August 28, 2020- UPDATE TO MEMBERSHIP:
CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES & TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NATION OFFICES
April 1, 2020
IN THIS UPDATE: (Click to jump to section)
Listen to the experts: We highly recommend our community pay attention to instructions from the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Federal Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam. Both of these trustworthy public health experts are providing daily updates broadcast by the CBC and other news outlets.
Some key take-aways from BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s March 30th & 31st public addresses:
The First Nations Health Authority website (www.fnha.ca) also has some great resources if you want to learn more about the virus and how to protect yourselves and your families.
Highlights from the past week
Emergency Support Services
Groceries and Meals to Families and Youth in Need
Fish and Household Supply Distribution
Elder Support
Signage Installed
What is it?
Member Support Services (MSS) may provide support to Squamish Nation Members and their families for emergency services not covered by any other programs or services. MSS may provide support by connecting Members and their families to available resources, issuing emergency support funds, and empowering Members to live healthier lifestyles.
How do I access it?
If you are in a crisis and require Emergency (financial) Assistance please call the main office 604-980-4553 during office hours. Please ask to speak to an Intake Officer. After hours please call our emergency lines at 604-505-3776 or 604-374-1126
What is offered?
In the event of an emergency (an unexpected and/or dangerous situation that requires immediate action), MSS staff may issue the following Emergency Assistance to prevent undue hardship: Food Voucher, Shelter (rent), Utilities and Hospital support. Shelter is paid directly to the Landlord and utilities are paid to the service provider.
What is the process?
Requests are reviewed and processed in chronological order. Priority may be given based on the emergency situation or to Squamish Nation Members who are determined to be the most vulnerable or of highest-risk.
The emergency intake process is reviewed by the Emergency Services team and includes the following:
When assessing eligibility, MSS staff may request proof of income or expenses (i.e., bank statements, tenancy agreements, utility bills, taxes, etc.) and/or verification of information from other agencies and organizations (i.e., WCB, EI, IA, VCH, FNHA, etc.).
Clarification on MSS Emergency Assistance:
The intent of Emergency Assistance is to provide temporary support on a short-term basis. Emergency Assistance funds issued by MSS are not meant as a supplement towards a Member or a household’s regular income.
MSS reserves the right to request information, collect and verify documents, and to make final decisions with regards to the amount, frequency, and method of payment issued for Emergency Assistance. MSS staff have the ability to deny a request if the Member fails to disclose information, does not provide the requested information, or has surplus money, income, or assets available.
We value the health and safety of our community. Our service and programs are a vital community based response positioned to support children and families that will be impacted. We are temporarily modifying service delivery while providing essential services. In order to do our part in flattening the curve of COVID-19 infection in Canada, we are practicing social isolation and have many of our staff working from home. We continue to serve members at the office through the reception service window, phone and digital meetings.
We ask all visitors to our offices to wash their hands upon arrival and inform staff if you are ill.
Family support services:
Family preservation & reunification:
We offer culturally-informed programs to support families, including in-home supports and strengthening group programs. These in person programs are currently on hold due to COVID-19 and we are currently looking at ways to provide on-line programs.
You can make a request for support services or connect with your worker by contacting the main line 604-985-4111.
Counselling and therapy services for children, youth, and families:
To request service please call 604-985-4111.
Youth Services:
To request service please call 604-985-4111.
Food Sharing:
Week of March 30 – April 3 Schedule:
Monday, March 30
Tuesday, March 31
Wednesday, April 1
Friday, April 3
To access food sharing or lunch bags contact: 604-985-4111 or email amm_reception@squamish.net
Families who are working with an Ayás Mén̓men social worker- please contact your worker to discuss extra supports you may need during this time of isolation and pandemic.
Statistics for food sharing and numbers of families who have received:
Sandwiches and bagged lunches are being made by SV Youth Centre (Mara).
Mother Bear and Shewaynewas Family Programing this week:
Sempulyan is live streaming from his Facebook page:
Several of our families are participating ... and in addition to our families 100’s of others are viewing.
Tammie Baker is distributing the small drums to our families to borrow so that they can drum along with Sempulyan.
Sempulyan has invested a lot of time in teaching our children and their parents about respecting the Drums, and he is reminding them of the teachings as he starts circle.
Delsea Jones is putting together activity kits for each of our S7IXWALH families:
She is taking pictures of kits, delivering them and asking for pictures to be submitted as families use to show how much fun they are having with them.
