Aboriginal People

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) is an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada program that maximizes Aboriginal people’s participation in the economy through business development.
ABC works with a network of 54 Aboriginal Financial Institutions, including Aboriginal Capital Corporations, Aboriginal Community Futures Development Corporations and other Aboriginally-owned or controlled lending institutions.
These organizations act as developmental lenders (providing loans to enterprises that are not yet ready to secure business loans successfully from banks) and offer business advisory services.
Some of these organizations have diversified their operations and act as third-party delivery agents for the Aboriginal Business Canada program, primarily in rural and remote communities.

Aboriginal Tourism BC offers many ways to discover Aboriginal culture throughout British Columbia. See Canadian aboriginal artists carving a totem pole, explore our traditional lands and waters with an Aboriginal guide, or enjoy and experience Aboriginal dance and music performances.

The Okanagan-Sylix Nation’s traditional history portrays a picture of the people active in their daily lives hunting, fishing and gathering roots and berries throughout their traditional territory. It was traditionally a semi-nomadic life taken to moving camp seasonally on the land and rivers from one activity to the next. Evidence of the Okanagan people’s activities in their territory is displayed through (1) artifacts found in favored areas such as the Columbia River where the people made camp, hunted, fished, gathered roots and berries, prepared food and socialized by telling stories in the form of (2) chaptilkw and playing stick games.
Read more by visiting our website.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. The AFN represents all citizens regardless of age, gender or place of residence.

B.C. Elders Communication Center Society strives to be a positive way for the Aboriginal Elders of British Columbia to gain strength from the greater community; their family and friends who live throughout all of the traditional territories that make up British Columbia. "All my relations" is a phrase Elders use to refer to all of their peers.

The Treaty Commission is the independent and neutral body responsible for facilitating treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC.

First Nations have continuing rights stretching back to time out of mind. Treaties will bring certainty to land ownership and jurisdiction for all British Columbians.

The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network Inc. (CAAN) is a non-profit coalition of individuals and organizations which provides leadership, support, and advocacy for Aboriginal people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, regardless of where they reside.

On November 24th and 25th of 2005, representatives of the Government of Canada and all First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities met in Kelowna, B.C. The two-day conference resulted in a signed agreement – one that promised to redraw the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous peoples forever. The Kelowna Accord laid out a framework within which Aboriginal needs for better education systems, health care, housing and development would be met.
Kelowna was but a single step. It did not promise to eradicate the deeply-ingrained historic disadvantages still faced by Canada’s Aboriginal people. However, it generated a confidence unknown to Aboriginal people for centuries. It appeared as if Canada was truly ready to confront its most salient social failure. This was to be a new beginning.

That optimism was dashed in the weeks following Stephen Harper’s election. His Conservative government disavowed the promises made in the Kelowna Accord. Without ever questioning its value, PM Harper has simply said “no”.

But the Accord is not defeated. For the first time in history, Canadians have an opportunity to assert their will with regards to our Aboriginal people. Canadians have an opportunity to ensure that past and present injustices be addressed. With Kelowna, Canadians have been given a singular and cohesive document to rally around.

We can demand that our reputation for fairness, equality, and empathy be earned. We can demand the Kelowna Accord.

To provide culturally appropriate on-site community based HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease education and training to Aboriginal communities, organizations, and professionals within BC.

Until the mid-1800’s, our forefathers, the ancestors of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation, were nomadic: following the seasons and sources of food and moving from place to place to occupy fishing sites and to harvest berries and native plants. In their travels, our ancestors met other indigenous native people of different speech and cultural practices.

The En'owkin Centre is an Indigenous cultural, educational and creative arts institution located in Penticton, BC, which offers university/college transfer diplomas and certificate programs. Our Centre is comprised of highly qualified educators who are also professional artists and writers, facilitators and Indigenous advocates. The En'owkin Centre provides a culturally sensitive learning environment in a nurturing and challenging atmosphere.

