Here are four updates from our Executive Director from the last few months:

Reunification of a Village Child with Biological Family

Farah Collier, our Village Director, has steadily been working over the last year and a half with our partnered delegated agency, to support the transition of one of the Village children who has been in care for over 10 years to his family and First Nation of origin in Lillooet. This has been possible through the dedicated work, travel, and support on Farah’s part. But also the support of our SOS BC community who want to see brighter futures for children in care.

It’s a huge step for SOS BC as we begin to see the purpose of our presence during these times. We continue to advocate utilizing the Rights of the Child. We ask that all parties involved focus on the best interest of the child. Approaching our practices through a child protection lens. We’re beginning to build a reputation of being a trusted source. A mediator, among First Nation and Government Agencies, and a place families seek support. We know through years of experience, to sustain a child we must look at how to support the larger family. This is where our work continues, as we embrace family strengthening practices and programs for families external from our Village.

We know this work wouldn’t be possible if not for the hard work of Farah building and creating trusting relationships with everyone involved. Plus the dedication and passion of our SOS BC team, and the ability in which we stand by our children. It is because of the generous support of our donor community that we can take on this important work. And help bring children home.

Our Decolonization work has helped us get to this point. We want to continue until every child in care is in the safety and security of their home and family. Where this is not possible for children, our SOS Village will always be a safe place for kids everywhere.

Look for more details on this milestone at our Bringing Children Back Home campaign page!

June 21st National Indigenous Peoples Day

SOS BC participated in this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day and we encouraged our community to also participate. There were several events that took place all over BC. Our Village community joined the festivities, and gathered at Trout Lake in Vancouver in solidarity with Indigenous communities.

This day was not a day to only recognize the injustices that the Indigenous community faces, but it was also a time to celebrate the culture, its colors, its diversity, and its impact on our day-to-day life. We welcome teachings this year and want to respectfully engage as a non-Indigenous community that supports Indigenous kids!

Also, it was an important day to mark the work that non-Indigenous and settler communities must do to move our communities forward to true Reconciliation and Decolonization practices, for the betterment of Indigenous communities, but also for the betterment of all.

Executive Lab 101 with Vantage Point

Earlier this year I applied for a bursary with Vantage Point for BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Non-binary individuals seeking training for executive roles within for profit and non profit sectors. I was pleased to find out that I was awarded. I was able to attend a 3-week interactive and in-depth course on executive directorship.

It was amazing to meet and network with other young and new executives who are also facing a changed industry in the aftermath of a pandemic. I am hopeful that we will be able to pull our organization forward, and wanted to share this as our organization continues to embrace inclusivity and diversity to reflect the communities we engage and work with.

Upcoming Q & A for Stakeholders

SOS BC has been in a time of transition since 2019, and we wanted to open up our doors and allow our community to learn more about us, our history, and our way forward. An invitation was sent out to our community to see if you would like to attend an ‘Information and Q & A Session’ to learn more about the non profit you support and the important mission work that is being done to help our communities, children, and families. Our first session is Friday July 29th at 10:00am. Please email [email protected] if you are interested!

It will also be lovely to see some of your faces, even if it is still in the comfort of your home through a virtual meeting.

Photos

I have attached photos of some of the recent activities taking place within our operations! It was lovely to have our first volunteer Day of Caring with Telus since our hiatus of events due to the pandemic. We are geared up for the summer with more volunteer days and prepping the kids for 21 day camp!

I hope you enjoyed these updates from the last few months. Wishing you all health and happiness!

By Kistie Singh, Executive Director
Edited by William Brennan