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NEWS

June 20, 2018

2018 Scholarships awards announced - BCGEU

The union's Education and Scholarship committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 awards for full and part-time post-secondary students. In all, $60,000 in scholarships will be awarded, with 26 full-time awards of $2,000 and eight awards of $1,000. Winners include BCGEU members and family members, all starting or continuing their post-secondary education.

"We thank everyone who submitted an application and essay. It was difficult to settle on the finalists", says Kari Michaels, executive vice-president and chairperson of the committee.

 

Rosa Aminzavvar, Vancouver

Shane Atienza, Burnaby

Naveen Aujla, Delta

Katelynn Baerg, Prince George

Kaelin Brons, Moberly Lake

Schynel Carley, Vernon

Daniele Celella, Agassiz

Monica Cervantes, Vancouver

Chiara Ciapponi, Burnaby

Brittany Clark, Vancouver

Destany Crane, Victoria

Alexa Derksen, Burnaby

Sani Mirsan Dzafic, Burnaby

James Gillis, Victoria

Connor Hawes, Grand Forks

Seung Hwan (John) Lee, Kamloops

Katja Juthans, North Vancouver

Natalie Klassen, Kamloops

Trevor Lee, Victoria

Lydia Lobbezoo, Victoria

Darrin McBee, Castlegar

Chance McCoshen, Salmon Arm

Karly Morgan, Port Moody

Frank Morven, Prince Rupert

Trish Palichuk, Victoria

Dustin Procee, Burnaby

Sharifa Riddett, Victoria

Kai Roenspiess, Nelson

Gurpreet Sangha, Surrey

Madison Slocum, Parksville

Heidi Stooshnoff, Maple Ridge

Maggie Thomson-Kurz, Comox

Cassidy-Joy Wait, North Vancouver

Brysen Watson, Kamloops



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June 18, 2018

BCGEU signs declaration asking provincial government not to renew fish farm t...

The BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) stands with B.C. fishing communities, scientists, business leaders and Indigenous groups in signing the "Declaration in Defence of Wild Salmon," which includes asking the provincial government not to renew 20 fish farm tenures in the Broughton Archipelago, set to expire on June 20, 2018.

"Healthy wild salmon stocks are essential to the health of ecosystems, to tourism and fisheries jobs, and of course to coastal First Nations in B.C. for whom salmon have been an essential cultural and natural resource for thousands of years," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "The science indicates that parasites and disease from open net-pen fish farms threaten wild salmon, and it's time we began a transition away from this harmful practice."

The BCGEU supports transitioning open net-pen fish farms to land-based production where pesticides, waste, and farmed Atlantic salmon are contained and can no longer threaten the habitat and migratory paths of wild Pacific salmon. However, the union also stresses that this should occur through a "just transition" – an approach that ensures the livelihoods of workers are protected when economies shift to sustainable production.

"A shift to more sustainable fish farming technology must include a just transition for fish farm workers," adds Smith. "B.C. can be a world leader in sustainable aquaculture resulting in many good jobs. We encourage both the federal and provincial governments to promote and support a land-based aquaculture industry, helping to smooth the transition for both the technology, and the workers."

The declaration also calls on government to defend and restore Pacific salmon by expanding the moratorium on new open net-pen salmon farms in the north to include all B.C. coastal waters; implementing plans for rebuilding at-risk stocks; and respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by removing existing farms from waters where First Nations have not provided consent.

The declaration was launched by 26 prominent individuals and can be found at www.safesalmon.ca, a website hosted by Watershed Watch Salmon Society, Georgia Strait Alliance and Living Oceans Society.

 



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June 18, 2018

National Indigenous Day 2018 Events Around the Province - BCGEU

Please click the links below to find events in your area!

 

 

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June 15, 2018

Join us for National Indigenous Day, 2018 - Northern BC - BCGEU

Join BCGEU and our community partners as we commemorate National Indigenous Day at a variety of locations throughout the Northern BC:

 

Event

Location

Details

BURNS LAKE
Lake Babine Nation and the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, BC
June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Burns Lake Spirit Square

The National Indigenous Peoples Day Annual Parade will be taking place with all six local First Nations taking part. There will also be a range of activities and games. Potato dance, musical chairs with various categories, drumming groups, free lunch, Louisa Marshall, entertainment.  We will host an interactive event to have all community members The WOW bus with Children’s activities will be on site. Inclusion of annual traditional activities such as salmon harvest, soap berry collection and preparation, and special foods gathering.  Limited free t-shirts available by signing in.  Starting at 10:00 AM parade opening ceremonies at 11:00 AM, entertainment and lunch at 12:00 – 4:00 PM.  Family dance between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM With Louisa Marshall. 