As of January 5th 2005, 51% of children removed from their homes and placed in foster care have Aboriginal status. Although there has been an increased effort to place children in homes within their community, the fact is there are simply not enough homes available. More then ever, we need caring, culturally sensitive adults who are able and willing to provide safe, secure and happy homes to Aboriginal children.
Foster care is a temporary arrangement. The goal is to return children to their families when the necessary physical, mental, social and spiritual supports have been established. Foster care provides quality care to children, and time for their parents to prepare for the child’s return. Because 80% of children will be reunited with their families, foster parents often have an on-going relationship with the child's family, extended family and cultural community.
The Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents does not process foster parent applications, however we can offer education, assistance and support throughout the application process and throughout your time as a caregiver.

Developed in a spirit of friendship, the goal of this directory is to promote understanding between First Nations and non-First Nations peoples. It is hoped too that First Nations will find it useful for intercommunication. Initially, this directory took a full six months to put together and is now a continuing project... If I had to describe First Nations Seeker in one word, it'd be "complicated".

In October, 1990, leaders of First Nations met with the Prime Minister of Canada and then with the Premier and Cabinet of British Columbia urging the appointment of a tripartite task force to develop a process for modern treaty negotiations in BC. The federal and provincial governments agreed and on December 3rd, 1990, the BC Claims Task Force was established by agreement of the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, and representative leadership of the First Nations.

First Nations University of Canada was established in 1976 as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) through a federated partnership with the University of Regina. The University is independently administered offering post-secondary education in a culturally supportive First Nations’ environment.

The mandate of Healing Our Spirit is to prevent and reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS and provide care, treatment and support services to Aboriginal peoples infected and affected by HIV/AIDS

Our organization provides the membership to our aboriginal families.

The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is a non-profit organization working with/for First Nations people, but our doors and our programs are open to everyone. The society was created to meet the needs of the First Nations people in Kelowna and surrounding area. We meet these needs by providing social, educational, healing and celebratory programs that help people to enhance their lifestyle and we encourage all First Nations people to retain their heritage. Newspaper clippings and information available on housing and employment opportunities are posted daily for your information. We have on file a list of social services agencies and non-profit organizations in the community.

The National Indian And Inuit Community Health Representatives Organization - A Board of Directors composed of 20 members representing all regions of Canada and who hold office for two years.

OKANAGAN ABORIGINAL AIDS SOCIETY - Meeting the needs of the Okanagan Aboriginal Communities; Providing Education, Advocacy & Support concerning HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.
The Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society (OAAS) has been providing services to and for people in the Okanagan Valley with Aboriginal ancestry since 1999. We have a volunteer of board of directors where all but one are of Aboriginal descent and an Acting Executive Director who volunteers hundreds of hours every year to keep the Society running.

The Okanagan Indian Band is part of the Okanagan Nation, which is comprised of 7 Indian Bands, including; Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Upper Nicola Indian Band and the Okanagan Indian Band.
The Okanagan Indian Band is located at the head of Okanagan Lake in Vernon, BC, and totals 11,282 hectares. There are currently about 1688 Okanagan Indian Band members. Approximately half of our members reside on reserve while the other half resides off reserve. The Okanagan Indian Band offers a variety of services and facilities including health care, social services, and early childhood education to name a few.

We, the M'eacutetis, are a people of the lands which gave rise to our history, tradition and culture. We call these lands the M'eacutetis Homelands. These Homelands stretch from the lakes and rivers of Ontario, across the wide prairies, traversing the mountains into British Columbia and into the Northwest Territories. They include the hills and valleys of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. These are our lands. They are M'eacutetis lands of our past, which nurture us today and which we value as the precious foundation of our future. As M'eacutetis who live in the Homelands, we hold it to be a fundamental truth that we are one of the Aboriginal peoples of the Americas. As M'eacutetis people we joined together long ago to form a new nation , a distinct nation , which Louis Riel called the “M'eacutetis Nation”. The M'eacutetis Nation continues today to be the embodiment of our past, our present, and our hopes and aspirations for the future.

