Community mapping presentation: Tk’emlups te Secwepemc

Community Mapping Presentation:

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc

By

Joel Arnould

Tk’emlups te SecwepemcThe Tk’emlups te Secwepemc are one of the seventeen bands that form the Secwepemc Nation.

The bands are united by a common language, Secwepemctsin and a similar culture and belief system

The word “Tk’emlups” derives from the English translation of the Shuswap word that means where the rivers meet.

The location of this community is East of the North Thompson River and North of the South Thompson River.

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc History

The traditional territory was the center of major traffic and trade routes.

The traditional economy was based on fishing, hunting and trading.

The traditional lifestyle, was based on respect for nature, depended on traditional aboriginal skills and knowledge handed down from generation to generation by oral tradition.

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc HistoryWhen British Columbia became a province of Canada, in 1871, the federal Department of Indian Affairs assumed control over every aspect of the Secwepemc social, political, and economic livelihood.

With the backing of the Federal Government, the Catholic Church inflicted religious conversion onto

the Secwepemc people.

In the 1890s two large "industrial" schools were established in Secwepemc territory.

Residential Schools closed in the 1970s but their legacy continues to be felt in the lives of Secwepemc people

Moving ForwardSystemic factors including destructive policies and activities by the government, religious organizations and non-Secwepemc business interests have contributed to the barriers and problems faced by the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc people, however...

The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc have persevered and have taken positive steps to rebuild their community and strengthen their capacity to overcome adversity and thrive as part of the Secwepemc Nation

The Tk’emlups band is about 1000 members strong and is one of the largest among the Secwepemc bands

Community MappingCommunity Mapping: Needs &

Problems❖ Identifying community problems

❖ Identifying community needs

❖ Problem-based perspective

❖ Needs surveys

❖ Needs orientated solutions

❖ Deficiency-oriented social service model

Community Mapping: Strengths & Capacity

❖ Capacity-Focused Alternative

❖ Identifying capacities and assets

❖ Strengths-based perspective

❖ Building blocks;

❖ Primary; assets located inside the neighbourhood & largely under neighbourhood control

❖ Secondary; assets located within the community but largely controlled by outside

❖ Potential resources; generated outside the neighborhood and controlled by outsiders

Community Mapping: Needs & Problems

❖Identifying community problems

❖Identifying community needs

❖Problem-based perspective

❖Needs surveys

❖Needs orientated solutions

❖Deficiency-oriented social service model

Note: Much of the following data is based on the Aboriginal population in the larger community, but reflects the situation for Secwepemc peoples

Needs & Problems: Affordable HousingCrowded dwellings (defined as more than one person per room)

Among the Aboriginal population in Kamloops, 3.3% live in crowded dwellings, compared to 1.2% of the non-Aboriginal population

Housing in need of major repairs (defined as housing with defective plumbing, electrical wiring and structural damages)

Among the Aboriginal population in Kamloops, 17.4% live in homes in need of major repair, compared to 6.1% of the non-Aboriginal population

Needs & Problems: Education

A 2006 Aboriginal population profile for Kamloops showed that among the Aboriginal population, 22% of adults had less than a high school education

13% of non-Aboriginals had less than a high school education

The rate of adults with less than a high school education is significantly higher among the Aboriginal population

Low level education is linked to low earning potential and low income

Needs & Problems: Unemployment & Lower EarningsThe same 2006 Aboriginal population profile for Kamloops showed that the unemployment rate for the core working age population (between 25-54) was found to be higher for the Aboriginal population.

12.4% unemployment for the Aboriginal population

4.5 % unemployment for the non-Aboriginal population

Among Aboriginals working full time, full year round, earned approximately 80% of what their non-Aboriginal counterparts made

Needs & Problems: Low IncomeThe same 2006 Aboriginal population profile for Kamloops showed that the median income for Aboriginal workers was $16, 921.00, compared to $26, 275.00 for non-Aboriginal workers

Using the concept of low income cut-off (LICO), it was found that in Kamloops approximately 30% of Aboriginal families were living below LICO, compared to 12% of the non-Aboriginal population.

