This is Crisis Line Awareness Week!
We have a protocol with the North Island Crisis Line to provide support to community members, and especially to community members who need support outside of regular work hours:
Crisis Line Volunteers will:
· Listen to anyone who is having a difficult time and just needs to talk (can do so anonymously or give your name)
· If you feel you want more help after talking you can ask for a referral to the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Child & Family Services Team. The worker will take your contact information and we will be automatically notified the next work day - then a member of our team will be assigned to follow up with you.
· If it's an emergency, such as a suicide concern, the Crisis Line will contact 911 to have emergency services respond and take steps to keep the person safe. They will also send us an automatic notice about what happened so that on the next work day we can assign someone from our team to follow up.
This is a very effective way to make sure:
1. Community members can get help 24 hours a day for any emergency, and
2. That our team will be aware automatically of any need for follow up.
This means better services and less people falling through the gaps!
The Crisis Centre is also looking for people to volunteer to take the training and help others too! If you are interested please contact Cathie Wilson at the Crisis Centre (250) 949-8333.
Dean Wilson
On March 19th, over 40 adult community members and various young people met at the hall for a lunch hosted by the Sasamans society to present their findings from their community engagement that took place during the summer of 2012. The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Child & Family Services team also presented on their work. Sasamans is piloting a program in partnership with our Child & Family Services team to have an Aboriginal Child & Family Counselor position work from our office. Attached you will find a copy of their report "Caring for our own Children".
In addition, we also now have a protocol with the North Island Crisis & Counseling Centre so that community members who need help can get support 24 hours a day. Anyone can call the crisis line at (250) 949-6033 to get immediate support. If it's an emergency, they will contact 911 for emergency services to respond. Our office will receive an automatic notification on the next business day so we can follow up. If it's not an emergency and someone feels they need more help than just talking, then the crisis line worker will ask if you would like a referral. If you agree, they will take your name and we will have an instant notification the next work day and can assign a member of our team to follow up. This is one way of working to fill in gaps and make sure community members have access to emergency supports 24 hours a day AND that we can do consistent follow up! This is already in place and is working!
Dean Wilson
Sasamans Society & the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Child & Family Services Team
would like take this opportunity to share the results of your community engage-ment process that took place between July—Sept 2012 and a presentation on next steps.
Tuesday, March 19th
Wakas Hall
Noon—2:30 pm
Lunch & door prizes
Dean Wilson
Director of Child & Family Services
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw
Box 127, Port Hardy, BC, V0N 2P0
Phone: (250) 949-8131
Direct Line: (250) 902-2281
Fax: (250) 949-6811
Language Gathering
Date: March 14/15.2013
Place: Fort Rupert Village
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The SportMedBC workshop series is on Injury Prevention & Performance Tips for Parents and Coaches. It will be held at the Port Hardy Secondary School Gym Wednesday, January 30th at 4pm with registration required. If you have any questions please feel free to call Stephanie Nelson, PHSS Connections Worker at 250-230-8777.
]]>Come on Monday,November,26,2012 to PHSS the First Nations Room 615 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Dinner will be served.
]]>Fundraiser in front of Overwaitea from 11 – 3 on November 9th
@ GinganamLatsi & Port Hardy Secondary School We are Raising funds to support youth and lunch programs.
Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services will be hosting an interactive fair on November 14, from 12:00 – 1:00 at Port Hardy Secondary School.
]]>Open House at the Adult Learning Centre. Today @ 5pm EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!!
]]>Director of Child & Family Services Report (July - September 2012) - Dean Wilson
Alcohol & Drug Community Plan
On Oct. 3rd, a community meeting was held to solicit ideas for the community to begin tackling the problem of drugs and alcohol. 45 adults, 16 of whom were Elders, presented their ideas.
On the next page all of the suggestions have been charted on a Continuum of Health Services. This chart categorizes the suggestions based on whether they are PROMOTING healthy behaviours, PREVENTING alcohol & drug use, providing EARLY INTERVENTIONS to stop those just starting, TREATMENT options for those addicted who need help, or call for the development of RESIDENTIAL treatment services).
On Oct. 9th, the organizing committee, composed of community members and staff began taking the suggestions and developing a plan to accomplish them. Some of them can begin right now! Presently we have started:
Ø Promoting cleanliness
Ø Planning a Volunteer Community Cleanup (call our office or join the Facebook event to volunteer)
Ø Planning a volunteer Halloween party
Ø A youth meeting was held Oct 12th to begin planning a Youth Council
Ø Family run Spiritual Services are being held
Ø We are promoting Church services
Ø We are working on a partnership and protocol with the Crisis Line
Ø A roadblock was held Sept 28th (more to come!)
