News Archive

Remembering Ken Dobell

First Nations and Local Government Land Use Planning Regional Workshop October 21-23, 2025 En'owkin Centre, SnPink’tn (Penticton), BC We acknowledge this event takes place at the En'owkin Centre, located in the unceded Syilx-Okanagan Nation Territory in the community of SnPink'tn (the Penticton Indian Band). This gratitude extends to the many Indigenous Nations on whose territories we work, live and play. Join us for a 2.5-day workshop specifically designed to enhance connections and understanding between First Nations and local governments on using land use frameworks and identifying tools for developing shared land use practices. With the input of experienced practitioners from First Nations and local governments, this workshop features regionally curated content for the Interior BC region . In the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we strongly encourage planners and administrators interested in this workshop to reach out and invite their First Nations/local government counterparts they work with to attend the workshop together. Program Eligibility : The content of this regional workshop is specifically curated for the Interior region . Registration is reserved for planners, administrators, and land use managers working in First Nations and local governments in this region. To ensure equitable access to the workshop, we limit registration to two (2) seats per organization . If you wish to register more than 2 individuals from your organization or wish to attend but do not meet the criteria, please contact LGMA Office at office@lgma.ca to express your interest. Registration: Review the workshop brochure and register online by October 7, 2025 . Seats are limited to 25 First Nations and 25 Local Government employees. Fees for attending the workshop, include daytime meals. Participants are required to make their own hotel accommodations. Early Bird registration rate until September 9: $737 + GST Regular registration rate starting September 10: $781 + GST First Nations participants are eligible for bursaries . Eligible applicants facing financial barriers associated with registration and travel costs are encouraged to apply. Please submit your application online by October 7, 2025 . Accommodations Penticton offers a wide range of accommodation options and participants are responsible for making their own accommodation and travel arrangements. Participants can take advantage of special discounted rates available through Corporate Supply Arrangements (CSAs) with the BC Provincial Government to attend this workshop. These pre-negotiated rates offer great value and are an easy way to help keep travel costs in check. For more information, please click the links below. CSA Guidelines Eligible Accommodation in SnPink'tn (Penticton) Please update the arrival date as needed. CSA Frequently Asked Questions For more accommodation options, please refer to Visit Penticton . Be sure to book early to secure your preferred location. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations and changes are accepted without penalty until October 7 . No refunds are provided after this date. We greatly appreciate the support of the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

Note Regarding Canada Postal Services Please note, as of September 26, 2025, postal services across Canada will be interrupted as a result of job action at Canada Post. During this labour disruption, certain services may be delayed or not delivered at all. As a result, some of LGMA's services may be interrupted. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at office@lgma.ca .

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility On-Demand Course Registration now open! Are you eager to deepen your knowledge of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)? This foundational on-demand course is ideal for local government staff new to IDEA concepts, offering flexibility to learn at your own pace online. Explore key IDEA principles, relevant legislation, practical strategies, and examples from local governments to deepen your understanding of this topic. Through reflective and engaging exercises, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to meaningfully apply IDEA principles in both your professional role and everyday life. Course Format: This online series features five modules that explore diversity, inclusion, intersectionality, equity, recognizing biases, accessibility, and more. Engage with interactive learning activities at a pace that suits your schedule and learning preferences. Cost: $350 LGMA member; $425 Non-member + GST Review the course brochure and register online b y November 21, 2025. Registrants will receive Moodle access information within 2 weeks of registration. Please contact office@lgma.ca if you need support accessing Moodle.

2026 Annual Conference: Empowered Communities, Cultivating Connections The call for speaker proposals for LGMA2026 is now open! We invite you to share your knowledge or highlight your organization’s best practices and innovations at the Annual Conference in Penticton. Faced with emerging issues and increasing challenges of an ever-changing world, effective leaders reinvigorate relationships and cultivate connections while learning from each other and growing together. LGMA2026 will inspire; infused with local flavour, highlighting our host location, Penticton, and showcasing community solutions. Local government leaders, experts, and partners will return to their communities with a strengthened peer network and actionable ideas for a resilient future. Find out more about the conference learning tracks and what kind of sessions we are looking for, and submit your proposal before October 31.

Member Spotlight on Juli Halliwell

Remembering Ron Neufeld

Local Government Internship Program Host Applications Now Open The LGMA is proud to launch the second year of the Local Government Internship Program! Host applications for the program are now open. Building on the success of the first year, this innovative program continues to strengthen local government capacity and inspire future leaders. Funding will be provided to six local governments to host one intern each, including one position administered in partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust . Interns gain 12 months of hands-on experience, professional development, and mentorship, while host communities benefit from fresh perspectives, strong enthusiasm for learning about local government, and creative problem-solving. Thank you to the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. Host applications for the Local Government Internship Program are open until October 28. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting initiative that’s shaping the future of local government leadership. Visit the Host Applications Page for full details and application guidelines.

LGMA acknowledgement of the unmarked gravesites located at former St. Augustine’s Residential School on shíshálh Nation territory (Sechelt, BC) The LGMA acknowledges with heavy hearts the news of 41 additional unmarked gravesites identified by archaeologists, bringing the community total to 81, on the territories of the shíshálh Nation in BC. In 2023, the shíshálh Nation announced the first results of the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans within the areas in and around the former St. Augustine’s Residential School grounds. In the last 18 months since, the GPR team has been scanning additional areas identified through the stories and memories of shíshálh Survivors. Read the full announcement, including words from Chief Lenora Joe, on the shíshálh Nation website . Our deepest condolences go out to the people of the shíshálh Nation. The LGMA acknowledges the immense pain and compounded grief experienced by Indigenous communities around the country. We acknowledge that this news can be triggering. We encourage local governments to honour the compounded and ongoing pain and grief Indigenous communities are experiencing by considering the ways in which they can support Indigenous peoples and First Nations governments. We encourage non-Indigenous leaders to read and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s “ Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials ” Report; from this important report, we recognize that the immense grief felt by Indigenous peoples represents only a fraction of this horrific reality that continues to grow with each discovery of unmarked graves. We remain committed to assisting local governments to implement the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report of 2015 . We share the following resources, knowing that Indigenous peoples impacted by this news may need support and we encourage local governments to share contact information to support in their community: The Indian and Residential Schools Survivors and Family Crisis and Support line: https://www.irsss.ca or 1 (800) 721-0066 or 1 (866) 925-4419 KUU-US Crisis Line for First Nations, by First Nations, offered by FNHA 1-800-588-8717; Adult/Elder line: 250-723-4050; Child/Youth line: 250-723-2040; Aboriginal Wellness Program 604-675-2551 or 1-866-884-0888 Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia Division 1-800-555-8222