Among children under the age of 15 years, 38% of Aboriginal children were living below LICOS, compared to 12% of the non-Aboriginal children under the age of 15 years

Needs & Problems: Families The same 2006 Aboriginal population profile for Kamloops showed that Aboriginal children living with lone parents (mainly single mothers) was 38% compared to 17% for the non-Aboriginal population

2.7% of Aboriginal children were not living with either parent (home of a relative or foster care)

0.5% of non-Aboriginal children were not living with either parent (home of a relative or foster care)

Needs & Problems: Mental and Physical HealthSuicide

The Canadian average is for suicide ideation and attempts is approximately 4% of females and 2% of males. For Aboriginal people, it is approximately 19% of females and 13% of males.

Completed suicides among First Nation young adults is five to seven times the Canadian average for the same age group.

Youth with a parent who attended a residential school, were more likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts

Aboriginal communities with low rates of suicide are those that are working towards self-governance, are actively engaged in settling their land claims, have recovered many

traditional practices and enjoy greater control over the delivery of local services.

Needs & Problems: Mental and Physical HealthMajor Depression, Anxiety & Distress

Major Depression is a life-changing mental illness in the Canadian population.

In Canada, Aboriginal people, experience major depression at twice the national average.

A 1997 survey found that 16% of First Nation adults living on reserve experienced major depression, compared to 8% of the general Canadian population

13% of First Nations adults living off-reserve were classified having major anxiety versus 8% of the general Canadian population

Needs & Problems: Mental and Physical Health

Alcohol use is of great concern to people in First Nations communities.

Surveys show that approximately 75% of all residents feel alcohol use is a problem in their community

33% indicate that it’s a problem in their own family or household

25% say that they have a personal problem with alcohol

Communities with high problematic substance use leads to fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects that influences learning ability and illegal behaviour that results in time in prison.

Needs & Problems: Mental and Physical HealthDomestic Violence

The rates of domestic violence are up to 5 times higher than average on First Nation reserves.

According to a Statistics Canada survey in 1999, almost one-half of the spousal violence experienced by Aboriginal women was severe or life-threatening

During over ½ of these incidents, children were present. This is harmful to the child's mental health and may help to perpetuate the cycle.

Needs & Problems: Influences

Some of the main factors that influence the mental health of children and youth,

and the development of suicide, abuse, and problematic alcohol and substance abuse

are as follows:

Needs & Problems: Mental and Physical Health Negative Factors

❖Residential schools; a generation of parents disconnected from their roots and culture.

❖Multi-generational losses. Some of these losses come from the residential school experience and others from colonization.

❖Social racism and oppression contribute to a sense of hopelessness and isolation.

❖Inadequate culturally appropriate services and lack of recognition of the need for change among agencies providing services.

❖Lack of adequate housing.

Needs & Problems: Mental and Physical Health

Positive Factors

❖Connections among the young and the old as the elders pass along their stories and wisdom.

❖Community-based healing initiatives that nurture autonomy of will and spirit, sharing, spirituality, respect, honour, compassion and cultural pride support healing and good mental health.

❖Youth pursuing higher education to expand knowledge and skills.❖Economic development that gives families stability and youth

opportunity.

Community Mapping: Strengths & Capacity❖ Capacity-Focused Alternative

❖ Identifying capacities and assets

❖ Strengths-based perspective

❖ Building blocks;

❖ Primary; assets located inside the neighbourhood & largely under neighbourhood control

❖ Secondary; assets located within the community but largely controlled by outside

❖ Potential resources; generated outside the neighborhood and controlled by outsiders

Community Mapping: Strengths & CapacityAboriginal people are likely to have a more holistic view of wellness; a state of "balance" with family, community and the larger environment.

As a result, the programs developed by Aboriginal groups tend to focus on social causes and cultural approaches

Approaches developed by Aboriginal communities tend to emphasize research that identifies the strengths of families and communities and

programs that build on these strengths.