Delsea is also doing Felt board stories, story time and other activities for children and families to watch on line. These will be posted to our Shewaynewas Facebook page.
Arlene, our speech and language specialist, provides a monthly book club.
Arlene is going to create a video each month reading and speaking about the monthly book for our Skakel and S7ixwalh families. We will post her video on the Shewaynewas Facebook page.
Liz, our community health nurse in Squamish, is in touch with our pre/post-natal moms ensuring that they are okay and getting the nutritional supplement cards to them.
Laura and Karen, our community health nurses in North Vancouver, are providing information to post on our Shewaynewas Facebook page. They are also going to look into some info videos.
They are working closely with AMM to ensure that our pre and post natal Moms are supported. We have several expectant Moms and there is added anxiety for them at this time.
Jean, our physical therapist, is utilizing ZOOM app to connect with families on her caseload to provide on-going supports and plans for the children.
Michelle Dickie, Supported Child Development, distributed activity kits to 32 families.
Kits included:
Streaming circle times with our staff through Facebook:
Stewart cultural circle at 10:30 and 3:30 daily on his personal page
ECE circle time at 2:00pm Jeremy, Cynthia and Lori:
We are looking at adding streaming sessions for the week of March 30th
Closed group for MBCD families to access information:
Parents have responded to how much their children are looking forward to and enjoying these sessions.
We did an informal survey asking parents how they were adapting to the modified service delivery, asking about health needs and ability to sustain while in isolation. Results of survey will be shared next week. We continue to also adapt to best ways to serve the community.
Ayás Mén̓men service remains in place to provide holistic service delivery that culturally and spiritually strengthens Squamish families. We acknowledge and honour the inherent wisdom, capacity and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative programs and services in collaboration with members of our community.
We are in this together with strong Squamish values of love, caring and upholding one another.
Huy chexw a,
Kelley McReynolds, Yataltenat
Director
T 604-985-4111
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious virus that could overwhelm our healthcare system and result in significant loss of life if urgent measures aren’t taken by all.
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person:
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
People who show no signs of infection can still carry and transmit the virus.
By minimizing physical contact between each other, we reduce the risk of the virus spreading. This is how we “flatten the curve” and fight the pandemic.
If you can, stay home and away from visitors. And wash your hands frequently.
Ayás Mén̓men Child & Family Services
Business Revenue & Services
Chief Joe Mathias Centre
Council
Community Operations
Education, Employment & Training
Elders Centre
Finance
Language & Cultural Affairs
Member Services
Planning & Capital Projects
Squamish Valley
Youth Centre (North Vancouver)
Yúustway Health & Wellness
About COVID-19 – What You Need to Know
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. They may include coughing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.
How is COVID-19 spread?
Coronavirus is transmitted via larger liquid droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus can enter via these droplets through the eyes, nose or throat if you are in close contact. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Who is most at risk?
Elders and people with chronic health or respiratory conditions are most at risk of becoming very ill if they contract COVID-19 and possibly dying.
Is there a vaccine?
No. It can take years to develop a vaccine for a new disease and to produce enough for populations.
What can I do to prevent infection?
The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection. If a sink is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean them.
Can I still wash my hands if my community has a boil water advisory?
Yes, it's safe to wash your hands with soap if you are living in a community with a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) or a Do Not Consume (DNC) advisory. However, if you are living with a Do Not Use (DNU) advisory you should wash with bottled water. For more information about water advisories, see: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/drinking-water-advisories
What can I use to disinfect and kill germs?
Regular household cleaners are effective for removing germs. You may also use a solution of one part bleach mixed with nine parts water to disinfect areas that are touched often such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables. If you have COVID-19, it is important to use bleach to disinfect, especially if you are sharing any common areas (such as a bathroom) with others or if others will be entering the room where you are staying.
What should I do if I have to cough or sneeze?
Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. This is called good respiratory hygiene.
What is the best way to protect myself, my loved ones and my community during the COVID- 19 pandemic?
The FNHA recommends social distancing, forgoing usual greetings (such as handshakes, hugs, kisses etc.), avoiding social gatherings over 50 people, and staying home if you are experiencing any signs of illness, even if they are mild symptoms.
