Looking for ways to educate yourself and deepen your understanding of reconciliation in everyday actions? WESN team members compiled the following list of actions and resources to support our community’s ongoing learning and reconciliation efforts. Several of these were sourced through the The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (for more information visit here).

Individual and community actions:

• Visit a local Indigenous organization, Friendship Centre, community group or museum
• If invited or open to the public, attend local Indigenous cultural events taking place in your community
• Organize or participate in fundraising and awareness events supporting Indigenous artists, organizations, and community groups
• Support Indigenous artists and Indigenous owned businesses
• Learn the land acknowledgment in your region or develop one of your own in consultation with local Indigenous communities.

Everyday actions through media and learning:

Listen to a podcast that explores historic and current lived experiences of Indigenous People in Canada

• Thunder Bay – Canadaland
• Our Native Land – Tchadas Leo
• Coffee with My Ma – Kaniehti:io Horn
• The Historical Natives – Mackenzie Taylor and Josef Stafford
• Residential Schools – Historica Canada and hosted by Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais
• The Secret Life of Canada – Falen Johnson, Leah Simone Bowen
• Telling Our Twisted Histories – CBC Podcast hosted by Kaniehti:io Horn
• Kiwew – CBC Podcast hosted by David A. Robertson
• Inuit Unikkaangit – CBC Podcast hosted by Mary Powder
• Pieces – CBC Podcast hosted by Jeremy Ratt

Read a book centering Indigenous stories and experiences

• Moon of the Crusted Snow – Waubeshig Rice
• Split Tooth – Tanya Tagaq 
• Ragged Company – Richard Wagamese
• Blanket Toss Under Midnight Sun – Paul Seesequasis
• Code Talker – Cheser Nez
• From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way – Jesse Thistle
• Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Indigenous Life – James Daschuk
• Unsettling Canada: A National Wake-up Call – Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ron Derrickson
• The Inconvenient Indian – Thomas King
• The Reconciliation Manifesto: Recovering the Land, Rebuilding the Economy – Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ron Derrickson

Watch a movie or documentary that highlights Indigenous perspectives and issues

• We Were Children – Film by Tim Wolochatiuk
• Colonization Road – Documentary by Michelle St. John
• nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up –Documentary by Tasha Hubbard
• Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger – Documentary by Alanis Obomsawin
• Cottagers and Indians – Documentary by Drew Hayden Taylor
• Elder in the Making – Documentary by Chris Hsiung

Last Updated: 15-Sep-2021

Starting on Monday, September 13, proof of vaccination will be required to enter Barclay Manor.

This includes entering the building for participation in programs, presentations, workshops, events, appointments, meetings with staff, and using the Computer Lab.

Temporary access without proof of vaccination will be provided for individuals who require the washroom.

Proof of vaccination will need to be shown alongside 1 piece of ID at the front door of Barclay Manor. All other doors will be kept locked.

1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is required by September 13. Full vaccination is required by October 24.

This requirement is set in place until January 30, 2022 with a possibility of an extension.

For information about vaccine cards, visit our previous post: http://wesn.ca/bc-vaccine-cards/

Proof of vaccination is not required to access Kay’s Place, Clothes and Collectibles, outdoor programs, or Better at Home and Life Unlimited services such as Grocery Shopping and Delivery or Light Housekeeping.

As always, WESN is following the situation closely and will abide by Provincial Health Orders. Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and cooperation. These are temporary measures that will help protect people during the pandemic.

Last Updated: 10-Sep-2021

From September 13, 2021 to January 31, 2022 (with a possibility of extension), showing proof of vaccination will be required to access some businesses and events. This does not apply to essential businesses such as grocery stores.

As of September 13, people will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card showing partial vaccination (Dose 1).

As of October 24, people will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card showing they are fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals who are able to request their BC Vaccine Card online can go to: gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard

You will need to enter your Personal Health Number (PHN), date of birth and date of dose 1 or 2.

If you have Health Gateway and the mobile BC Services Card, you can sign in with that to obtain your BC Vaccine Card.

Once you have access to your BC Vaccine Card, you can save a copy to your mobile device such as in the photo album or download folder or print it out to carry with you.

The BC Vaccine Card has a QR code, which is essentially a barcode that businesses can scan using an app. Or, the businesses will perform a visual check of your BC Vaccine Card along with your government-issued ID.

Individuals who can’t access the electronic BC Vaccine Card can ask a friend, family member or support person to print their BC Vaccine Card for them, visit a Service BC office, or call 1 833 838-2323 to receive a copy in the mail.

WESN will be working on determining their processes this week to implement on September 13, as access to some social, recreational and educational programs and events will be affected.

Last Updated: 07-Sep-2021

With safety protocols in place, we are starting to bring in some in-person presentations and workshops at Barclay Manor.

Register for programs at 604-669-5051 or info@wesn.ca.

Note that safety protocols or scheduled activities are subject to change with short notice.

For September, WESN members can look forward to the following:

Four Weeks in September: Write Your Life
Receive guidance to write about your life in this 4 week workshop series. Bring writing materials and a notebook or a laptop. Max 6.
Wednesdays, September 8 – 29, 1:30PM – 3:00PM, Piano Room, Instructor: Phyllis

Safety in the Home
Receive detailed checklists of potential dangers both outside the home and in rooms. Review fire hazards, medications and childproofing. Safety devices and tips for effective renovations are also provided.
Monday, September 13, 1:30PM – 2:30PM, Piano Room, Presenter: COSCO

Tips To Stay Upright And Mobile As We Age
Are you standing tall or hunched over when you walk? Are you shuffling? Are you only able to walk short distances then get tired? Do you find it difficult to stay balanced? If you answer yes to any of these questions then this talk is for you! Physio2U will review proper posture and provide tips and exercise demonstrations to stay upright and mobile as you age.
Monday, September 27, 1:30PM – 2:30PM, Piano Room, Presenter: Physio2U

May Engagement Question: If you could spend one day with anybody in the world, living or not, who would it be and why?

Responses:

“My former husband, it would be fun.”

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June Engagement Question: What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Responses:

“Chocolate” x2

“Maple Walnut”

“Lemon Square ice cream, Rain or Shine”

“Whiskey hazelnut from Earnest Ice Cream”

“Cherry Custard, but very few carry it anymore. 😔”

“Peppermint”

“Salted Carmel”

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July Engagement Question: If you could bring a new invention to life, what would it be?

Responses:

“New type of alarm to protect yourself from unwanted visitors to your home”

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August Engagement Question: What is your preferred way of socializing: through an organized event or program or at an informal get-together without scheduled activities? Why?

Responses:

“I prefer an information get-together without scheduled activities.In my experience, people tend not to socialize as much during organized events. This is especially noticeable for someone who’s alone. People seem more relaxed when not being directed.”

“Through an organized event or program. I like the structure and a purpose for getting together. I like to learn and stay active and have friends to do informal gatherings. So, programs are great for me.”