Ø A&D Counseling is available (undergoing changes due to a new Case Management system)
One of the challenges we have is that the need in the community is greater than we can manage with the small amount of funding and staff we have. The statistics below will show that we barely have enough staff time to provide the services we presently have.
Statistics
Our Child & Family Services Department (Alcohol & Drug, Mental Health & Family Support) had the following contacts with community members to delivery services since April 1st:
Children 0-6 |
Children 7-12 |
Youth 13-18 |
Adult 19-55 |
Elder |
Totals |
|
April - June |
84 |
361 |
220 |
730 |
37 |
1432 |
July - Sept. |
142 |
168 |
171 |
594 |
41 |
1116 |
Totals |
226 |
529 |
391 |
1324 |
78 |
2548 |
The months of July - September see drops in services in programs due summer activities, and staff holidays. It is important to note that these contacts have also all been accomplished while we have been going through enormous changes.
Response to Community Tragedy
In September our C&FS team and the Health team created a community response due to the tragic death of Cindy Scow. We initiated a planning circle each morning of the week that followed her death - this allowed staff, who are relatives & friends of the families involved, to debrief their own feelings and then plan each days response.
Partners in our response were: Dr. Lee, Nurse Practitioner Sarah Mitchell-Banks, The Child, Youth & Mental Health team, Mental Health & Addictions team from VIHA, and the Crisis Line and Crisis Centre staff.
All regular work was suspended for the week - all staff from our building took part to visit people affected by the tragedy, ask how they were doing, and listen to them share their feelings. If anyone was identified as being inconsolable, or at risk of suicide, then the Child & Family Services team assessed the situation and developed safety plans.
The target groups of people visited by our team included:
1. Those directly affected (3 family groups directly affected) - checked in with every day
2. First responders - those on the scene before ambulance RCMP were on the scene. We provided Critical Incident Stress Debriefing to the group & individually.
3. Elders & vulnerable people - various Elders who lived alone expressed confusion and fear - checked in with daily.
4. Those close to Cindy in her final days/hours, Cindy's peers
5. Dakota's peers
6. Those who had had recent losses due to other deaths and may be triggered even more
7. Community members who were identified by others as being particularly affected
8. Workers who had been working with family
Ø Communications: Notices were sent to the community and posted on Facebook about the steps staff were taking to inform people that action was being taken and help was available. Also a notice about how anyone could help by just talking to others about how they are doing.
Implementation of Child & Family Services Changes
In my last report I talked about the review of our services, and the 37 point plan to improve those services. I am happy to say that we have completed 8 of them and are right on track with implementing the rest. We are about to implement the biggest work - a new Case Management system that ensures we provide more access to better planned services. Staff will be in training Nov 5-9 to learn this new system.
Dean Wilson
Dean Wilson
Director of Child & Family Services
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw
Box 127, Port Hardy, BC, V0N 2P0
Phone: (250) 949-8131
Direct Line: (250) 902-2281
Fax: (250) 949-6811
]]>You’re invited to Attend
When: Sept 20th, 2012
Where: Sacred Wolf
Time: 11am - 4pm (lunch provided)
“What is child protection all about? Learn about your rights and laws when the Ministry becomes involved in a family’s life.”
Please call Sasamans office @ 888-597-2810 or @ 250- 902-0552 to confirm your attendance J
This is a partnership between the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Child & Family Services Department, Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre & the Sasamans program.
Dean Wilson
Director of Child & Family Services
]]>To parents of students attending the following schools:
Avalon Adventist Junior Academy
Eagle View Elementary
Eke Me Xi
Fort Rupert Elementary
Port Hardy Secondary
Please look at this!
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The Child & Family Services department team has finished shooting a video for parents on their rights during child protection investigations! The video is now being edited and we will have a finished version ready sometime in September.
We would like to thank the Market Place IGA in Port McNeill for their generous donation of snacks and refreshments for staff and community members involved in the shooting of the video!
Dean Wilson
Director of Child & Family Services
]]>JOB POSTING: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
On-call $12.00 per hour
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band is hoping to put together a list of community members who can be on-call for jobs like receptionist, minute-taker, filing assistant, etc.
The successful candidate will have relevant experience and a professional work ethic. Please include at least two references in your application. If you are applying as on-call minute taker, please include a sample of minutes you have written.
Interested candidates may submit a resumé and cover letter in person at the Band Office (addressed to Les Taylor) or by mail to:
Les Taylor, Band Manager
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
PO Box 998
Port Hardy, BC
V0N 2P0
POSTING CLOSES ON SEPT. 5 AT 3:00 PM
Attached is a copy of the Review I completed regarding the Child & Family Services department. It included 37 Recommendations for improving our ability to provide services. The report and recommendations were accepted and approved by Council, and I now have an Implementation Plan for the recommendations that forms the majority of my work.
