đ Gitsegukla Band Council Winter Update & Christmas Message đ
As the year ends, weâre excited to share updates and spread holiday cheer!
âš Highlights from 2023:
đ Christmas Distribution Info:
đ On-Reserve Members: Ensure your address and banking info are up-to-date!
đ Off-Reserve Members: Apply by filling out and emailing back!
Off-Reserve Application – Ensure to attach your Proof of Address with this email!
đ§ Need help? Email: veronica.milton@gitsegukla.net
Thank you for being part of this amazing community. Wishing you all a safe, joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
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Gitsegukla is nestled in Kitimat-Stikine B as shown below, and a Fire of Note has been detected across the Skeena near our home. As we know right now, there is no cause for evacuation concerns as there are no alerts from Emergency Management BC. The Tech Coordinator has put together this contact information blog post out of concern for our Community Preparedness. It will be updated as more announcements come in, so please bookmark this page to keep all information in one place.
July 14, 2023: A Statement made by Gitsegukla Band Council will be made into a downloadable PDF at the bottom.
Please follow Gitsegukla First Nation on Facebook and Share this blog post at the bottom of the page!
Come to the band office for help printing out any of the available resource PDFs and planning with our receptionist!
The Province has declared State of Emergency for the Stikine region (pictured below)
Please share this blog post on Facebook using the Gitsegukla First Nation post at the bottom of the page. While this post is aimed at Gitsegukla Band Members, there are many people who can benefit from this information where all resources currently available are shared as one post!
Prepare a Grab & Go Bag – Remember to periodically check and update the contents of your grab-and-go bag to ensure everything is in working order, medications are not expired, and supplies are well-stocked.
Each house member should have a “grab-and-go”, including your pets!
Please message Gitsegukla First Nation if you need to be admitted into the group!
Members of Gitsegukla, British Columbia can share public posts by:
đAttention Post-Secondary Applicants That Missed April 30th Deadline: Applications are still being accepted! đ
The 2023 school year is just around the corner, starting in September. That means, if you’re aiming for a college degree, vocational training, or a short-term course, we’ve got some important information to share about post secondary sponsorship. Keep reading to stay in the loop!
đ Application Deadline: The deadline for post secondary sponsorship applications was on April 30th! Why that date, you ask? Well, that gives our Education Coordinator the time they need to submit the budget to Indigenous Services Canada for the year. Don’t worry if you missed it! There’s still a chance to apply – any surplus left after considering applications received before April 30th means yours may still be considered.
đ What to Include in Your Application:
đ« Public Institutions Preferred: It’s important to note that public institutions will be considered first! A public college might charge around $6500 for a year-long cooking program, while private colleges can exceed $20,000. By focusing on public institutions, we can stretch our resources and support as many of our members as possible. Win-win! đ
đ Short-Term Courses: Interested in short-term courses? Be sure they have the necessary credentials! To give an example, a security training program (BST) must be approved by a provincially recognized authority, such as the Justice Institute of BC. That way, you can be confident that you’re receiving top-notch instruction and credentials.
For more Information, Contact Joe by
Phone: 250-849-8451
Email: jsampare@geschool.ca
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Summer is just around the corner, and for students, that means it’s time to start thinking about summer job opportunities.
Before you apply, make sure to take some time to properly format and update your resume. Your resume is your chance to showcase your skills and experiences, so make sure to highlight your strengths and tailor your application to the job requirements.
You can update and print your resume with Donna Alexcee at the Band Office.
Joe Sampare is also at the Learning Centre, were you can update your resume.
Interviews are likely to be scheduled on the next Pro-D day, which is May 26th. To be considered for the summer student program, you must submit your resume to the Learning Centre before May 24th.
Keep in mind that this program is open to students between the ages of 15-30, and you must be a current or returning student in September.
By participating in the summer student program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and make connections that could benefit you in the future.
Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in your field of study or just want to gain some transferable skills, this program can help you achieve your goals.
Are you considering pursuing a post-secondary education, but feel overwhelmed by the application process? Or maybe you’re ready to take the leap but need some support along the way. Whatever the case may be, we’re here to help.
The Gitsegukla Education Department’s Sponsorship Program is a fantastic opportunity to receive financial support for your post-secondary education. And with the application deadline quickly approaching on May 10th, it’s essential to act fast.
