The Fraser Valley Métis Association (FVMA) is excited to announce that our dedicated volunteers will take a summer break in July and August to enjoy much-needed rest with their families.

During this time, we will have a few special events continuing at the Mamele’awt Indigenous Education Centre (3277 Gladwin Road):

• Fiddleheads Year End Wrap Up Potluck – July June 28 @ 6 pm

  • We celebrate the hard work and dedication of 9 graduating Fiddleheads of FVMA’s 2023 to 2024 Fiddle Lessons Program! 

  • If you’d like to learn how to play and read fiddle music we encourage you to register for the 2024 to 2025 Fiddle Lessons program click HERE

• D.R.U.M.C. (Dawn Rising Urban Medicine Circle) – June 29 @ 9 am

• First Nation, Inuit and Metis Artisan Market – June 29 @ 3 to 8 pm

• Family Jigging Lessons – July 16 @ 6 to 8 pm

• Metis Strong Youth Camp – July 19 to 22

• Family Jigging Lessons – July 23 @ 6 to 8 pm

• First Nation, Inuit and Metis Artisan Market – August 31 @ 3 to 8 pm

In addition, Bigfoot Moccasin is currently under construction! We are thrilled to share the community’s creativity with new products, pricing, and community initiatives. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’d like to be added to Bigfoot Moccasin’s email list, click HERE.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to our vibrant community:

• All Volunteers: Thank you for dedicating well over 400 in-kind hours since January 2024! Your commitment is invaluable and has enabled us to make over 2,000 individual connections. We couldn’t achieve our mission without your support and hard work.

• Partnerships: A special thanks to Abbotsford and Mission School Districts for always including and supporting the FVMA community.

• VYPER: Your tireless dedication to sharing and proudly embracing culture in our community is truly inspiring! We deeply appreciate VYPER’s contributions, which significantly enhance our community and enrich cultural initiatives. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.

• City of Abbotsford: We appreciate our ongoing collaborations for annual events such as the 3rd Annual Red Dress Day and 1st annual MMIWG2S+ Awareness Walk. Your contributions are invaluable to us, and we are profoundly grateful for your continued support and partnership.

• MNBC: Marsi Thank you so much for the incredible community and financial support! Your contributions are deeply appreciated and play a vital role in helping FVMA achieve its mission. Your generosity and dedication make a significant difference, and we are truly grateful for everything you do.

• Donors: We are thrilled to announce that we have raised over $4,893 for our Youth initiatives, including our annual Métis Strong Youth Camp and the Back to Batoche fundraiser! Your generous contributions are deeply appreciated and make a significant impact on empowering our Youth and celebrating our community and culture. Marsi Thank you for your unwavering support!

Most of all, we want to thank the community members who make up the weekly gatherings of Matriarch Circle, DRUMC, Fiddle Lessons, monthly potlucks, and other special events.

A special shout out to all the Indigenous Support Workers and Teachers in the Abbotsford and Mission school districts. We are grateful for all you do and wish you a fantastic summer break.

Again, marsi thank you all for your support and dedication. Enjoy your Summer, and we look forward to seeing you again soon and reconnecting in the Fall!

~FVMA Board Of Directors

RE: Addressing False Allegations and Request for Community Cooperation

Dear Mission & Abbotsford Community,

We hope this letter finds you well. As a vital part of our community, we are writing to address recent concerns regarding allegations of elder abuse at the Mission Indigenous Graduation Ceremony. These allegations are both distressing and completely unfounded. As a community, it is vital that we approach such sensitive issues with caution and responsibility. These allegations are deeply concerning and warrant a clear and transparent response.

Our top priority is the well-being and dignity of our Elders. We take any claims of mistreatment seriously and have strict protocols in place to investigate such matters thoroughly. In response to the current situation, a formal investigation is already underway to address these malicious accusations. We are confident that the investigation and the witnesses will reveal the truth and clear the names of those wrongfully accused.

In the meantime, we kindly ask all community members to refrain from engaging in libel and defamation. Spreading unfounded rumors and making baseless accusations not only harms innocent individuals but also undermines the trust and unity of our community. It is essential to remember that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

We understand that these allegations may cause concern, and assure you that we are handling this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency. If you have concerns or information related to this issue, we urge you to come forward and speak directly with the authorities handling the investigation.

MNBC Senate Clerk: Bill Bresser

senateclerk@mnbc.ca

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) BC

https://www.oipc.bc.ca/about/contact-us/

Our community has always been built on mutual respect, support, and understanding. Let us continue to uphold these values by ensuring that our actions and words reflect our commitment to justice and compassion. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

FVMA Board of Directors

FVMA Community Address_June 9 2024