Taking on the Shuswap’s most complex issues, doing it in a way that can achieve lasting change, collaborating between First Nations, governments, community services, business and Shuswap citizens.
These are the hallmarks of Together Shuswap, an ongoing initiative to enhance the well-being of present and future residents of the region. Everyone is welcome.
Already five successful aboriginal/non-aboriginal relationship building and community development workshops have been held, with the next set for Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 8:30 to 4 p.m. at the Splatsin Community Centre in Enderby. The theme is ‘a relationship building event for Secwepemc and Shuswap communities.’
Keynote speech will be given by Splatsin Chief Wayne Christian on Reconciliation through Collaboration and Partnerships.
At each Together Shuswap gathering there are opportunities for community members to champion an activity they care about. Then other participants who share that interest can volunteer to help them.
Some of the topics being tackled which have already achieved successes include: creating opportunities to educate about the history and future of Shuswap First Nations and a cultural interpretive centre; improving the delivery of health-care services in the region; building a regional artist data base and network of aboriginal artists; planning regional transit to meet diverse needs; and creating a regional database for communications.
The event costs $25 for the day, lunch and refreshments provided. To register, go to www.togethershuswap.com and go to the ‘news’ section.
To inquire about the workshop, contact organizers Bonnie Thomas at bonniethomas001@gmail.com; Janet McClean Senft at edevcss@telus.net; or Dorothy Argent: dorothy@alokaconsulting.org.
