BCAAFC

What September 30th Actually Asks of Us

Today we honour the Residential School Survivors who were forcibly taken from their families and communities, as well as those who never returned home. We extend our strength and solidarity to Survivors, their families, and all those who continue to carry the harmful impacts of the Residential School system every day. 🧡

The BCAAFC office is closed today to allow staff the opportunity to honour the importance of this day and connect with their loved ones.

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is pleased to announce that its President, Annette Morgan (Nox Stikine), has successfully concluded her participation as a formal Intervener in the British Columbia Utilities Commission’s (BCUC) review of Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.’s 2025–2027 Revenue Requirements Application.

"Participating as an Intervener in a BCUC proceeding is a rigorous process that requires a deep dive into the technical and financial evidence submitted by the utility," said Morgan. "My goal throughout this proceeding was to ensure that the proposed rate adjustments were thoroughly scrutinized and that the final decision prioritized a balanced approach that protects the interests of Indigenous communities and all ratepayers."

Read the full release at https://bcaafc.com/news/

Our thoughts are with everyone who is mourning the passing of Amshen - Joan Phillip. She will be deeply missed.

You can read the full statement at https://bcaafc.com/news/.

Applications for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program are open for the Winter 2027 semester. Apply by November 1, 2026! 📚💰

Students must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

✅Be a First Nations student registered under the Indian Act who does not currently hold membership with a First Nation/Band and therefore are not eligible to apply for post-secondary funding through a Band.

Please note: This funding is specifically for students who do not have Band membership. Students who are Band members are not eligible, including in cases where their Band has already fully allocated or expended its available post-secondary funding.

Eligible students may be affiliated or connected with a BC First Nation/Band without holding Band membership, or they may be registered on the BC General List.

Learn more: https://bcaafc.com/education/psssp/

The Provincial Indigenous Youth Council (PIYC) is looking for new members!

Indigenous youth ages 14–26 from across B.C. can apply to join PIYC to share their perspectives, connect with and support other youth, and help influence decisions that impact Indigenous young people.

From providing a youth voice within BCAAFC to co-hosting Gathering Our Voices, PIYC members have opportunities to build connections, develop leadership skills, and make a difference.

Join our info session at 4:30 p.m. PST on September 2 to learn more: https://bcaafc.com/about-us/piyc/

We're looking for new PIYC members! 🩷

Indigenous youth in B.C. ages 14 to 26 are invited to join our Provincial Indigenous Youth Council Information Session at 4:30 p.m. on September 2 to meet the crew and learn about what they do!

Learn more at https://bcaafc.com/about-us/piyc/

Make sure you're following the Gathering Our Voices page for all the GOV 2027 updates!

📅 SAVE THE DATE: Gathering Our Voices 2027!

Gathering Our Voices is returning to the traditional and unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples in 2027!
Ticket applications open in the GOV App at 10:00 a.m. (PST) on September 22 and close at 4:00 p.m. (PST) on September 23.

GOV will continue its equitable ticket application process to support representation from communities across B.C. and help ensure youth in and from care and youth with diverse abilities have the opportunity to attend.

Planning to apply for tickets? We recommend group leaders create or sign in to their GOV App account before September 22 to help avoid delays.

✨ Stay tuned for ticket prices, application details, and other important GOV 2027 information!

Learn more: https://gatheringourvoices.ca/

Senator Linda Boudreau-Semaganis’ dedication to the Friendship Centre Movement and her commitment to sharing culture, history, and teachings with Elders, youth and community, leave a meaningful legacy. Her care for the generations that follow and her belief in the importance of passing on cultural knowledge touched many throughout the Movement.

We are sending our love and heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted by this loss. ❤️

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of NAFC Senator Linda Boudreau Semaganis, a beloved and respected member of the Friendship Centre Movement.

A proud Cree-Métis woman, Senator Linda dedicated decades of her life to advocating for MMIWG2S+, supporting Indigenous youth, and strengthening the Friendship Centre Movement across the country. As a member of the National Association of Friendship Centres Senate and an Elder for the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association, she provided guidance, wisdom, and leadership that helped shape and strengthen our movement for generations.

Her unwavering commitment to community, culture, and Indigenous peoples touched countless lives across Alberta and Canada. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and service, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and hope.

Our thoughts are with Senator Linda's family, friends, and everyone throughout the Friendship Centre Movement who had the privilege of knowing her and whose lives were made better by her presence, advocacy, and friendship.

We honour her life, her work, and the lasting impact she made on our communities.

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C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous vous annonçons le décès de la sénatrice de l’ANCA Linda Boudreau Semaganis, membre estimée et profondément appréciée du Mouvement des centres d’amitié.

Fière femme crie et métisse, la sénatrice Linda a consacré plusieurs décennies de sa vie à défendre la cause des femmes, des filles et des personnes bispirituelles+ autochtones disparues et assassinées (FF2EADA+), à soutenir les jeunes Autochtones et à renforcer le Mouvement des centres d’amitié partout au pays. Membre du Sénat de l’Association nationale des centres d’amitié et Aînée auprès de l’Association des centres d’amitié autochtones de l’Alberta, elle a fait bénéficier notre Mouvement de ses conseils, de sa sagesse et de son leadership, contribuant ainsi à le façonner et à le renforcer pour les générations à venir.

Son engagement indéfectible envers la communauté, la culture et les peuples autochtones a marqué la vie d’innombrables personnes en Alberta et ailleurs au Canada. Par son travail de défense des droits, son mentorat et son dévouement au service des autres, elle laisse derrière elle un héritage empreint de compassion, de résilience et d’espoir.

Nos pensées accompagnent la famille et les proches de la sénatrice Linda, ainsi que toutes les personnes au sein du Mouvement des centres d’amitié qui ont eu le privilège de la connaître et dont elle a enrichi la vie par sa présence, son engagement et son amitié.

Nous rendons hommage à sa vie, à son œuvre et à l’empreinte durable qu’elle laisse dans nos communautés.