One of the main principles of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is that, despite our differences, we will be stronger if we work together. The goal of the UBCIC is to support the work of our people, whether at the community, nation or international level, in our common fight for the recognition of our aboriginal rights and respect for our cultures and societies. Our goal, the goal of the people, has been to give the aboriginal people of BC a voice strong enough to be heard in every corner of the world. We have, and we continue, to carry out this mission in a number of different ways.
Another major principle behind our organization is the belief that knowledge is power. We are dedicated to information-sharing as well as to the fostering of fundamental and necessary research skills for Indian people in the province.
Our Mission
- to improve intertribal relationships through common strategies to protect our Aboriginal Title.
- to hold the federal government to its fiduciary obligations and have them change their extinguishment policy.
- to support our peoples at regional, national and international forums.
- to continue to defend our Aboriginal Title through the revival of our way of life (political, social, economic and spiritual).
- to build trust, honour and respect so we may achieve security and
liberty in our lifetime and continue the healing and reconciliation (decolonization) of our Nations.
First Nations Leadership Council Information Bulletin. January 9,2009: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/UBCICNews01200901.htm
Comments
we are oganizing national class action related to CFS. Our aboriginal leaders in Manitoba have no direction. Maybe you people can lead by example. I lived in Vancouver for 10years from 89-99, and I love all the great political things the UBIC has done over the years, standing up to oppression. We need your help here in Manitoba! Elsie Flette is tearing families apart by the thousands under the guidance of our Minister Gord Mackintosh!
Authorities Act and CFS Act of Manitoba, Unconstitutional to Status Indians Thursday, October 1, 2009 12:59 PM From: "jules greyeyes" <greyeyesj [at] yahoo [dot] com> Add sender to Contacts To: "Winnipeg Sun" <letters [at] wpgsun [dot] com> In the latest style of service by CFS (Devolution), mandates are rarely adhered to! I pointed out to one supervisor in a meeting with CFS that 10 of the 11 principles have "family" (he said to me quote "That doesn't mean anything!", but the important one which is determined solely by CFS "Best Interests of the Child" is exploited! Who are they to determine what's best for our children without parents having any input? Some CFS workers like rabid dogs are tearing families apart in record numbers explaining the sharp increase in child apprehensions! This in turn is the cry related to the "I Am a Witness Tribunal", put together by yours truly Elsie Flette (the Brainchild of Devolution), and her FNFCS where she sits atop as Chair of the Board. As I looked down the list as a proud supporter and seen my name, I figured well lets look at the rest of the site. I was shocked to see Elsie Flette Chairing this organization. I sent an email asking them immediately remove me! I said in the email quote "If you want more money do a better job!" ( I may have used an expletive). In any sector of society, job performance qualifies you for more money! In my many complaints by families about Agencies that are under the control of the Southern Authority, very few have been addressed. Not just the Southern Authority, but all the Authorities have their proportionate amount of horror stories! The biggest concern right now is the passing of responsibility and power around by the province washing their hands of any accountability! The Minister "fails to act" allowing the victimizing and mental/emotional torture of children and families to continue by CFS workers! The Province is enacted legislation, which is unconstitutional! An excerpt from The Authorities ActMINISTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND POWERS
Minister's responsibilities
24 The minister is responsible for the following:(a) setting provincial objectives and priorities for the provision of child and family services;
(b) establishing policies and standards for the provision of child and family services, including policies and standards relating to a child's safety and security that must include
(i) assessing risks to a child's life, health or emotional well-being in his or her present circumstances or any proposed placement, and
(ii) determining the nature and frequency of contact that an agency should have with a child to ensure that the child is safe and receiving appropriate services;
(c) monitoring and assessing how authorities carry out their responsibilities under this Act;
(d) allocating funding and other resources to authorities;
(e) providing support services to authorities;
(f) communicating to authorities the primary importance of a child's safety and security in the provision of child and family services and monitoring the oversight provided by authorities of agencies in this regard.
S.M. 2008, c. 33, s. 2.
Directions to authority
25 The minister may give directions to an authority for the purpose of(a) achieving provincial objectives and priorities;
(b) providing guidelines for the authority to follow in carrying out its responsibilities, duties and powers; and
(c) coordinating the work of the authority with the programs, policies and work of the government and others in providing child and family services.
Minister may provide services
26 Notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other Act or regulation, if the minister considers it is in the best interests of children and families to do so, the minister may(a) provide or arrange for the provision of child and family services in any area of the province, whether or not services are being provided in that area by an authority or agency; and
(b) do anything else the minister considers necessary to promote and ensure the provision of child and family services in the province.
Us "Status Indians" are a Federal responsibility not Provincial, and to fix the funding issue there needs to be National Child Welfare Legislation where the Feds assume control of child welfare, and directly negotiate with the AFN for money! Which in turn is dispersed to the communities. If the majority of children in care are Status Indians isn't it only logical to have Federal Standards, Legislation and funding? The Province is failing to act on many complaints that are flooding into me since the story on September 5 in the Winnipeg Free Press, the local CKY news, CTV National, and of course the Thunder Voice News August Issue. This is not a provincial problem, as the systemic abuse is widespread across the country! Look at the horrid statistics and actions of CFS in Ontario! 90 child deaths alone in 2007! The apprehension of special needs children affecting thousands earlier this decade and the subsequent class action by families as a result! I invite those families to join our National Class Action as the Federal Government needs to step in and take the bull by the horns. I also invite the Chiefs of our First Nations Community to stand up for our people together! Bottom line there needs to be accountability and transparency! Is confidentiality really protecting or helping CFS exploit, our children and families? I applaud the handing over of Child Welfare by the AMC to the SCO. Maybe the changes that need to be made will happen a lot sooner before more families are torn apart! Let's see the SCO push for Federal policy and funding related to child welfare! This would dissolve the Authorities and the lessen the burden of financial commitments of the Province, seeing only a small number less than 25% of children in care are of other descent (non Status). There's your funding formula. Let not our children be statistics to support the Province's push for more money through Elsie Flette! Jules Greyeyes - Northend Action Group 689 Magnis Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 2E1 ph: 204-282-6486contact me ok? I currently have to deal w/these women and i am outnumbered :(
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