Joe Sampare, our Learning Coordinator, is available at Gitsegukla Learning Centre, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Joe is ready to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about Post-Secondary funding. He can assist you in completing your application, and provide necessary paperwork to ensure that your college application fee is covered, if needed.
Even if you’re not sure when or where you’ll attend college, it’s never too early to start the application process.
By completing an application now, we can work on securing funding for you, so you can focus on making the best decision for your education.
At our Education Department, we believe that education is a valuable investment in your future, and we want to support you in any way we can. So don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with our Coordinator. Let’s work together to make your post-secondary dreams a reality.
Email: jsampare@geschool.ca
Phone: 250-849-8451
Facebook: Gitsegukla Learning Centre
Starting on April 17, 2023, Tea Creek will offer Paid Training Program opportunities for individuals interested in gaining new skills and knowledge.
For more information & registration see:
Register: https://www.teacreek.ca/training-signup
Call toll-free: 1-833-784-3737
Or email: training@teacreek.ca
Simpcw & Gitsegukla First Nation Sign Historic Declaration to Recognize, Respect and Stand-up each Nationâs Child Welfare Jurisdiction
PRESS RELEASE
PRINCE GEORGE – The Simpcw First Nation (Simpcw) and Gitsegukla First Nation (Gitsegukla) came together today in ceremony, drumming and songs to sign a Declaration that signifies a commitment to recognize each nationâs inherent jurisdiction for their children and families.
A solemn commitment to KnucwentwĂ©cw (âto help each otherâ), and, hlimoo gwalkâa (âto help allâ) for the wellbeing and best interests of our Simpcw K weskâwsĂ©ltkten (âFamiliesâ), and Gitsegukla will ânaa tâahl (âFamiliesâ) is enshrined in the co-created Declaration. In keeping with traditional practice, Gitsegukla traded sockeye salmon for Simpcwâs TcwesĂ©tmentem (âWalking Togetherâ) Agreement â the only legally binding child welfare agreement of its kind in British Columbia.
âI am filled with a deep sense of happiness remembering our Simgigyet (Hereditary Chiefs) who fought bravely in the face of great adversity for our children and familyâs jurisdiction that the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed in the landmark Delgamuukw-Gisday wa decision.â said Chief Annie Howard, Gitsegukla (Wiistiin). âWe honour them
through the exercise of our traditional trade and enter this Declaration to self-determine how we will work with other Nations based on our Ayook (laws) for the well-being and best interests of our children and families.â
âSimpcw has been developing our Yecwemintem re kwseltkten-kt (âLooking After Our Relations/Peopleâ) law through a comprehensive membersâ engagement process that included discussions concerning Canadaâs âConflictâStronger Tiesâ provision that our Elders immediately recognized sets up fights between Nations when we have
children with ancestral belonging to two Nations, or, if a Simpcw family resides in another Nationsâ territory,â said Kukpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau, Simpcw. âOur Elders instructed us to go work with other Nations and develop an agreement that sets out our own self-determined path forward, which today we have achieved.â
âMy husband is a Gitanmaax community member, and my children have connections to both my Simpcw community, and to the Gitxsan Nation through their father,â said Alison Green, Simpcw Councillor. âIt is especially important to me that my children and family have connections to both Nations and opportunities to learn, practice and enjoy both cultures and spend time on both territories. I am extremely excited to bring our Simpcw Youth to Gitsegukla to participate directly in the salmon harvest that was what brought us together.â
Toby Howard, Simoghet Xsgogimlaxhae shared, âI was groomed in the traditional ways and learned from my parents who took me on the land, and to the Feasts where the hosts knew where to put you, why you were there; that is where our ways are passed along. We are born into our Motherâs Clan and our Fatherâs Clan has responsibilities. Government doesnât understand or respect our ways, this Ceremony is what needs to happen to strengthen our old ways, how we do things for a long time, itâs good to see it come back to life again.â
Original Press Release March 20, 2023: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/nations-in-british-columbia-sign-agreement-to-take-over-jurisdiction-of-child-welfare/
Are you looking to find an awesome career? Where do you start? The Gitanmaax 9th annual Get Connected Career Fair is the perfect opportunity for you to meet with funding agencies, education institutions, and local employers.
