Langley, B.C. – June 18, 2025 – Ashley Baresinkoff is a proud member of UFCW Local 247, working in the retail grocery sector for more than a decade. She is a member of the UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee and her local union’s Member Engagement Committee. In the fall of 2024, she also became a recipient of the 2024 Equity Grant program under the Community Action stream.
In her free time, Ashley provides volunteer support to the Waceya Métis Society which exists to support Métis people living in the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people in what is now known as Langley and White Rock, BC. More recently, she has also been honoured with the position of Diverse Learners Representative for this non-profit organization. In this role, Ashley’s work involves creating a safe, inclusive and culturally relevant environment where neurodivergent Métis children and their families can thrive through tailored activities, resources and community support.
With the financial support of this grant, Ashley worked with the centre to run a cultural and educational session for neurodivergent Métis in the community. On February 24, 2025, they hired a local Métis Cultural Presenter to teach the children about why the Métis People are called the Flower Bead People. The children also learned about Spirit Beads, which are used to ward off arrogance. Participants created Métis Art and learned some Michif words. “I loved being a part of this and seeing the budding Artist. This is more in line with our teachings on Disability, to focus on the talent of the individual”, said Ashley of the event.
Grant funding has also been allocated to the purchase of sensory and comfort tools which include things like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys and weighted lap pads. Grant funding will also support the development of resource kits which can be taken home by learners to support continued learning outside of the centre. As kids get ready to wrap up this school year and start a new one in September, the centre will also aim to host parent meetings which aim to strengthen an understanding of how to support neurodivergent Indigenous children who access Independent Education Programs during the school year.
“The Equity Grant program is a great example of the impact that a union can have beyond the workplace. I congratulate Ashley and the Waceya Métis Centre for prioritizing children’s rights through a neurodivergence lens. We are proud to have supported such a special member- driven initiative”, says Shawn Haggerty, National President, UFCW Canada.
2025 Equity Grant Applications open now!
The Equity Grant Program aims to support newcomer programs, human rights initiatives, and community action projects.
Applications take minutes to complete and are accepted under the Newcomer/Immigration stream, Human Rights stream, or Community Action/Social Justice stream.
Eligibility – Open to UFCW members and community justice activists outside of UFCW who are currently engaged in or looking to engage in a social justice initiative.
Grant Amount – A total of three $1000.00 grants are currently open for application until September 30, 2025.
