Voices & Visions Newsletter -
President's Report

by Mike Touchie

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen. I hope everyone is doing well these days. It's been awhile since I wrote something for the newsletter. Thank you to the Board & Staff for keeping everyone up to date on what has been happening.

As you have heard our last AGM/Conference was a big success. It was good to see old friends once again. Our new Board that has been elected under our format of a Regional Board is re-elected myself (Mike Touchie, President), Merritt Area, Lillian Allison-Sanders, Vice-President, Board member, Phillip George, Stephen Lytton, Ed Lawson, Hudson Webster. Welcome aboard to our two new Board members, (Director) Jeanne Paul and (Secretary) Trudy Spiller.

Congratulations to all the Board and Best wishes for 2005. Thank you to Trish McKay & Richard Peter for their involvement and hopefully they will continue being great advocates for People with Disabilities. Thank you to Mary Charles for the opening Prayer and Wonderful message for our members.

Thank you to National Chief Phil Fontaine, Vice Chief Shawn Atleo, Grand Chief Ed John, Chief Stewart Phillip, and Chief Andy Thomas for their inspiring words to the membership. Thank you all for your support.

Thank you to George Watts for chairing the AGM/Conference. Thank you to Dr. Robin LaDue for her presentation on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Since September 24, 2004 our membership has grown from 3800 to 4500+ members to date. Most of all I would like to say thank you to our wonderful staff for their dedication to BCANDS.

Thank you to the Board & Staff for their articles in the newsletter and keeping membership informed.

Until next time, safe journeys to all, stay well.

Mike Touchie