After the revelation of unmarked graves at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in May of 2021, several artists and art administrators got together and decided to do something to keep Indigenous stories from just fading as part of the news cycles. C.A.R.E. was formed to promote the belief that reconciliation begins and continues with education and there is no better way to educate and be educated about social issues than to listen to peoples’ stories, straight from the heart. Approximately once per month, we invite Indigenous musicians, artists, knowledge-keepers and community leaders to share their stories and we gather an audience to listen to those stories online and sometimes in-person. C.A.R.E. is supported solely by Friends and Allies. Integris Credit Union has shown their continuing commitment to reconciliation by supporting C.A.R.E. (and other organizations engaged with Truth and Reconciliation) and by actively participating in their events.

As a community member of Fort St. James, I have seen over the years the visible, positive impact that Integris Credit Union has made investing in innovative, diverse community-driven initiatives. Their actions, through their Community Foundation, demonstrate belief in Fort St. James and region that in partnerships, socially-motivated activities can support stronger infrastructure and drive change within rural/remote communities. Their quiet leadership and encouragement of citizens to help each other, creates equity for all community initiatives and sectors. Along with their comprehensive financial services for not-for-profit societies in Fort St. James, I have also personally experienced their direct support to Boards that I serve on. It is commendable that the Community Foundation takes into account the diversity and well-being of the community and looks at the outlying area as a whole. These actions help our communities become a better place to live, work and play.

With the grant provided by the Integris Credit Union, we were able to buy some much needed safety equipment to replace gear that was WAY overdue for replacement. We were able to purchase new firefighter helmets, boots and to provide each firefighter with a personal high quality flashlight which, while required was never done before. We were also able to purchase a TIC, or Thermal Imaging Camera, which will be of great assistance when trying to locate hard to find hot spots in order to put out fires. As well, we bought Incident Command and Safety Officer vests which are also required on scenes. Without the support of Integris we would be putting our members at risk by having outdated safety gear, or by simply not having the right gear to begin with. We have taken a huge step forward in the last 2 years, with the help of Integris in our endeavor to become a certified fire department servicing our area of Cluculz Lake. We like to say a huge THANK YOU for your support!