If you are coughing or sneezing, always cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue. Throw the tissue into a closed bin immediately after use. Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and warm water after you cough or sneeze. Do the same when you are caring for a loved one that is sick.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing means that we do not use usual greetings, such as handshakes, hugs, and kisses. (Safe greetings include a wave, a nod, a bow and anything else you can think of that does not include physical contact.) Social distancing also includes staying one to two metres away from other people.
Why is social distancing important?
When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoiding physical contact while greeting friends, family and community members helps to prevent COVID-19 from spreading to the people we care about.
Should I still attend events and/or travel within BC?
The FNHA is advising all communities to avoid unnecessary travel and attendance at public gatherings of more than 50 people due to the increased risk of spreading the COVID-19 at the gathering. (The 50-person limit was set by the Provincial Health Officer March 16, down from 250 the previous week).
Why should I avoid public gatherings?
Attending even small gatherings increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19. This increases the chance of participants becoming infected and carrying the virus into their communities and passing it on to vulnerable friends and family, particularly Elders and people with existing health conditions.
We understand people will be disappointed at the postponement of events and travel plans but our common priority now is to slow the spread of the disease, contain the chain of transmission, and protect our most vulnerable family and community members.
Is it safe to participate in cultural gatherings (e.g., sweat lodges, potlatches, ceremonies and other gatherings)?
The FNHA acknowledges the significance of cultural gatherings in our communities and the lingering negative memories and trauma caused by past practices of banning cultural activities.
Currently, the Provincial Health Officer has banned all gatherings of 50 or more people to protect public health. Even gatherings of fewer than 50 people require an assessment of risk - especially to Elders and those with chronic disease and especially if the event will entail travel and people sharing accommodations. Communities are encouraged to consider alternatives, such as holding smaller events now with the larger event at a later date. If you are holding a smaller event, consider having bag lunches rather than shared meals, ensure there are opportunities to wash and/or sanitize hands, and practice social distancing.
In terms of sweat lodges, we can't say what effect they might have on the virus because factors such as temperature and timing can't be easily controlled.
If our leaders are travelling, how do we know that they aren't bringing the virus back into community?
As much as possible, community members should seek to minimize interaction with other people, particularly with groups of more than 50 people. During travel this can be difficult to control. For this reason, we recommend that all travel be assessed to determine if it is essential at this time. Postponing events and travel whenever possible will support individual and community health and minimize the spread of the virus.
When traveling, people need to be extra diligent with preventative practices such as hand washing often, using hand sanitizer if soap and water not available, and avoiding touching the face.
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation means staying at home and not going to work or school. It also means monitoring yourself for symptoms for 14 days.
I am infected and I live with other people. How do I self-isolate?
Stay and sleep in a room with good airflow that is away from others. Use a separate bathroom if you can. Wear a facemask (surgical/procedure mask) if you are in the same room with anyone and avoid face-to-face contact. Do not share towels or face cloths. Friends and family can drop off food outside your room or home. If you live with an Elder or someone with a chronic health condition, it would be best if those people could stay in the home of other family or friends in the community.
What happens if someone in my community is infected?
If someone in the community is infected, they must self-isolate. People who were in close contact with that person (i.e. people living in the same household) should also self-isolate for 14 days.
What happens if one person in my household is infected but no one else has symptoms?
The whole household must self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus to anyone outside of your household.
How do I get tested for COVID-19?
Testing is available for all who need it but not everyone needs a test. If you have no symptoms or mild symptoms you do not require a test. If symptoms appear, call your health care provider or 8-1-1 for guidance. The BC Centre for Disease Control has created an online self-assessment tool that is available on its website. It is also linked from www.fnha.ca/coronavirus
The Urgent Primary Care Unit is also providing tests. Phone: (604) 973-1600 or visit the website for more information: Website: www.vch.ca/UPCC
Are there COVID-19 test kits that First Nations can access?
COVID-19 is tested using a standard swab (long Q-tip that scrapes cells from the very back of the nose or throat). These swabs are then sent to a laboratory for testing. The tests are available where influenza testing is being done. Call your health care provider or 8-1-1 for guidance. Not all people with respiratory symptoms need to be tested for COVID-19. If people develop respiratory symptoms, they should self-isolate, regardless of the availability of testing.
What are the next steps if I am infected or think that I may be infected or if I've been around someone who is infected?
Should I buy toilet paper?
