We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that Kardel’s programs and homes are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the many first nations who are the original caretakers of the land we call Vancouver Island.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Kardel humbly acknowledges the truth that Indigenous peoples in Canada have faced violence, racism and cultural genocide. We acknowledge the truth that the stories that have long been told of what happened at Residential Schools are true and that the impacts of what happened are profound and have a significant lasting generational trauma on the survivors and their families. We mourn the lost lives of so many children at these facilities. Kardel is committed to ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten.

Reconciliation cannot happen until we acknowledge this truth.

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we commit to identifying our individual and collective paths to Reconciliation. We will seek to create safe places where Indigenous Persons have equal opportunity free of intentional and unintentional discrimination. We will welcome them to learn, to share, to grow and thrive at Kardel.

In meeting the 92nd Call to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, Kardel will:

1. Provide a territorial acknowledgement at all meetings.
2. Review all organizational documentation and processes to ensure language and activities are inclusive of Indigenous peoples.
3. Ensure that Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities.
4. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
5. Commit to building a respectful relationship with local First Nations, with meaningful consultation.

We invite you to learn more about the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Please see the attached list of some resources where you can learn more about the truths of residential schools and learn how each of us can strengthen our relationships with Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

On behalf of Kardel,

Keith Macgowan
Chief Executive Officer
September 28, 2021

The latest bimonthly newsletter from Community Living British Columbia is available. To view the full newsletter in your browser click here.

The BC Government maintains a listing of accommodation options which have agreed to offer discounted rates to people who have to travel for medical care, as well as their families or caregivers who have to travel with them. This has already helped out one of our Home Share Providers who had to stay in another city while the individual they support was admitted to hospital there.

To check out the discounted medical travel accommodation list by region click here.

Presented by: BC People First Society

BCPF has opened nominations for our first ever Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award that will be announced at our Employment Conference for Self-Advocates on March 25, 2020.

This award is in celebration of an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and knowledge throughout the 2019 year in the field of advocating for the rights of people labelled with an intellectual or developmental disability.

This award showcases the importance of advocacy and encourages all self-advocates to continue to lead and to be inspired. A winner will be selected following the decision process. The winner will be announced at BC People First’s Employment Conference & AGM on March 25, 2020. The winner will receive a $200 honorarium award (to assist in their advocacy efforts) and a plaque.

To find out more and access the nomination form click here.

• Ending the requirement for people on PWD, PPMB or regular Income Assistance to pursue Canada Pension Plan retirement benefits before the age of 65;
• Removing the limit to the number of security deposits for Ministry clients
• Introducing a repayable pet damage deposit with the same requirements as a security deposit
• Eliminating the two-year independence rule, which states that young adults must be financially independent for two years before being able to access income assistance.
• Changing the definition of spouse so that people can live together for 12 consecutive months (instead of 3) before being considered spouses

For more details of the positive changes click here