Team BC selection process for the 2014 NAIG,  if you haven’t, the process is as follows:

Each of the six regions in BC will be identifying a male and a female team in the U15 and U17 categories, these teams will then compete at the BC Aboriginal Soccer Championships in Seabird Island on August 23^rd and 24^th.  The winning team at that tournament will go on and represent Team BC at the 2014 NAIG in Regina Saskatchewan. 

The Interior Regional Identification Camp will be in Kamloops BC on July 13^th and 14^th.  Would you be interested in being one of the four volunteer head coaches for the Interior Region?  If you would like more information feel free to contact :

Bernard Manuel Jr.

T: (250) 378-5107

www.bcaafc.com/initiatives/asrpa-partners-council

A Tribute to our Pick Up Men on May 18-20, 2013 in Falkland, BC. There is a parade Sunday May 19th at 1 pm and Rodeo’s Saturday and Monday starting at 1 pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Call for more information:

T: (250) 375-2577

Poster

Call for Okanagan visual artists, photographers, performers, musicians, literary/technical/traditional artists from the USA and Canada member bands for a traveling exhibition set for Winter 2013-Spring 2014.

Submission deadline: Friday June 21, 2013        Artist Notifications: Monday July 1,2013

For full submissions requirements and details, contact:

Victoria Baptiste, Ullus Collective Artistic Director

T: (250) 493-7181 ext. 2241

E: prproduction@vip.net

www.enowkincentre.ca/ullus.html

Okanagan Nation Territory/Westbank British Columbia: The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is exploring launching a comprehensive set of legal and political actions as a result of the Clark Government’s announcement on April 9 of an “incremental treaty agreement” with the Ktunaxa Nation. The agreement seeks to transfer 242 hectares of land at “Wensley Bench” to Ktunaxa, despite the fact that the Province has clear notice of ONA Territorial and Title and Rights interests with respect to the lands that are the subject of the agreement.  The lands are in an area where, amongst other things, there are traditional village sites, harvesting practices, and heritage sites of significant importance to the ONA.

“I have seen a lot of despicable actions by the Province over my decades as a leader of the Okanagan Nation.  This action by the Clark Government is as bad as it gets.  It reflects an arrogant pattern by this Government in its dealings with First Nations of doing things out of pure political expedience,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chair of the ONA.  ”This agreement was signed and announced by the Clark Government even though the most basic legal requirements are not being observed.  They offended our People, and ignored our Title and Rights, simply so that the appearance of making progress with First Nations could be peddled prior to the election.  Well, instead of progress they have created a sense of outrage and set the stage for potential conflict that will be felt throughout this region”, he added.

The Clark Government went ahead and signed the agreement despite the following facts: 

• The Province never met with the ONA or its member communities to discuss the matter despite repeated requests for meetings.   
• The Province never replied to letters sent by the ONA and a number of its member communities which laid out concerns with the proposed agreement.
• The Province never engaged in any consultation or accommodation with the ONA or its member communities concerning the proposed agreement, even though the Province itself acknowledged in writing that it needed to undertake consultation.  

“We never seek to take action of this nature, and it is especially regrettable when it involves another First Nation.  However, the Clark government has perpetuated a disastrous First Nations policy across the Province that is driven by generating a flurry of bogus partisan political announcements. When this agreement was announced, the Clark Government said it would support economic development and job creation.  Well, if the recipe for economic development and job creation is needlessly inflaming an already volatile situation while heightening economic uncertainty throughout the region, then the Clark Government continues to lead the race to the bottom”, said Grand Chief Phillip. 

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan which represents the 8 member communities: Okanagan Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band Upper Similkameen Indian Band, and the Colville Confederated Tribes on issues of common concern. Each community is represented by their Chief or Chair .through the ONA Chiefs Executive Council (CEC).

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This year, we will be bringing together youth from six different communities in B.C. to join our network of Natural Leaders.

• Do you live in or near the following communities: Victoria, Vancouver, Hope, Kelowna, Prince George or Kimberly?
• Are you in High School?
• Do you have a passion for the outdoors and getting more youth outside?

This all-expenses-paid opportunity has 4 phases:  

1.  JULY 13 – 17 2013: Youth Leadership Summit in Squamish

Build outdoor leadership skills, go camping, go hiking, network with 30 other youth from across B.C., meet inspiring mentors and learn about cool green jobs.

2.  AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2013: Events and Projects

Plan and organize your own outdoor event or community project.

3.  OCTOBER 2013: Reunion with Leadership Summit participants

Share your successes and make plans for future events.

4.  NOVEMBER 2013 – MAY 2014: Monthly meetings with your Get Outside BC Regional Group

Work together to continue to get more youth in your community outside! Deadline to apply is: April 30, 2013

Brought to you by BC Parks, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-BC Chapter (CPAWS-BC) and Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.