You should stock your household with essential supplies in case you are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. However, it's not necessary to stockpile large quantities of toilet paper or any other supplies. This only creates supply issues for everyone.
Will a mask help?
Masks should be used by sick people to prevent transmission to other people. A mask will help keep a person's droplets in. It is less effective to wear a mask in the community when a person is not sick themselves. Masks may give a person a false sense of security and are likely to increase the number of times a person will touch their own face (e.g., to adjust the mask). Health-care workers will wear surgical masks, eye protection and gowns in order to protect themselves and their patients.
Can the virus live on clothes?
Yes, the virus can survive on porous surfaces such as skin and cloth as well as other materials and surfaces for hours to days, depending on the surface. Regular washing is recommended.
What is the risk for infants?
Recent evidence does not indicate a large risk for infants – very few children under five showed serious illness from COVID-19. There has been a positive case detected, however, so they are not immune.
What are the risks for pregnant women?
It is too early to determine the level of risk posed to pregnant women infected with COVID-19. A study of pregnant women with the coronavirus SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) found that the more severe the illness experienced by the mother, the higher the likelihood of risk to her pregnancy – including stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.
Can my pets get COVID-19 or be a carrier?
There is currently no evidence that domestic animals like pets can become sick with COVID-19 or can spread the virus to people.
What supports are in place for remote communities that may be short-staffed or don't have access to equipment (i.e., respirators)?
The FNHA is working with regional, provincial and federal partners in the health and health emergency management sectors to ensure that communities have access to appropriate care. If communities have specific concerns about access to care relating to COVID-19, they can connect with their FNHA Regional Team or covid19@fnha.ca
Do you want to access federal and provincial funding for COVID-19-related emergency situations? Visit https://www.squamish.net/covid-19-funding-guides/ for guides to navigating the funding opportunities available to those who have been impacted by COVID-19.
If you require support with your applications, please contact the Income Assistance and Stitsma Career Centre at 604-985-7711 and the Receptionist will set up an appointment with the appropriate team member. All services will be done via phone call.
We strongly urge all Squamish Nation members to continue taking every precaution to protect themselves and their families, including:
If you order food or grocery delivery, it is extremely important that you wash your hands thoroughly before and after receiving your delivery, and keep as much distance as possible between yourself and the delivery person.
Remember: People with no symptoms are capable of transmitting the virus. Some good advice is for everyone to act like they have the virus and are doing everything possible to prevent spreading it to others.
April 9, 2020
The following is an update on the Squamish Nation response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis and information for the Squamish Nation community.
Please ensure you and other members in your household understand the information contained in this update.
Listen to the experts: We highly recommend our community pay attention to instructions from the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, as well as the Federal Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam. Both of these trustworthy public health experts are providing daily updates broadcast by the CBC and other news outlets.
Here’s an excerpt from a statement Dr. Bonnie Henry issued on April 7:
“We want people who have symptoms to contact us and to feel safe contacting us, knowing their personal information will be protected. This is important to everyone. It allows public-health teams to do the work they need to do to keep all of us safe.
“So, while I understand the desire to know and understand what the COVID-19 situation is in your community, I need to emphasize that knowing where the positive cases are does not protect you, your family or your community. The actions you take will do that.
“No one is immune from this disease, but everyone can make a difference. Every British Columbian has a part to play to flatten the curve.
“Wash your hands, do not touch your face, stay home if you are ill, and stay apart with physical distancing. Let's all do the right thing.”
The First Nations Health Authority website (www.fnha.ca) also has some great resources if you want to learn more about the virus and how to protect yourselves and your families.
How do I access it?
If you are in a crisis and require Emergency (financial) Assistance please call the main office 604-980-4553 during office hours. Please ask to speak to an Intake Officer. After hours please call our emergency lines at 604-505-3776 or 604-374-1126
What is offered?
In the event of an emergency (an unexpected and/or dangerous situation that requires immediate action), MSS staff may issue the following Emergency Assistance to prevent undue hardship: Food Voucher, Shelter (rent), Utilities and Hospital support. Shelter is paid directly to the Landlord and utilities are paid to the service provider.
What is the process?
Requests are reviewed and processed in chronological order. Priority may be given based on the emergency situation or to Squamish Nation Members who are determined to be the most vulnerable or of highest-risk.
