b'AROUND TURTLE ISLANDB.C. housing projectNew framework allows connects elders andfor new First Nations-led youth in Kamloops service deliveryKikekyelc: A New Place of Belonging is a new housing project in Kamloops, B.C. that aimsA recent framework agreement signed in June to connect First Nations Elders with youth whobetween the Government of Canada and the have been part of the child welfare system. The newAtlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) housing project opened on September 1, 2020, and canwill allow for the transfer of water and wastewater services house up to 26 youth aged 16 to 27, as well as from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to the AFNWA. This five Elders. agreement will affect 15 First Nations communities inThe $4.7 million project is a first for Lil MichefAtlantic Canada.Otipemisiwak Family and Cultural Services (LMO),The framework agreement explains both the negotiation who hope this project will help youth transitionprocess and the roles and responsibilities of both parties for from care to independence by giving them accessthe transfer. This framework agreement will advance a new to the onsite Elders to encourage healthy livingFirst Nations-led service delivery model, which is a huge step and engagement with whatever substance abusetowards self-determination, giving First Nations more control counselling they need. According to Housing andover services in their communities.Youth Team Leader Seanna Proulx, connecting youth to Elders will in turn connect them to their culture, aThe AFNWA is aiming for full autonomous operations by relationship they would have missed while in the childSpring 2022. Once the transfer is complete, the AFNWA will welfare system. assume responsibility and liability for water and wastewater services to over 4,500 households and businesses on reserves across Atlantic Canada.Newmarine facilityin the worksAt the end of June, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Pacheedaht First Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of a multipurpose marine facility in Port Renfrew, B.C. This MOU is part of the Government of Canadas ongoing efforts to renew their relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.The primary goal of the new facility is to provide marine search-and-rescue and environmental response services, as well as to strengthen their marine safety and response capacity in the Juan de Fuca Strait, located along the border between Canada and the U.S.Chief Jeff Jones of Pacheedaht First Nation said, The construction of theTANKSCOVERS SERVICEMarine Safety Centre in our territory has been a vision of the Nation for many years. It will help Pacheedaht exercisea greater role in protectingand managing the 112km of marine\x1f866\x1e 299\x1d3009 | WWW.GREATARIO.COMcoastline, vast territorial waters and abundant resources.www.afn.ca 41'