In BC we all live on the traditional, ancestral and largely unceded lands of Indigenous peoples. Check here for resources to help you and your co-op understand the importance of truth, reconciliation and justice in our lives and in our communities.

Beginning in 2021, September 30th, previously known as “Orange Shirt Day” is now a statutory holiday in Canada known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Film Screenings

On September 23, join us for a screening of Birth of a Family, another powerful film by Cree film director, Tasha Hubbard (nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up) that tells the story of four siblings who meet for the first time after being separated as infants and adopted into families across North America during the infamous Sixties Scoop.

On October 4, join us for a screening of Atautsikut/Leaving None Behind where we will watch this powerful film that documents the success of the Nunavik Inuit and Cree to set their own path by creating co-operatives to build a prosperous future. 

After the screening CHF BC’s CEO, Thom Armstrong, will sit down for a discussion with filmmaker, John Houston and Sokchiveneath Taing Chhoan, Senior Manager of Socioeconomic Development at Federation of Co-operatives of Northern Quebec (Ilagiisaq/FCNQ).

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

The following contains content about residential schools that may be triggering. Support for survivors and their families is available. Call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 or 1-866-925-4419 for the 24-7 crisis line. The KUU-US Crisis Line Society also offers 24-7 support at 250-723-4050 for adults, 250-723-2040 for youth, or toll-free at 1-800-588-8717.

CHF BC mourns and stands in solidarity with all those who are feeling renewed trauma at the news concerning the site of the former Kamloops Residential School. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has opened its support lines to provide counselling services 24/7. Please share this information within your organization so people know how to access support if they need it: in the Lower Mainland call 604-985-4464; toll free across the province call 1-800-721-0066; or visit https://www.irsss.ca/.

Please see a statement on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc from CHF Canada’s president, Tina Stevens, HERE.

A member of the Loon clan, and of the Kitigan Zibi First Nation, Tina draws strength from her Ojibway roots and believes living in the spirit of the seven Grandfather teachings is key to maintaining healthy communities.

Tina is a member of Native Inter-Tribal Housing Co-op in London, Ontario.

What You Can Do

We also commit to the concrete action needed to address the impact of colonialism and racism in our society.  For more information:

“Non-Indigenous people: Here’s what you can do right now,” from IndigiNews outlining what settlers can do to offer concrete support.