Dean Wilson
Director of Child & Family Services
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw
Box 127, Port Hardy, BC, V0N 2P0
Phone: (250) 949-8131
Direct Line: (250) 902-2281
Fax: (250) 949-6811
Thinking of going back to school?
North Island College Info Session at the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw College
July 9th, 2012 at 1:30 pm and July 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 am
Call Colleen at 250-949-7912 ext 2863 for more information and to register
**Summer Student Employment Opportunity**
G&N Health & Family Services
Summer Day Camp Program
4 Day Camp Coordinators Criteria: Applicants must be community members between 15 and 19 years of age and returning to school in September. Must be drug & alcohol free and supply a criminal record check upon request. This is a full time summer position with 35 hour weeks. Duties: Will be responsible for the supervision of two groups of children ranging in ages of 7-9 years and 10-12 years. Each group will be made up of 20 children. Responsibilities will also include creating a schedule of daily activities and require the applicant to do a certain amount of research into each activity for supplies, prep work, scheduling and feasibility.
May 22, 2012
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: BAND COUNCIL
Dear Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Band Members,
Please note that nominations for Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Council will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. next Tuesday, May 29, at the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Adult Education Centre (next to the Elders’ Centre)
Up for nomination are:
· 4 two-year Band Council positions
o Terms ended for Gary, Crystal, Victor and Robert
· 1 one-year Band Council position
o By-election for Norman Charlie’s seat
In order to be nominated, you must:
· Be 18 years of age or older on the date of the election
· Be a registered member of the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Band
· Live on the Tsulquate Reserve permanently
· Be nominated by electors (registered band members over 18 who live permanently on-reserve)
The Advanced Poll will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Adult Education Centre on June 5.
Elections are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Adult Education Centre on June 12.
Les Taylor,
Band Manager
]]>With funds from the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Trust, please note that we are looking for someone to be a Youth Sports & Recreation Coordinator in our community.
If you are interested in this job, please submit a resume (with two references) and a cover letter at the front desk of the Band Office by 4 p.m., May 24th, 2012, marked "ATTN: Norman Charlie"
Those short listed will be contacted and interviews will take place on Tuesday, May 29th
Contact Norman Charlie if you have questions about this posting.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Youth Sports & Recreation Coordinator
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Youth Sports & Recreation coordinator is responsible for delivery of all recreation, leisure and sport programs and activities in order to provide opportunities and encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle for all youth in the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw community.
Scope
The coordinator will research develop and implement quality sport and recreation programs for community members 18 years of age and under (youth). The worker will ensure that a wide range of sport, recreation, and activities are provided. The Youth Sports & Recreation coordinator will also monitor the care and maintenance of any sports and recreation equipment and facilities in the community.
Responsibilities
All activities must be carried out in a manner that ensures the safety of the participants. The Youth Sports & Recreation Coordinator will be responsible for following the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Personnel Policy & Procedures Regulations.
The coordinator will have three main areas of responsibility: 1) Planning & implementing sports & recreation activities, 2) Ensuring accessibility of the programs to community members, and 3) Administering the program in a professional manner.
1. Planning & implementing sports & recreation activities
Main Activities
· Communicate with community members to determine their needs and interests
· Research sport and recreation programs, funding sources and project requirements
· Develop and maintain recreation and sport programs
· Access funding and prepare funding proposals
· Ensure a variety of sport, recreation and activities are planned and implemented
· Ensure recreation information is available to community members
· Develop recreation and sports organizations
· Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and identify areas where new programs are needed
2. Ensuring accessibility of the programs to community members
Main Activities
· Schedule activities, facilities and volunteers as required
· Supervise and lead activities for youth
· Book all sport rental and community events
· Recruit, train and oversee volunteers
· Provide leadership training and opportunities and volunteer recognition
3. Administering the program in a professional manner
Main Activities
· Prepare a program plan and schedule for the year to be approved by supervisor
· Prepare and follow the recreation program budget, as approved by supervisor
· Prepare financial and program reports as requested by supervisor
· Monitor the use of recreation equipment and facilities
· Ensure the maintenance of equipment and facilities to ensure safety and security
· Record information on community programs, costs, numbers of participants and equipment and facility use
· Ensure that all programs and activities are implemented according to relevant legislation, policies and procedures
]]>[From http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/zombie-preparedness-week-are-you-ready.html]
This week is Zombie Preparedness Week in BC! What are you going to do when the zombies attack? Watch this video to learn how a little girl avoids being eaten by zombies:
Stay tuned in the next couple of days to learn some tips on how to prepare for a zombie attack! (or tsunami, earthquake, fire, etc.) In the meantime you can find out what's happening with the zombie attack on the blog.
Zombie Attack - Are You Ready?
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