FORT ST JOHN
Treaty 8 Tribal Council  June 21, 2018
12:00 PM Start

Fort St. John, Northern Light College

Free lunch at 12:00 noon and opening ceremony starts at 1:00 PM, Elders speak at 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  Cave tours, games, crafters, contests with prizes, presentations, drummers, free supper at 5:15 PM followed by a talent show and tea dance (Beaver). 

PRINCE GEORGE
Lheidl T’enneh Band
June 21, 2018
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Memorial Park Pavilion

The Pavilion will be open in the park.  The event will feature drumming, singing, dance groups, vendors selling food and traditional crafts.  Live music in the afternoon. 

PRINCE RUPERT
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2018
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Prince Rupert Friendship Centre Prince Rupert Rotary Waterfront Event

The National Aboriginal Day committee is organizing their 20th celebration.  Featuring, cultural dancers, music performers, family activities, all welcome, door prizes throughout the day.  In event of rain the celebration will be relocated to the gym Ciccone Civic Centre. Vendors and caterers will be on site.  

SMITHERS
Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society,
June 21, 2018
12:00 noon – 4:00 PM. 

Friendship Hall, 3955 3rd Avenue, Smithers, BC

Opening welcome with Chief Timberwolf followed by entertainment featuring the Ewk Hiyh Hozdli Drummers, Powwow dancers, and Muheim All Nations Drummers, Soapberry whipping contest, Bannock making contest, Moose calling contest, traditional storytelling, library display, children’s activities, Indigenous art display, cake painting, and war canoe on display. 


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June 15, 2018

CSSBA reaches tentative agreements for community social services workers - BCGEU

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA) have reached a tentative agreement on three-year collective agreements for General Services and Community Living. These agreements provide significant compensation increases for workers in this sector while meeting the government mandate of improving the services British Columbians count on.

 Highlights of the agreements include significant money for low wage redress for all members in addition to general wage increases, improvements to occupational health and safety, enhancements to health and welfare benefit plans and more.

"Community social services workers support some of B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens and we are so pleased to have reached agreements that provide enhanced support and compensation for this critical work," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "I'd like to thank the bargaining committee for its dedication in getting a fair deal and we look forward to engaging with the membership about the deal before a ratification vote in the coming weeks." 

"We are very pleased to have reached tentative agreements that support and work towards fair compensation for the critical work community social services workers do throughout the province," says BCGEU Component 3 Vice-President and Chair of the CSSBA negotiating committee, Andrea Duncan. "Our sector has been in crisis for well over a decade and we have been doing the very best we can with incredibly limited resources. These agreements reflect a new government mandate to improve services for some of B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens, and a significant step towards acknowledging the value and dedication caring professionals bring to this important work."

The CSSBA and the CSSEA will be meeting in the next week to conclude negotiations for Aboriginal Services, the third and final collective agreement to be renewed under Community Social Services.

The BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) is the lead union in the bargaining association consisting of 10 unions including CUPE, HEU, HSA, CSWU, UFCW, USW, SEIU, CLAC and BCNU and representing 16,000 members.



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June 15, 2018

Community Bargaining Association reaches tentative agreement for workers in c...

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) and the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC) have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective agreement.

The BCGEU represents the majority of unionized workers in the community health sector.

"We've made substantial gains in a number of key areas. We're very happy with the tentative agreement. We're confident members in community health are as well," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. I'd like to thank the bargaining committee for its dedication to members. Next, we'll engage the membership about the deal and provide a comprehensive report on it before a ratification vote in the coming weeks."

The CBA represents roughly 16,000 employees working in community health around B.C. Roughly 10,000 are BCGEU members. Other unions at the table were UFCW, HEU, CUPE, HSA, USW, CLAC and BCNU. 

The tentative agreement has a three-year term and includes a general wage increase in each year. It also contains a low wage redress clause and stronger protections against contracting out.



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June 15, 2018

Join us for National Indigenous Day, 2018 - Interior - BCGEU

Join BCGEU and our community partners as we commemorate National Indigenous Day at a variety of locations throughout the Interior:

Event

Location

Details

BOSTON BAR
Boston Bar First Nation celebration
June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Boston Bar, BC, First Nation in the Tuckkwiowhum Village Longhouse   

Boston Bar First Nation is hosting our annual event.  Terry Philips, cultural speaker speaking about Reclaiming Your Spirit.  An Elder will teach traditional games, health and wellness related booths.  Tickets for free door prizes.  Cedar bark weaving, free lunch, bannock tacos, medicine making, cultural talk and hike, dancing and a massage therapist and traditional medicine. 

CHASE
Quaaout Lodge and Spa – Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2018
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Quaaout Lodge and Spa – Shuswap Lake Region, 1663 Little Shusap Lake Road, Chase BC

Join us as we celebrate the rich and amazing culture of various Indigenous peoples. Official welcome from Chief Oliver Arnouse, live concert 7:15 PM (DJ Shub with openers Mihirangi, fireworks at 10:00 PM. 

CRANBROOK
National Indigenous Peoples Day June 20, 2018
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

?Aq’am Band, Cranbrook BC, Arbour outside the Band office at 7470 Mission Road, Cranbrook

Featuring a First Nations fashion show, powwow, fry bread making contest, biggest food contest, dried meat making, beading, drum making.  Free BBQ at 5:00 PM.  There will be tours of the St. Eugene Mission St. Eugene Church. 

KAMLOOPS
Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre and Lil Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services, Kamloops, BC
June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Riverside Park, Kamloops, BC

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. This event will be centred on cultural protocols, jiggers, drumming and dancing, storytelling, traditional games, Aboriginal vendors, children’s activities. 

LILLOOET
Lillooet Friendship Centre, St’atimc Culture celebration
June 21, 2018
11:00 AM - Parade line up
12:00 PM – Parade start

Lillooet, REC Centre Lawn

The parade (with prizes) will line up at 11:00 AM at the Community Care Centre #76 – 5th Avenue.   The parade starts at 12:00 noon and travels to the REC Centre Lawn where there will be drumming and singing, honouring of our heroes, scavenger hunt, Indigenous Bear Dancers, fish packing race contest, bubble balls, performance by musician, Leroy Joy. 

MERRITT
Conayt Friendship Society
June 21, 2018
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Rotary Park, Merritt BC

Powwow with music, bingo, food, vendors with crafts opening remarks at 10:00 AM.  10:30 AM Aboriginal Day activities commence with vendors and craft sale booths open, Tipi’s open for language song and storytelling, Randy Chillihitzia performance, and powwow 10:30 – 12:00 noon children’s games, closing prayer. 

WILLIAMS LAKE
National Indigenous Peoples Day  celebrations organized by the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council
June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Parade to travel down Oliver Street in Williams Lake, starting at 10:00 AM from the Elks Hall parking lot and traveling up Oliver Street ending at Boitanio Park. 

June 21, 2018 the parade is open to all local groups, including students from First Nations schools and pre-schools, traditional dancers, Elders, horses and riders and local conservation groups.  Parade route ends in Boitanio Park where celebrations start, including family oriented activities, live music, traditional dancing, and crafters.  3rd annual Bannock making competition 12:00 – 2:00 PM. 



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June 15, 2018

Join us for National Indigenous Day, 2018 - Greater Vancouver Regional Distri...

Join BCGEU and our community partners as we commemorate National Indigenous Day at a variety of locations throughout the GVRD:

Event

Location

Details

ABBOTSFORD
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2018
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thunderbird Memorial Square, 2788 Sumas Mountain Road, Abbotsford, BC.  Plaza in front of Clearbrook Library. 

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Thunderbird Memorial Square, near the Abbotsford Civic complex. Performances by dancers, singers and fiddlers. Tents around Thunderbird Memorial Square will hold traditional activities such as weaving, story-telling, food and information about First Nations and Metis organizations in the Abbotsford area.  All free.

CHILLIWACK
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations
June 21, 2018
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tzeachten Sports Field, 46770 Bailey Road, Chilliwack BC 

Talk about the history of National Indigenous Peoples Day, local history and translation of names booth.  Traditional games and dinner.  Children’s activities include bouncy castle.   

FORT LANGLEY
National Indigenous Peoples Day event 
June 23, 2018
10:00 AM –  5:00 PM

23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley National Historic Site, Parks Canada

Discover the Indigenous peoples role in Fort Langley’s history and today.  Hear First Nations stories and challenge your motor skills with the Salmon Run Relay.  Witness drumming and waving demonstrations.  Guided tour at 11:00 AM, Walking tour with Fern Gabriel, Drumming and Singing performance, bake over demonstration.  Special guest Ken Pruden will be sharing Métis stories in the Big House at our new Metis exhibit. 

LANGLEY
Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration,
June 23, 2018

Douglas Park Band Shell, 20550 Douglas Crescent, Langley

Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society (LFVAS) will be hosting a National Indigenous Peoples celebration.   Big drum and Indigenous artisans along with an entertainment stage.

LANGLEY
National Indigenous Peoples Day, presented by Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society
June 23, 2018
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Douglas Park, 20550 Douglas Crescent, Langley

Vendors, children’s activities, free fun afternoon in the park.  Aboriginal culture and heritage. 

PORT MOODY
Port Moody Station Museum,
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 17, 2018
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

2734 Murray Street, Port Moody BC 

Join us to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, featuring a wool weaving workshop, activities for the kids and programing throughout the day for kids to learn about traditional uses of the land.  The day will end with Tsawaysia (Alice Guss) leading a talking circle.