This is seen as the most effective approach and an antidote to the damage done by much of the existing "deficiency-oriented" research that

emphasizes the problems of First Nations

Potential resources; generated outside the neighborhood and controlled by outsiders

BC Government Funding for post-secondary institutions across BC

BC Government contributed 3.7 million dollars for funding public post-secondary institutions across British Columbia

The funding is intended to build on existing programs and activities that will give Aboriginal students a strong sense of belonging

Service plans are intended to help increase access and successful completion of educational programs for Aboriginal learners, strengthen partnerships and ensure that programs are relevant to the Aboriginal students


Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Training Policy and Framework Action Plan

Goal is to increase the number of credentials awarded to Aboriginal learners by 75% by 2020-2021

From the 2009-2010 school year to the 2013-2014 school year, credentials awarded increased by 23% showing significant improvement

In the 2013-2014 school year, 3,241 credentials were awarded


Interior Health Authority: Aboriginal Health Program

The Aboriginal Health program is guided by the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Advisory Committee and it’s focus is on improving Aboriginal health and reducing the gap in the status quo

The 5 key strategies are to develop a sustainable Aboriginal Health Care Program, to ensure Aboriginal people access to integrated services, to deliver culturally safe services across the care & service continuum, to develop information monitoring and evaluation approaches, and to ensure ongoing meaningful Aboriginal participation in healthcare planning

Aboriginal Health contracts are awarded to local not-for-profit agencies


Contracts provide funding for programs and services that promote health, prevent diseases, and preserve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being

Educational Grants are also awarded for locally accessible programs such as Relapse prevention, Substance Abuse Facilitation, Group facilitation methods, Suicide prevention training and Mental health First Aid

Direct Service Grants are also awarded and include funding local programs such as Community kitchens, Parenting Skills programs, Street outreach programs and the Secwepemc Needs Assessment


First Nations Health AuthorityThe Government of Canada, the Province of British columbia and BC First Nations forged president-setting agreements that led to the creation of the First Nations Health Authority

Directives include: ❖Program, services and policy driven by grassroot levels❖Increase of local decision-making & control over health services and

expenditures❖Improvement of services that support health & wellness and

development of programs at local levels❖Development of Human & Economic capacity; for current and future

healthcare professionals at all levels through education & training methods & opportunities

Secondary Building Blocks; Physical part of the community but largely directed & controlled outside

the communityThompson Rivers University’s Aboriginal Mentor Program

❖Provides mentor training

❖assists new students with a successful transition into Thompson Rivers University

Gathering Place - "Cplul’kw’ten"

❖Aboriginal centre that provides information on all aspects of university life

❖Assistance in finding services on campus, supporting band funding applications, exploring academic support options such as tutoring or locating housing and off-campus amenities


the communityAboriginal Health and Nursing School/Faculty Initiatives

❖Initiatives to promote success of Aboriginal students, create a culturally safe educational experience for all, and build relationships with Aboriginal individuals, groups, and communities.

Elders in the House Program

❖Elders provide personal consultation, conversation, guidance, and mentorship to aboriginal students.


the communityAboriginal Training and Employment Centre

❖Is a Work BC Employment Services Centre

❖It is funded by the Government of Canada

❖Is a department of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Counsel

❖Goal is to assist Aboriginal people in the Kamloops area identify and overcome their potential barriers to employment; find and maintain meaningful employment that fits their skills, abilities, and interests


the communityAboriginal Training and Employment Centre

ATEC is committed to helping clients enter into the workforce or explore and discover a new career path. The offer the following:

❖ Employment counselling❖ Self-directed job search❖ Industry training❖ Essential Skills assessments and training❖ Academic assessments❖ Funding for training❖ Funding for job starts

Primary Building Blocks; Assets of Individuals and Organizations or

AssociationsKamloops Native Housing Society

❖ Incorporated in 1987, Kamloops Native Housing Society’s mission is to enhance the living conditions of urban Aboriginals in the city of Kamloops.

❖This mission is carried out by the work and dedication of the Board of Directors, membership, staff and other interested individuals and groups to ensure safe, clean, comfortable and affordable housing.

❖The society currently manages 84 units of affordable housing for Elders, singles and families in Kamloops


AssociationsWhite Buffalo Aboriginal & Metis Health Society

Mission Statement: To raise the health status of Aboriginal peoples by providing holistic health care which includes physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health provision for individual, family and community. White Buffalo Aboriginal Health society is a culturally based holistic health centre dedicated to balanced and healthy lifestyles. Programs and services support traditional Aboriginal values encompassing the connectedness of physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being.

