Members

Core membership of the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Service Collaborative consists of a representative from (listed alphabetically):
Ktunaxa Nation;
Métis Chartered Communities;
Secwepemc Nation;
Sinixt (Arrow Lakes);
Syilx Nation; and
Urban Aboriginal Indigenous Organization representatives whose mandate is service delivery to Aboriginal people in Kootenay Boundary.
In addition to this core membership additional representatives may attend this collaborative as guests or partners to provide support (i.e. technical and clinical support) to members.  

Organizations and individuals who provide support and services to Aboriginal people may request guests from their own or other organization to attend the Collaborative meetings.  If you are interested in requesting a delegation, please visit our Contact page. 

Purpose

• Provide mechanisms for the collaboration of Aboriginal organizations with those who provide supports and service to Aboriginal people
• Advocate for Aboriginal self-determination through ensuring voices of Aboriginal people are represented in the design and delivery of supports and services
• Ensure culturally relevant, culturally safe, and wholistic supports and services that advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal people

Context

• First Nations people have lived in, travelled through, and utilized the land known as the Kootenay Boundary
• Aboriginal people from many nations are living in and raising children on this land
• Members of the Collaborative do not define or presume territorial divisions within the Kootenay Boundary

The Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Collaborative will be guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous People that includes “Indigenous People have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for exercising their right to development. In particular Indigenous people have the right to be actively involved in the developing and determining health, housing, and other economic or social programs affecting them and, as far as possible, to administer such programs through their own institutions” (Article 23).