The fair is design to help you find a career path that matches your skills. Learn how to use these resources to start planning for your future.
The Gitanmaax Career Fair will provide you with the chance to talk to professionals in your field of interest, and network with potential employers. You will have the opportunity to learn about different career paths, and gather valuable information about what it takes to succeed in your chosen field. If you have any questions, ask!
The Bus leaves the Gitsegukla Learning Centre at 12:00 PM, that way you to can ride with your friends to attend the Career Fair.
After a productive and informative day, the bus returns to the community at 3:30 PM. This gives you plenty of time to reflect on your new insights and plan your next steps while getting ready for the Dance @ 6:30! (See below)
After the Career Fair, there will be a few hours to get ready for the dance in Gitanmaax.
The Bus leaves the Gitsegukla Learning Centre at 6:30 PM and will return at 10:30PM.
You’ll be meeting local businesses and other representatives of meaningful career paths. Find out how you can build your employability skills.
The DJ Dance after will be a great way to wind down after an informative day. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network, attend the Gitanmaax Career Fair and start building your future!
Follow the Learning Centre, Gitsegukla First Nation on Facebook, and save our LinkTree to stay updated!
Call the Learning Centre: 250-849-8451, Contact Us, or Email Joe if you have any questions or concerns regarding the bus.
Regarding the Career Fair, call Pansy Wright Simms at 250-842-5297.
January 31, 2023: Gov of Canada Announced Decriminalization of Certain Opioids for Personal Use. Read GBC’s Response Here | Good Food Box & Salvation Army Hampers: Monday, February 13th * Have your totes at the gym before Friday, February 10th * |
Renewal Slips Due: Friday, February 3rd Income Assistance is released: Wednesday, February 15th | Heather Barnes @ Band Office: Wednesday, February 8th from 1-4 PM Book an appointment with Reception. Call Heather before booking in town. |
Book your Dental Hygiene services – Every Tuesday. Email: Marlene.Araujo@fnha.ca or Call the Health. | Upcoming for IA Clients: Building Service Worker Program (Feb 6-10) Contact: Memory Brown by Email, Phone ext 235, or Toll-Free |
The Band, Health and Education will be closed: February 20th for BC Day | Upcoming Dates and Notices from Learning Centre: Career Fair & Dance, HSS Course Selection Dates, Grad Mailing List, Other News… PG 10 |
Full-Time Job Posts: Bus Driver, Water Tester, Wellness Worker, Principal, General Labourer, Language & Culture Teacher | Casual Job Posts: School Cook, Custodian, Health Receptionist, Personal Care Aide, Band Office Receptionist |
CRA Notice: One-Time $500 Canada Housing Benefit Learn More Apply online with CRA – if unable to apply online Call Toll-Free | Follow Gitsegukla First Nations, Learning Centre, and Health Centre on FB. |
We are currently working on a new Membership Website Portal at Council’s request in 2022. In the meantime, a LinkTree has been setup to better navigate our current web design. Save the Linktree by using the button below. It will bring up a popup to save this to your Bookmarks.
Dear Community Members,
We would like to share with you some important updates regarding the recent decriminalization of personal possession of certain illegal drugs in British Columbia.
Effective January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2026, adults (18 years and older) in B.C. will not be arrested or charged for possessing small amounts of opioids, crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA for personal use.
The Health Canada exemption is effective from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2026 and decriminalizes:
It is important to note that this decriminalization does not give anyone the right to sell or distribute drugs in the community.
The possession of drugs, including those covered by the exemption, remains illegal such as on school grounds, around the gym during special events
The Band Council is aware of the legal changes and is actively taking steps to protect the community by amending policies and by-laws to address these changes.
We are closely monitoring this situation and taking action to protect our community by updating our policies and by-laws.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone is aware of the legal changes while also keeping a watchful eye on drug trafficking in the village.
We encourage all Community Members to take advantage of the Health and Social services that are available to you.
Please also be mindful of the continued illegal status of drug trafficking and possession of more than 2.5 grams of these drugs.
Sincerely,
The Gitsegukla Band Council
Read Full Official Notice Here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/decriminalization
Download Council’s Notice Below
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