Transforming Organizations to
Employment First Cultures and Services
15/2/2010
Hosted by Mainstream Association for Proactive Community Living and supported by Community Living BC, the BC Employment Development Strategy Network is pleased to announce an exciting two-day event coming to the Lower Mainland on March 15 & 16, 2010. (read more…)

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18/12/2009
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The Winter 2009 MAPCL Newsletter is Online!
2/12/2009
The Winter 2009 online edition of our newsletter is posted.

The 5th Annual Art Show a huge Success!
1/12/2009
Special Thanks go out to all our contributing artsits and sponsors.

Communicable Diseases / The H1N1 Flu Virus
29/10/2009
An on-line reference guide to official sources of public health information and MAPCL public notices. Translated resources are included. Click here to learn more

The MAPCL 2008-2009 Annual Report is Online for viewing.
6/10/2009
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The MAPCL 2008-2009 Outcomes Management Report is Online for viewing.
6/10/2009
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A Celebration of Diversity - April 16th, 2009

MAPCL is dedicated to increasing cultural sensitivity within our agency. From this desire, the idea for a Multicultural Committee was born.  The Multicultural Committee is made up of a diverse group of individuals, who are all dedicated to creating multicultural experiences that will meet our mandate.

On April 16, 2009 New Transitions hosted its first multicultural event and chose to celebrate our local First Nations (First Nations people may also be called aboriginal peoples of Canada) culture. Performers from the Mission Friendship Society were invited to the program.  Our event was complete with traditional foods and interactive performances.   

New Transitions would like to extend special thanks to Brian Michelson, of the Young Eagles drumming group, and to the native dancers, Harold Sam and his son Cedar. Together they ensured that our event was a success. The energy and enthusiasm from the Young Eagles drummers and the traditional dancers was contagious! All of our supported persons and staff enjoyed the experience immensely and were invited to join in the celebration.

Amidst the drumming and the dancing, Harold Sam also told us about aboriginal history and some of the most important aboriginal traditions and customs held by his peoples. They are very proud individuals who cherish the land, respect their Elders and value learning about their family roots and history.  Family is very important.

Dressing in the traditional clothing which is called Regalia, is an honour.  It represents the values that aboriginal peoples hold dear.  The Regalia is sacred, as it is made from items supplied by the land and its creatures.  Regalia can be made from cloth, wood, bark, animal skins, bones, feathers, shells or any number of natural materials.

The traditional drum that the drummers use to create their unique sound is also made from all natural resources found on the land.  The impressive drum shown in this picture, will last a lifetime. It will create many years of happy memories for the youth of today and those who are yet to be born.

Thank you to all that attended and shared in our unique experience.  

Written By:  Dodi Smiley & Sharon Wilson