At Westcoast Family Centres, we are privileged to offer person-centered services on the unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation, q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, and the Coast Salish People including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Our agency is committed to adhering to the 94 Calls to Action and integrating them into our practices, particularly those related to the child welfare system. We also uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring our policies reflect our support for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, as well as urban Indigenous populations.
Many of the families that we serve at Westcoast continue to experience the intergenerational impact of colonization, residential schools, the 60s scoop, and disproportionate representation in the foster care system and unhoused communities.
We work closely with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous populations, acknowledging the territories and lands on which we operate. Our goal is to build and foster strong connections with the local bands whose land we live and work on.
While we recognize that there is still much work to be done, Westcoast is committed to supporting and uplifting Indigenous communities by decolonizing our practice in a way that works for the people we serve. Together, we strive to do this work in a positive way.
Ways in Which We’ve Indigenized WFC
- Indigenous Education Consultant: One of our newest roles at WFC is our Indigenous Education Consultant. This individual supports WFC staff, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and other community partners to expand Indigenous education and knowledge, providing support in engagement with Indigenous families, facilitating Truth & Reconciliation learning and sharing circles, and providing traditional teachings and medicines with foster caregivers.
- Indigenous Learning & Sharing Circle: Our Indigenous Learning Sharing Circle Committee is open to all staff members, providing a space to learn about First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous cultures, to participate in cultural events, and to ensure representation. This committee focuses on Decolonization and Indigenizing WFC, following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. Our inclusive reconciliation journey will have members lead in their areas of interest or expertise, with additional support from others forming subgroups as needed.
- TRC Learning & Sharing Circles: Facilitated by our Indigenous Education Consultant, our TRC Learning & Sharing Circles provide a valuable opportunity for staff to engage in meaningful discussions, deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures, and collaborate on initiatives that support Truth and Reconciliation efforts
- Raven Room: Our Raven Room isa room at the Link, our Vancouver office. This room is used by families, staff and our Indigenous Education Consultant to facilitate sharing circles and provide a culturally inclusive space for Indigenous families. See above for an image of our beautiful Raven Room!
- Smudging: We offer smudging for all participants and staff at our office, as well as in the homes of the people we serve.
- Updating Forms: We are currently updating the language of our forms and providing services that are sensitive to the generational impacts of colonialism, such as residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and current systems.
- Trainings for Staff: We offer numerous trainings and learning opportunities for staff, includingvouchers for sessions with Culturally Committed. We have had previous speaking opportunities from experts such as Dr. Dustin Louie (UBC) to help guide our practice towards reconciliation.
Knowing our place within the legacy of Indigenous people and coming from an intention to do less harm, we are committed to learn culturally relevant ways of healing, unlearn colonial family service practices, and support our Indigenous staff, families and communities.