RICHMOND
Pathways Aboriginal Youth Centre and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society present their National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
June 23, 2018
1:00 PM until 4:00 PM

12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond BC in Steveston Village at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

Come and experience National Indigenous Day Celebrations at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.   

SURREY
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association
June 21, 2018
3:00 PM until 8:00 PM

13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey BC

Last year over 2,000 people attended this celebration, starting at 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The official opening ceremonies begin at 4:00 PM. 

VANCOUVER
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art – Free admission to Gallery on June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC

Free admission to the Gallery on June 21, between 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

VANCOUVER
Trout Lake National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2018
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre located, 1607 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1S7

June 21, 2018, pancake breakfast begins at 9:00 AM.  Friendship walk from the Friendship Centre to Trout Lake begins at 11:00 AM, walk starts at VACFS then to Commercial Drive.  Trout Lake Events starting at 12:00 noon – 5:00 PM,
1) stage with entertainment – TBA
2) Teepee Village with activities for children and Pow wow dancing with drum group,
3) Arts and crafts fair
4) Resource Fair
5) Canoe demonstrations,
To learn more about the event go to: http://www.vafcs.org/events/national-indigenous-day/



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June 15, 2018

Join us for National Indigenous Day, 2018 - Vancouver Island - BCGEU

Join BCGEU and our community partners as we commemorate National Indigenous Day at a variety of locations throughout Vancouver Island:

Event

Location

Details

CAMPBELL RIVER
North Island Métis Nation celebration,
June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 4:30

123Aa-740 Robron Road, Campbell River, Gathering at the Big House and march to Spirit Square

BBQ, Teepee, Elders, beading display and work for sale, Big House dancers and March to Spirit Square. 

COURTENAY
K`omoks First Nation cultural celebration,
June 21, 2018
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

3330 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC,

K'omoks First Nation (KFN) is hosting a one-day regional culturally-based event.  Kumugwe Dance performance at 7:00 PM in the big house, Indigenous arts and crafts and vendors, traditional foods, hands on workshops and info booths, traditional activities and a kids’ zone. 

NANAIMO
National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2018
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Held in the parking lot of the Snuneymuxw Band office at 668 Centre Street in Nanaimo. 

Traditional games, and foods, and vendors for Aboriginal arts and crafts. 

PORT ALBERNI
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration,
June 21, 2018
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Port Alberni Friendship Centre, Clutesi Hall, 3555 4th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC 

Everyone welcome!  Traditional Feast, fashion show by Joyce Little, music, dance groups, entertainment, traditional craft vendors. 

VICTORIA
Victoria Native Friendship Centre, June 21, 2018
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Avenue

Free family friendly event, lunch will be served, prizes, entertainment (Elvis may be in the building), bouncy castles and artist vendor tables.

VICTORIA
Ministry of Health
June 21, 2018
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

3rd floor patio of 1515 Blanshard St., Victoria

Join us for a celebration and festivities honouring First Nations and Indigenous communities and cultures. There will be traditional music, dancing, food, and lots of fun and learning. All Ministry of Health staff are welcome and a calendar invite will follow.

VICTORIA
4th Annual West Shore Indigenous People’s Day Festival
June 21, 2018
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

West Shore Parks and Recreation, 1767 Island Highway, Lower Level near the Picnic Shelter and Playground. 

 Organized in part by Surrounded by Cedar, the West Shore Indigenous People’s Day Festival is a free celebration for everyone on the West Shore.  Traditional singing, drumming and dancing, Indigenous foods and fun activities for everyone.  

VICTORIA
Aboriginal Cultural Festival 2018 – Royal BC Museum in partnership with Aboriginal Tourism BC
Friday June 21 - June 23, 2018

Royal BC Museum – 675 Belleville Street – beginning at 10:30 AM with a ceremonial welcome canoe paddle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour and a parade of Nations.  Events happen outside the Royal Museum.  

This year’s program features more than 100 performers from across BC and around the world.  Champion hoop dancer Alex Wells, traditional dancing and a drum making demonstration by Randy Henry.  Smudge ceremony with Frank Antoine, Indigenous Arts Marketplace, Fry-bread, BBQ salmon, West Coast Clam Chowder from the Songhees Sea-food and Stream food truck. 

VICTORIA
Royal Roads University
 June 21, 2018
10:00 Am - 3:00 PM

Royal Roads University, Sneq’wa e’lun – The Blue Heron House

Starting at 10:00 AM, ceremony at 10:30 AM with Canoe challenges involving local First Nations, Colleges and Universities, field games, Indigenous crafts, field games and traditional foods.   



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