When assessing eligibility, MSS staff may request proof of income or expenses (i.e., bank statements, tenancy agreements, utility bills, taxes, etc.) and/or verification of information from other agencies and organizations (i.e., WCB, EI, IA, VCH, FNHA, etc.).
Clarification on MSS Emergency Assistance:
The intent of Emergency Assistance is to provide temporary support on a short-term basis. Emergency Assistance funds issued by MSS are not meant as a supplement towards a Member or a household’s regular income.
MSS reserves the right to request information, collect and verify documents, and to make final decisions with regards to the amount, frequency, and method of payment issued for Emergency Assistance. MSS staff have the ability to deny a request if the Member fails to disclose information, does not provide the requested information, or has surplus money, income, or assets available.
In line with Squamish Nation & First Nations Health Authority’s guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Community Health & Wellness team is providing phone and online (Jennifer) counselling sessions. Call during business hours to be connected:
If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, please call How Does Telephone / Online Counselling Work? Telephone counselling is a growing trend in which psychotherapists and psychologists support clients over the phone. Phone counselling clients rate their counselling relationship similarly to in-person visits. EXTERNAL RESOURCE GUIDE PROVINCIAL/FEDERAL COVID-19 BENEFIT RESOURCES GUIDE: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FULL FEDERAL RESPONSE PLAN: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), applications will also be available on this website beginning April 6th 2020, if you have lost income because of COVID-19, (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support. CERB will provide eligible applicants with $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE QUICK LINKS:
(offers screening & diagnoses, ex. depression, anxiety…)
Telephone Counselling/therapy is a structured therapeutic relationship, where the client and therapist speak on the telephone or through telehealth/online rather than meeting in person. Sessions are with the same therapist and usually take place weekly. The therapist is in a private location to ensure that the conversation is confidential.
COVID-19-RELATED SUPPORT:
Many people from our community, all over Canada, and the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal and provincial governments have introduced a number of emergency funding supports in response to this urgent need. Please use this as a reference guide for external supports related to COVID-19
North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Bowinn Ma has put together an excellent summary of the COVID-19-related resources available through the Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada. Learn about what supports you and your family may be eligible for, and how to access them.
Info available at:http://bowinnmamla.ca/covid19/supports/
For Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak info available at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
For further support with applications contact Frances: 604-345-2126 / Barb: 604-365-8826 at Stitsma
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/apply.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html
Contact Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218 or TTY: 1-800-529-3742
For further support call Stitsma for assistance with applications or submitting documents. Frances: 604-345-2126 / Barb: 604-365-8826
QUEST FOOD EXCHANGE:
Provincial Support and relief updates updated daily:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/covid-19-support
167 1st Street East, North Vancouver. Quest is a lower cost option for those in need of Groceries. Please call Stitsma for further information: 604-985-7711; you will require a referral to utilize Quest services. Food banks (Harvest & Salvation Army) are closed to new clients at this time.
Effective immediately, Atira has set up a call-in line for women who need support over the course of this Coronavirus Pandemic. If you are self-isolating and need someone to talk to, if you have been laid off, are facing eviction or are low on medication or food, please call us and we will do our best to assist you. We may refer you to resources you are unaware of, resources in your neighborhood, or assist you to complete your federal government benefits forms, or just listen.
Need Help or Someone to Talk to? Please call 604-800-8881
GENERAL PROVINCIAL (BC) INFORMATION AND REFERRAL LINE:
Dial 211 for services available in your local service area.
ADDITIONAL CRISIS/SUPPORT NUMBERS TO CALL:
Transition Homes for Women: If seeking a transition house call 1-800-563-0808
Suicide Prevention: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) available 24/7
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234 available 24/7
Youth Crisis Line: 604-872-3311 Lower Mainland; 1-866-661-3311 Howe Sound/Sunshine Coast; open from NOON-1AM
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868-for available 24/7
Helpline for Children to Report Abuse: 604-310-1234
Domestic Violence: Call 911 Immediately when in danger
Stitsma Career Services – The Stitsma office remains open for calls but closed to the public. Current clients can submit paper work through the mail slot at the Eslha7an Learning Centre front door. Stitsma team members are also available to provide support with Federal and Provincial COVID -19 related assistance programs such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and Employment Insurance Applications. All services will be done over the phone. Stitsma Career Services call: 604-985-7711
Eslha7an Learning Centre – There will be continued partnership with SD 44 staff for school age and adult dogwood programs. This upcoming week will see the service delivery better defined. Students are encouraged to reach out to their teacher/s. Call: 604-985-7711 for more information.