Since time immemorial, the history of the Okanagan began, long before the arrival of the Europeans.
Traditionally, Okanagans (syilx) occupied an area which extended over approximately 69 000 square kilometers. The northern area of this territory was close to the area of Mica Creek, just north of modern day Revelstoke, BC, and the eastern boundary was Kootenay Lake. The southern boundary extended to the vicinity of Wilbur, Washington and the western border extended into the Nicola Valley.

The Osoyoos Indian Band has a strong vision for its future and for the region. OIB's land base consists of over 32,000 acres of British Columbia's most beautiful land with stunning vistas, rich agricultural lands, and some of the last large tracts of desert lands left in Canada. As part of the Okanagan Nation, these are a strong, independent and proud people with a rich heritage. The Osoyoos Indian Band has always been progressive; from the early years of ranching, trading and small farms the people have continued to change with the times. Now, huge vineyards sprawl across these lands, businesses are being invited to call this home and the people have become business oriented. The Band manages businesses with annual budgets in excess of $l7 million dollars and administers its own health, social, educational and municipal services.
The Osoyoos Indian Band Membership is approximately 450, with the majority of the Band Members living on the Osoyoos Indian Reservation. Improvements and modernization are everywhere. During recent years new home construction on the reserve has been swift with growth matching the rest of the South Okanagan each year.

The Osoyoos Indian Band has a strong vision for its future and for the region. OIB's land base consists of over 32,000 acres of British Columbia's most beautiful land with stunning vistas, rich agricultural lands, and some of the last large tracts of desert lands left in Canada. As part of the Okanagan Nation, these are a strong, independent and proud people with a rich heritage. The Osoyoos Indian Band has always been progressive; from the early years of ranching, trading and small farms the people have continued to change with the times. Now, huge vineyards sprawl across these lands, businesses are being invited to call this home and the people have become business oriented. The Band manages businesses with annual budgets in excess of $l7 million dollars and administers its own health, social, educational and municipal services. The Osoyoos Indian Band Membership is approximately 450, with the majority of the Band Members living on the Osoyoos Indian Reservation. Improvements and modernization are everywhere. During recent years new home construction on the reserve has been swift with growth matching the rest of the South Okanagan each year.

Round Lake Treatment Centre is an accredited 36-bed alcohol and drug abuse treatment facility located on the Okanagan Indian Reserve near Vernon in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Programs in addictions treatment are offered to clients from throughout the province, with a focus on holistic healing and First Nations’ culture. It is situated in a private, park-like setting on the edge of scenic Round Lake.

Round Lake Treatment Centre is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through grants provided by First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (federal) and Interior Health Authority (provincial). Round Lake provides residential addictions treatment for persons in recovery.

the political and socio-economic concerns of Non-status aboriginals in British Columbia.
BCANSI formally changed its name to the United Native Nations Society (UNNS) in 1977 as a more accurate depiction of its membership (Status, Non-status and Metis). However the mandate of the Society continues to work toward the betterment of all Aboriginals living off reserve in BC.

The People of Upper Nicola Band, with unity and respect of our traditional values are creating the environment that promotes a higher quality of life for all: through responsibility, accountability, social health, education, and economic development.
Upper Nicola Band is a member tribe of the Okanagan Nation and our membership along with the elected leadership of our tribe are committed to working within the historical framework and relationships that have existed between our tribes and those of the other member bands of the Okanagan Nation.

Located in south central British Columbia, Canada, the Okanagan Valley is home to Westbank First Nation, one of seven native communities that belong to the Okanagan Nation. The Okanagan (syilx) traditional territories extend from the south central interior of B.C. to north central Washington State. The syilx are a division of the Interior Salish and speak the nsyilxcən language. They have inhabited the valley for thousands of years.
Westbank First Nation is comprised of five reserves totalling 5,306 acres. Tsinstikeptum Reserves 9 and 10 borders Okanagan Lake and are in close proximity to the City of Kelowna, one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. Recently awarded as the “#1 Place to do Business” in the Pacific Region of North America by a KPMG study, Kelowna ranked first among 121 comparable size cities from 11 countries.