It employs Aboriginal Community members and utilizes the unique talents and gifts of these members for helping fellow

community members


AssociationsWhite Buffalo Aboriginal & Metis Health Society Programs and Services:❖ Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Wellness❖ Aboriginal Infant Development Program❖ Aboriginal Supported Child Development❖ Spirit Visions Health Empowerment❖ Aboriginal Suicide and Critical Incident Response Team (ASCIRT)❖ Gift Givers Family Empowerment Program❖ Affordable Recreation for Community Health (ARCH)❖ Primary Health Care Practitioner❖ Aboriginal Family Response Worker


AssociationsOther White Buffalo Aboriginal & Metis Health Society Services:School Supplies ProgramAnnual Events for National Aboriginal Day, ChristmasChristmas Hamper ProgramLiteracy & Reading ClubCommunity and Resource Bulletin BoardQuarterly NewsletterAboriginal Breakfast ClubSecwepemc Language InitiativeGrief and Loss Support Groups


AssociationsTk’emlups Indian Band

❖The Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc is a progressive community committed to attaining self-sufficiency and independence through education and economic development.

❖The Band has strengthened their community with childcare, education and health care facilities as well as other initiatives and infrastructure.

❖They have created over 200 direct jobs, generated $200 million in regional economic activity, and pioneered the development of Indian property taxation authority.



❖The Band currently has approximately 1,000 members living on and off its 33,000-acre (130 km2) reserve.

❖The reserve supports a variety of uses including residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural. In 1999, the TIB purchased Harper Ranch, now known as Spiyu7ullucw Ranch Corporation, which added 20,000 acres of fee simple land and crown leases for resource development and other economic opportunities.

❖It provides services promoting social development, Housing & Education

❖It has a Natural Resources Division that looks after: range, forestry, fisheries, and water management, as well as traditionally related duties such as cultural resource management.



❖Planning & Engineering Department: services provided encompass a host of activities above and beyond just Planning and Engineering. In all cases, the objective is to provide services to band members and to facilitate growth

❖Water Treatment Plant: Water Treatment Plant provides clear, clean and safe potable water to the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc including the Sun Rivers Community and the Mt. Paul Industrial Park.

❖Lands, Leasing & Taxation: Since 1991, the band has collected property taxes from leasehold interests. Through tax dollars, on Kamloops Indian Reserve #1, the Band has built infrastructure such as the Paved Roads, Water Lines, Water Treatment and the Waste Water Treatment Plants

ReferencesCanadian Mental Health Association. (2013). CMHA Kamloops Branch. Suicide. Accessed November 28, 2015 from

. http://www.kamloops.cmha.bc.ca/node/165

First Nations Health Authority. (2015). Interior Region. Accessed November 28, 2015 from

http://www.fnha.ca/about/regions/interior

Government of Canada. (2006). Aboriginal mental health and well-being. In The human face of mental health and mental illness

in Canada (Chapter 12). Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Accessed November 28, 2015

from www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/human-humain06/index-eng.php.

Interior Health. (2015). Interior Health Program report 2011-2012. Accessed November 28, 2015 from

https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/AboriginalHealth/Documents/Aboriginal%20Health%20Program%20Report.pdf

McKnight, J., and Kretzmann, P. (1996). Mapping Community Capacity. Accessed

November 28, 2015 from, http://www.abcdinstitute.org/docs/MappingCapacity.pdf

http://www.kamloops.cmha.bc.ca/node/165

http://www.fnha.ca/about/regions/interior



http://www.abcdinstitute.org/docs/MappingCapacity.pdf

Milligan, S. (2010). 2006 Aboriginal population profile for Kamloops. Statistics Canada. Accessed November 28, 2015 from

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-638-x/2010004/article/11083-eng.htm

Ministry of Housing (2009). Kamloops Aboriginal housing.Accessed November 28 2015 from,

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2009HSD0069-000797-Attachment1.htm & Social Development.

Secwepemc Cultural Education Society. (2007). Our language and culture. Accessed November 28, 2015 from

http://secwepemc.org

Tk’emlups. (2015). Our history. Accessed November 28, 2015 from http://tkemlups.ca

Visions Journal. (2008). Aboriginal People, 5 (1), pp.6-7). Accessed November 28, 2015 from

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/aboriginal-people-vol5

White Buffalo Aboriginal and Metis Health Society. (2015). About us. Accessed November 28, 2015 from

https://www.whitebuffalosociety.ca

References

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-638-x/2010004/article/11083-eng.htm

http://secwepemc.org/

http://tkemlups.ca/

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/aboriginal-people-vol5