Squamish Nation Training & Trades Centre – Programs 2020/2021 are postponed until further notice, TTC building is locked to continue physical distancing. Call 604-980-7946 to contact staff. Advocacy Support Assessment (ASA) – The ASA staff remain available through calls. Regular services are available, except those limited by physical distancing (tutoring, education assessments etc). Staff are focusing on working with public and independent schools to connect our families with them to establish indirect learning opportunities. Post-Secondary services will remain available, except where we are limited by physical distancing. For further information call Lisa Newman 604-338-4129 or lisa_newman@squamish.net
Chen wanáxwstúmi,
Education, Employment and Training
Food Sharing: to access food sharing or lunch bags contact 604-985-4111 or amm_reception@squamish.net Families who are working with an AMM social worker: please contact your worker to discuss extra supports you may need during this time of isolation & pandemic. Youth Services Team: available by email or phone and will be working remotely to connect with youth via video chat, text, phone and social media. To request service, please call 604-985-4111
Closed until further notice. All heating and plumbing issues will take priority and be addressed by Field Repair staff. Please call 604-980-8655 during regular office hours and 604-690-0729 for emergencies after hours.
CHIEF JOE MATHIAS CENTRE
COMMUNITY OPERATIONS
Council will be meeting via teleconferencing until social/physical distancing measures are lifted.
Trades & Training Centre: During the day, please use the building number 604-980-7946 to contact staff.
Post secondary program: Support available remotely, contact Lisa Newman (nee Paull) 604-338-4129. K-12 supports: Contact Cherie Baker for High School 778-939-9148; Vanessa Small Legs for Elementary 604-908-3265; Inclusive Education Catherine Wairimu 604-318-1569. ASA: The ASA team is no longer doing assessments until it is safe to do so.
Language Nest is offering continued language learning online. Providing families one-one and group language learning online, along with short video language clips on the Nest's Facebook page.
The mentor-apprentice (MAP) language teams are working online.
Working on department Facebook page for language and culture learning online.
Department staff have and will continue to support elder food deliveries.
Call 604-980-4553 during office hours. Please ask to speak to an Intake Officer.
After hours emergencies or Elder requests, please call our emergency lines at 604-505-3776 or 604-374-1126.
Elders grocery & prescription pickup and drop off: Monday - Friday.
Fish and Cleaning products: We are setting up another distribution for families that missed the On-Reserve delivery and Off Reserve hand out. We ask that those families that missed the first distribution to please call the main office and ask for Tallia Reginald for date and time for the next distribution at the Fish Freezer located at 12 Bewick Ave on the Mission Reserve.
Reception staff are answering calls from 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
For urgent requests, please contact Michelle George, Squamish Valley Administrator, at 604-356-4418
Administration: Lisa Baker 604-849-0284 & Josie Harry 604-815-1936 will rotate and handle calls. Staff to work remotely when possible. Those who can’t work from home are on-call to provide support as required.
Yuustway Home Care Workers: still providing service:
Band Member Services: Patricia Brown 604-815-9099 & Josie Harry 604-815-1936 will work with North Vancouver to field calls
Education: Associate department head working in office full time Monday to Friday. First Nation Support Workers are working closely with SD#48 to provide support to Indigenous families providing weekly Family check ins to determine if families need lap tops, bagged breakfast & lunches, tech. support. SD#48 is going to do online learning.
Employment & Training: Working from home. Devan Williams & Laurie Baker (Income Assistance). Devan E&T C 778-327-8129
Ayas Men Men: see details under “Ayas Men Men” section heading.
Ayas Lam Family Program:
Community Operations: Field repair staff working on Emergency basis for Health and Safety items. Emergency Contact 604-815-7116 or svcommopsworkorders@squamish.net
Recreation: providing Bagged lunches & hot meals to community in partnership with AMM. Offering online fitness programs on Facebook – contact department for schedule.
If you are experiencing personal crisis, we recommend that you call Kuu-Us Crisis Line:
Counselling: Community Health and Wellness will be taking calls for counselling
Counselling (concurrent, mental health & addiction) and support work provided by Heather Andrew, Eileen Guss and Shayna Sander (Squamish Valley) will be offered on the phone, skype, FaceTime. Exceptions will be considered if there is crisis in the community.