Kootenay Region Aboriginal Organizations
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Smum Iem Society
Mission Statement
Smum Iem seek to empower and enrich the economic and social well being of the Upper Columbia River Region Aboriginal Community within a Cultural framework.
Vision Statement
To implement models and programs which promote healing, reconciliation, cooperation and understanding within communities and between cultures.
Guiding Principles
- To bring back the cultural practice of a matrilineal model to the UCRR
- Incorporate the protocol and culture of the traditional territory peoples into all society activities and programs
- To honour the past seven generations and prepare for the next seven generations
- To honour, acknowledge and seek counsel of respected Elders
- Respect for cultural, ethnic, philosophical, spiritual, religious, and intellectual diversity
- Dignity of work and service for the betterment of humanity
- Cultural integrity and accountability
Activities (some in development)
- Workshops and Presentations:
Cross Cultural Aboriginal teachings (list available) - David Thompson Bicentennials Initiative: Time Catchers
- Advisory:
for Social, Education, Training, Employment, Economic Development, Tourism etc. - Events:
Community Feast-ups, Elder Gatherings, Cultural Gatherings etc - Gathering:
of traditional foods for gatherings and ceremony - Protocol Advisory
Background
Smum Iem translated into the Sinixt language means "The Women".Sinixt Elder, Eva Orr said "the women managed the community. If the men were talking and wanting to know what to do about something in the community, family, food...it would be said 'Smum Iem' (it belongs to the women).". There was always a representative from Smum Iem at meetings. The women's responsibility was for the village, the care of the people, the teachings and events.
The Smum Iem Society Board is comprised of Aboriginal Women leaders who have devoted themselves to "Building the Community Circle" in the Upper Columbia River Region. Membership includes women, men, youth and elders.
Contact Information:
Smum Iem Society
P.O. Box 3354
Castlegar B.C. Canada
V1N 3H6
(250) 304-8011 or 226-6726
E-mail: click here
Lower Columbia All First Nations
www.lcafn.caThe Lower Columbia began as an Aboriginal self-help support group in February of 1995. The Society became incorporated in May 1995.
Purpose of the Society is to:
- Provide help and work towards the education, cultural awareness and well being of aboriginal people in the West Kootenay/Boundary region.
- To assist in the relief of poverty among aboriginal people in the West Kootenay/Boundary region.
- To open avenues for participation in resource and environmental management in the West Kootenay/Boundary region.
- To promote and work on other purposes beneficial to all aboriginal people in the West Kootenay/Boundary region.
- To receive funds and assets to apply to further the purpose of the Society.
- To enter into contracts or arrangements with any person, corporation or institution, which may further the Societies purpose.
- To do all other things which are incidental or conductive to the attainment of the purpose of the Society.
Ed Pongracz
Employment and Training Coordinator
Lower Columbia All First Nations
Box 4, 1402 Columbia St. Castlegar BC. V1N3K3
Phone (250) 304-2246 fax (250)304-2248
Kootenay Region Metis Association
"The Kootenay Region Métis Nation is a Self-created constitution governed Nation of Métis People in the Kootenay Region of British Columbia, Canada, and part of the British Columbia Métis Nation.The Kootenay Region Metis Nation is unique in British Columbia as they are organized into a regional structure with 5 locals and a regionally elected executive forming a regional council and organization to provide equal representation to all of our people in decision making processes. We are recognized in the Canadian Constitution as an Aboriginal People along with their cousins, the First Nations and Inuit, though we still fight today for our rights as equal peoples."
In 2003 KRMA signed an agreement with the K'Tunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council to provide unified and enhanced services to First Nations, Inuit and Metis children and their families. As authority for child and family services are transferred from the Ministry of Children and Family Development over to Aboriginal authorities, it is important for all Aboriginal groups to work together, support one another and ensure the recovery of our communities and children.
One of KRMA's newest and very important programs is the Cultural Reunification/Reconnection initiative. Children and youth in ministry care are reengaged with families and communities. It is very important for this to happen so that when a youth turns 19, they will still have a family and/or a community to connect with.
KRMA also has a number of other important programs:
- Mentorship and advocacy
- Employment and Training opportunities
- CAPC for East Kootenays
- Cultural Connection
- Youth Programs
- Aboriginal Family Law
This is just a sample of what they offer, please explore the site, or call 1-800-521-5119
www.kootenaymetis.com