigenous women eligible for CLBC services. The home is part of a $1.8 million partnership between the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, AiMHi, and CLBC. AiMHi will operate the home, which will include an Elder’s guidance and a focus on land-based healing.
“CLBC’s Board is deeply committed to seeing reconciliation in action, and this visit clearly showed the many ways that Indigenous partners, service providers, and CLBC staff are working together to make that happen,” said Board Chair Shane Simpson. “The caring and dedication of service providers, individuals, families, and CLBC staff were evident throughout our visit, especially at this new home. We deeply appreciate those who have shared and continue to share their knowledge and perspectives. Reconciliation is a continuous process of listening, learning, and growing, and we are committed to the journey.”
Members of the IAC, CLBC Board, and staff toured the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, which receives CLBC funding to deliver services supporting inclusion, employment, housing, and complex needs for Indigenous individuals eligible for CLBC services.
The tour and meetings highlighted both progress and the ongoing journey to decolonize CLBC’s services and build respectful, reciprocal partnerships that benefit Indigenous individuals and communities.
“We’re still early in building trust with Nations. Formal agreements may come later, but for now, we’re focused on listening, showing up, and meeting Nations where they’re at,” said Frankie Abel who is Gitxsan from the Lax Seel (frog) Clan and Practice Advisor for the North on CLBC’s Indigenous Relations team. “Strong relationships will guide future partnerships, if and when Nations choose. Our priority is supporting First Nations’ sovereignty and ensuring they have a voice in planning for their citizens.”
“Working together with First Nations and Indigenous organizations offers us an opportunity to listen, learn, and co-create supports that reflect Indigenous values and priorities,” said Andrea Emmons, CLBC Service Area Manager for Northern BC.
CLBC extends heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organizations who welcomed the IAC and Board, shared knowledge, and showcased efforts to strengthen culturally safe and inclusive services for Indigenous individuals with developmental disabilities. We are deeply grateful for the perspectives that continue to guide our journey toward reconciliation and self-determination.
Pictured (left to right): Wendy Brophy (AiMHi CEO), Linus Lucas (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Elder), Sue Sterling-Bur (IAC Chair), Elder Vivian Francis (Lheidli T’enneh), Shane Simpson (CLBC Board Chair).
Elder Vivian Francis was one of many people from the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation who provided greetings and acknowledgements of the traditional territory during IAC meetings and tour stops.
The new home in Prince George for Indigenous women eligible for CLBC services is part of a $1.8 million partnership between the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, AiMHi, and CLBC.
