All My Relations Plus: Transforming FNGBA+
The FNGBA+ process is created as one pathway to reclaim and restore the All My Relations Knowledge System that was employed by most First Nation communities since time immemorial. During the community engagement processes the theme of transformation recurred through each session. Therefore, the analogy of the butterfly, an example and representation of transformation in nature, is being employed in this toolkit as a metaphor of nature as our teacher. It also functions to share the steps of transformation that can be achieved by applying the All My Relations FNGBA+ lens to your community structures and systems.
This work resists colonial linear framing—and instead centers each First Nations’ values, laws and ceremonies. It not only recognizes the multi-generational impact of colonization and violence but points towards policy solutions that acknowledge sovereignty, build on resistance and emerge from the strengths within the community and the voices, wisdom of All Our Relations.
In March 2022, BCAFN brought Resolution 01/2022 INTERSECTIONAL ADVOCACY AND CAPACITY BUILDING GROUNDED IN FIRST NATIONS KNOWLEDGES for consideration by First Nation Chiefs in BC, and the proposal included BCAFN to pull together a toolkit that would center and uphold the diverse ways that First Nations in BC bring in and uplift the voices of community members and that is expressed through their languages, laws, world views, and in their teachings.
BCAFN partnered with Chastity Davis-Alphonse, Dr. Natalie Clark, and Dr. Sarah Hunt, who are uplifting Indigenous voices within GBA+ initiatives such as this. They began their work by hosting and facilitating engagement sessions with BC First Nation community members from May to June 2023 to gather traditional knowledge on gender, diversity, inclusion, and connection from BC First Nation members. Meet the co-creators here
The knowledge shared throughout the engagement sessions is honoured and uplifted in the First Nations Gender-Based Analysis Plus (FNGBA+) toolkit, titled “All My Relations” A Culturally Relevant Approach to First Nations Gender-Based Analysis, which also speaks to the importance of bringing back our traditional First Nation ways of being and knowing about gender, diversity, inclusion, and connection within our community structures.
In May 2023, BCAFN started accepting expressions of interest to work with a BC First Nation to implement First Nations Gender-Based Analysis Plus, pilot the draft FNGBA+ Toolkit, make recommendations toward its finalization, and participate in a webinar to share these learnings with other First Nations.
In July 2023, the Tŝilhqot’in Women’s Council began its pilot project on the FNGBA+ toolkit. The council is seen as a leader across the province for the work it does as a Matriarch in its community.
BCAFN and Co-Creators send a special thank you to the Tŝilhqot’in Women’s Council for sharing their experience implementing First Nations Gender Based Analysis Plus and how it helped support them in carrying out intersectional, inclusive, equity, and justice-seeking approaches to governance, advocacy, policy, and programs that are grounded within their diverse cultures. We hope to see the toolkit continue to be implemented by community members and leadership throughout BC First Nations.
BCAFN also wants to thank Chastity Davis-Alphonse, Dr. Natalie Clark, and Dr. Sarah Hunt for their past and present work and for their potential future work to uplift Indigenous voices within GBA+ initiatives.
Finally, the BCAFN acknowledges Women and Gender Equality Canada's financial support in developing this Toolkit.
(Link coming soon) - Recording of FNGBA+ Webinar Recording
You are invited to connect with BCAFN Policy Analyst Rochelle King at rochelle.king@bcafn.ca to access the recorded webinar about the All My Relations Toolkit.
Sacred Offering
BCAFN, along with consultants Chastity Davis Alphonse and Dr. Natalie Clark, recognize the First Nations Gender-Based Analysis Plus (FNGBA+) toolkit, titled “All My Relations” A Culturally Relevant Approach to First Nations Gender-Based Analysis development and process was completed with love and in a mindful way. We also want to acknowledge that this work was completed with a limited time and funding. Our hopes for the future include having more time to expand this resource or develop additional resources that further support this work and related knowledge. We would like to thank all of the voices and people who came in at various stages throughout the development of the toolkit. As this work is an ongoing journey, we will continue to advocate for funding in areas where the work can continue.