Photo: Lindsay Risk & April Struthers
BC CRN is pleased to announce the publication of Being Least Intrusive 2 (BLI2), an updated edition of the original 2011 resource created by April Struthers and Lindsay Risk.
BLI was originally developed to help front-line service providers, particularly those who are Non-Indigenous, orient themselves when responding to and engaging with vulnerable First Nations adults experiencing abuse, neglect, or self-neglect in on-reserve communities.
“So much has shifted in the past 15 years,” explained Struthers. “Our collective understanding of cultural safety, the impacts of colonization, and the importance of relationship‑based practice has deepened significantly.”
BLI2 carries the wisdom of many contributors. The authors acknowledge “the generous teaching and mentorship of many Indigenous elders and community members,” whose guidance helped shape the updated tool.
The updated edition also brings a stronger focus on Two‑Eyed Seeing, weaving together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing to support care that is safer, more respectful, and more collaborative. And although the original tool was created for Adult Guardianship work, people across many sectors, policing, child protection, community services, and others, have found that its principles apply far more broadly than its initial scope.
“BLI2 reflects the power of working together with respect and intention,” says Heather Treleaven, BC CRN Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the project’s funders, to April and Lindsay, and to the many Indigenous leaders and community partners who helped bring this resource forward.”
This project was made possible through a grant from the BC Council to Reduce Elder Abuse (CREA). Thank you to CREA for supporting this important work.
