Inclusion Initiatives
Lifetime Networks offers our gratitude and respect to the Coast Salish peoples - the Songhees, Esquimalt, T’Sou-ke and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations on whose traditional territories and ancestral lands we work to provide service and supports.
Lifetime Networks works to foster a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
In an effort to be transparent with our goals and progress towards reconciliation and inclusion, below is a list of the initiatives we are undertaking, as well as some resources for further learning.
Indigenous Awareness Committee
Our objective is to support the journey toward reconciliation in a meaningful manner within our organization. We aim to promote conversations about the ongoing impact of colonization, decolonization and allyship as an intentional practice. We intend to focus on actionable goals that support this journey to meaningful allyship that aligns with Lifetime Network’s values of intentional, purposeful growth and community inclusion. We intend to demonstrate our commitment and work with CLBC to have Lifetime Networks as a recognized culturally safe agency for Indigenous individuals and their families.
VNFC Pledge
The VNFC opened in 1970 and has become a vital source for urban Indigenous individuals and families and is strategically positioned to play a significant role in the development and implementation of urban Indigenous governance on southern Vancouver Island. In network with the 25 Friendship Centres across BC, the VNFC works to offer a sense of community, support and a network in a safe environment for the 80% of Indigenous Canadians that reside in urban areas.
As an organisation, we are working towards building a relationship with the VNFC as a community partner. The small business pledge directly supports the urban indigenous community and our progress toward the reconciliation process.
Trainings
Learning and unlearning happens in many ways through varying mediums. This is a list of found resources available to our staff in addition to other internal training opportunities.
Below is a list of training done in collaboration with community partners.
First Nations Cultural Awareness Training with Greg Sam 2018
San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training 2023
Indigenous Awareness Training with Canadian Police Knowledge Network 2025
Resources we’ve found:
Pronunciation Guide to First Nations
Teach the Genocide - Native Women’s Association of Canada
White allies, let’s be honest about decolonization - Kyle Powys White
Cultural Competency and Diversity Committee
Our objective is to create a framework that embraces and respects the unique cultural backgrounds and identities of everyone within our organization. We recognize that open dialogue, accessible information, and meaningful input from staff, volunteers, individuals supported, and their families are essential to achieving this goal. By maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity, we aim to ensure that everyone feels valued, supported in their independence, and treated with dignity and respect.
Training in collaboration with Community Partners
Gender and Diversity Informational Session 2017 hosted by Ambit Gender Diversity Consulting
Gender Diversity and Inclusion Session 2023 hosted by Ned Gallagher
An Introduction to Deaf Culture & American Sign Language Workshop 2024 hosted by Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre
Resources we’ve found:
