Boo Maga - February 2022

Boo Maga Puméke7

February 2022

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - #10

BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022 1

Contents Councillor’s Message

4

Rick Gilbert discusses the Spi7uy Language Group

Welcome to the Boo Maga (puméke7), which translates to “drum stick”.

Revitalisation Projects

6

Dave

Altrow

updates

us on the work WLFN is doing on the land

Student Highlight

8

Roderick

Sandy

is

studying sociology at the University of BC

SJM Investigation Update

10

The results following the press

conference

on

January 25th

Staff Member Highlight

12

Check in with Rachel

Contact us: shannon.skeels@wlfn.ca 250-296-3507 ext.185

Meldrum who works at WLFN as an accountant

Council Meeting Highlights

14

Got an idea or story for future editions?

Take a look at what your Council have been discussing over the past month!

General Inquiries: lisa.camille@wlfn.ca 250-296-3507 ext.103 Facebook: Williams Lake First Nation www.wlfn.ca

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Councillor’s Message

Weytk

Xwaxweytp

(Hello

project that we are working

12:30pm to 2:30pm via zoom.

everyone)

on with the Spi7uy Language

Dr. Marianne Ignace, a renowned

A Happy New Year to all my

Group and Dr. Marianne Ignace

linguist

friends and relatives. I hope

of Skeetchestn. It is called

many many years with our elders

that everyone is keeping safe

the Secwepemceske or the

on language projects, assists in

from that awful virus called

Qelmucweske Project which

leading the project. Thankfully,

Omicron. To those who have

translates as “Shuswap Names”

Marianne offers her time through

gotten it, my sympathies. I

or “Indian Names” Project. It is a

Simon Fraser University. Without

hope that it was not too bad.

First Nations names transation

her services, this project may not

Although I have heard that at

project. We do this work with

be possible.

least one case was very serious.

elder language speakers from

Thanks

Lets all just get vaccinated so

the five Northern Secwepemc

the

that we can get through this

bands: Alkali Lake, Canoe/Dog

for applying for much of the

awful time.

Creek, Sugar Cane, Soda Creek,

funding required to make this

I would like to report on what

and Canim Lake.

project possible. Also, a great big

I consider, a very important

We meet every Friday from

Kukstsemc to Chris Wycotte and

who

to

Spi7uy

has

Cody

worked

William

Language

for

and

Society

BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022 3

the Williams Lake First Nation

with over 1,000 names being

Most of these people are

Treaty department for their

Secwepemc from the five

getting up there in age and if

contribution of $25,000 last

Northern Bands.

we don’t take advantage of

year. Chris has also indicated

Anna

with

their knowledge now we may

that they may be able to make

navigating the 1000’s of names

lose it forever. This is why I

another contribution for this

in the database that are to be

urge the leaders of all our

year. I have made requests to

translated. She also brings up

communities

the other bands to help with

all the family relationships, i.e.

what we have and support

the cost of elder speakers

fathers, mothers, husbands,

the project. Again, I would like

honorarium,

wives,

sons

daughters,

to thank Marianne, Cody, and

biggest cost of the project. I

married

or

married,

Anna for their skills. Without

am still hopeful they will make

birthdates, death dates, and

these three the project will not

some contributions at some

so on. This project has become

be a success.

time.

so much more than just a

The

family

which

and

is

the

Gilbert

assists

not

historical

name translation activity. We

information we come up with is

have a very valuable group of

going to be so valuable to each

fluent speakers working on

of the bands regardless who

this project such as Bridget

contributes support. This is

Dan, Julianna Johnson, Cecelia

going to be an ongoing project

DeRose,

because we have access to a

Theodore, Clara Camille, and

database of over 9,000 records

Jean William.

4 BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022

Toni

and

Elsie

to

recognize

Rick Gilbert Councillor Rick Gilbert

BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022 5

“Take care of the land and the land will take care of you” Dave Altrows WLFN has been and will continue to be extremely active in conducting IDF revitalization projects in and around the Williams Lake area.

Two major IDF revitalization projects currently under way are the Bond Lake and Racetrack blocks.

Both projects reside within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). A technique called “thinning from below” is used to remove ground debris, ladder fuels and smaller suppressed trees therefore allowing more growing space and nutrients for the larger trees to continue to grow. This is accomplished both by use of machinery and by hand.

There are several benefits which are achieved by completing this work such as increased tree growth, 6 BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022

increased resistance to forest pest, increased vegetation growth, increased wildlife and increased wildfire resistance.

By removing excess flammable ground debris, ladder fuels and selectively thinning the overcrowded forest, we are also creating a defendable space in the event of a wildfire. By removing excess fuel within the stand, we are

also removing excess energy for a wildfire to consume. A decrease in energy equates to a decrease in fire activity, which in turn allows firefighters and machine operators to conduct suppression activities in a much safer environment. The community of Logan Lake this past fire season showed us yet again the importance and effect that well planned and

executed fuel management can have in the event of a wildfire within the community.

The next step after removing the excess fuel is to utilize it in a meaningful, environmentally conscious and economical way. A chipper was on site for both projects and used to process the material to be sent and used to create energy at Pinnacle Pellet. Chips were also sold for landscaping use and heat. Many of the smaller non-merchantable stems were sold and used to create russel fences.

One of the final steps of both projects is to complete an understory burn. By doing this we will be further removing excess fuels from the forest floors, introducing fresh and productive nutrients to the soil, and safeguarding the

community in the event of a wildfire. Reintroducing cultural burning to the landscape is crucial to protecting our communities and ecosystem.

We currently have a study underway which focuses on how plant communities respond after these revitalization treatments, especially when prescribed fire is introduced.

Studies such as these further allow us to continue making educated, responsible forest management decisions as we

continue to grow.

We would like to take the opportunity to recognize the excellent work done by the ground crew on these projects. The work is physically demanding, and outside temperatures are not easily regulated by a central thermostat. The sweat equity being put into projects such as these will have many positive, long-lasting effects on our communities for years to come.

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Post-Graduate Student Highlight: Roderick Sandy My name is Roderick Michael Sandy. I am a member of the Williams Lake First Nation. I have spent half my life living in Sugar Cane and the other half in the lower mainland continuing my education.

The first part of my adult life was working around the reserve

with

Ken

Michel.

Projects I have been involved with include building the Sugar Cane Health Station, creating an addition to the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium, renovating the old Band Office, and working on several homes around the community. I have dressed up as Santa and for the haunted house on Halloween. During the winters, I would shovel the skating rink and chop wood for different members in the community. I have always been young at heart. I play video games, surf the internet,

8 BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022

and listen to hip-hop music.

out mastering in psychology

I used to have a dog named

for two years at Nicola Valley

Angus and we would walk

Institute of Technology.

up to Red Rock-which is

However, when I transferred

above South Lake Side-and

to the University of British

I would smudge as I enjoyed

Columbia,

looking at the land which

studying sociology.

our ancestors have lived on

I am a full time student and I will

for thousands of years.

be completing my Bachelors

I graduated from Vancouver

Degree in December of 2022.

Technical Secondary School

I originally chose psychology

in 1989. I returned to school

as a major, however, it became

in January 2019. I started

too complex and was not going

I

switched

to

in the direction I had planned.

the lower mainland to learn

system. I have experienced

This is why I choose sociology.

more about Indigenous people

some of the negative things

I am hoping to get involved

struggling

which came out of those

with

the

and gang activity which gets

schools, and I went

of

them in trouble with the law.

to jail because some of that

the

I also would like to become a

negative energy became a part

system.

Gladue writer which deals with

of me. With the education I am

population

the colonization and systemic

now

represents 4% of the Canadian

racism that led to the high

acquiring, I hope to help others

population and 30% of the

rates of Indigenous people

avoid wandering from the Red

prison population.

being incarcerated.

Road.

In 5 years I am hoping to

I

return to Williams Lake. Once I

addictions all my life. Most of

am finished at UBC, I intend on

my family were exposed to the

working in

residential school

dealing

with

overrepresentation Indigenous criminal The

people justice

Indigenous

in

have

with

addictions

struggled

with

BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022 9

St. Joseph’s Mission Investigation: “93 is our number” Williams Lake First Nation would like to acknowledge that the following article could be triggering for some people.

A crisis support line at the Indian Residential School Survivors Society can be reached at 1-866-925-4419 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WLFN

Chief

require further analysis.

1886

preliminary

The St. Joseph’s Mission is

thousands

results of Phase 1 of the

located just kilometers from

children were forced to attend.

geophysical

the

of

The institution was operated

the former St. Joseph’s Mission

Sugar Cane, in the San Jose

by various religious sects over

site on January 25th, 2022. The

River Valley south of Williams

the years, and predominantly

preliminary findings of the SJM

Lake. The St. Joseph’s Mission

controlled

Investigation

revealed

was operated as an Indian

Catholic missionaries as part of

93 potential graves that will

Residential School between

the residential school system

announced

and

the

Council

investigation

have

10 BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022

at

WLFN

community

and

1981, of

by

where

Indigenous

the

Roman

set up by the Government of

include additional geophysical

Canada. The Onward Ranch

investigation of those portions

was added to the Oblates’

of the St. Joseph’s Mission site

holdings in 1964 and operated

not covered by Phase 1, along

as a ranch and farm to sustain

with additional research and

St Joseph’s Mission.

survivor

During the Phase 1 geophysical

will also be engagement with

investigation, the St. Joseph’s

affected

Mission

surveyed

governments of Canada and

hectares

British Columbia, and the

of the broader 480-hectare

owners of the lands which

site using GPR technology.

comprise the site of the

All 93 reflections in the GPR

former St. Joseph’s Mission.

data have been marked and

“We

reviewed through a rigorous

information is going to be

quality

very difficult to process for

team

approximately

14

control

process.

interviews.

There

communities,

understand

survivors

reflections are indicative of

Mission, their families, our

potential human burials.

community

WLFN is currently preparing

others in the general public,”

a strategy for Phase 2 of

said Chief Willie Sellars. “There

the

Mission

is much more work to do

next

on the St. Joseph’s site, and

phase of the investigation will

we have every intention of

Joseph’s

investigation.

This

St.

this

These characteristics of these

St.

of

that

the

Joseph’s

members

and

continuing with this work. For now, it’s important that everyone focus on their own wellness, and the wellness of those around them.”

Williams Lake First Nation would like to encourage everyone to reach out to others, to engage in ceremony or to access the various supports available.

BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022 11

Staff Member Highlight: Rachel Meldrum Q: What is your role at WLFN & what are your job duties?

A: My role with WLFN is an Accountant.

In my role, I take care of the finances for Nation-owned corporations - Sugar Cane Development Corporation, Coyote Rock Estates, Chief William RV-Campsite, Unity Cannabis and soon to be Sugar Cane Cannabis. Furthermore, I assist the WLFN finance team with various tasks including year-end audit preparation, reviewing ledger accounts and preparing entries when needed.

Q: What does a regular work day look like for you?

A: Every day is a bit different, but my days could range from paying bills, preparing invoices, payroll, reconciling accounts, or heading out to Sugar Cane to work with the WLFN finance team.

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: The teams I get to work with are the best part of my job. I’m grateful that I get to work with a few different groups of amazing people.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

12 BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022

A: Keeping up with the ever-growing economic development projects going on. They keep my work diverse which keeps it interesting.

Q: Do you have any memorable stories from your time working here?

A: Times that we are able to get together as a group are always fun times.

Q: Where is your favorite place that you’ve visited?

A: A couple years ago I was able to take a trip to Europe where I was able to visit multiple countries. London was definitely a highlight for me. We went to visit Windsor Castle, Universal Studios – the Harry Potter Studio tour, and the London Eye. It was an amazing experience, which I would highly recommend.

Q: What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

A: Family is my #1.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with family or friends. I like to read, but I probably collect more books than I am ever able to read.

Q: Do you have a message for the community and/or youth?

A: Whenever you get the opportunity to travel, do it!

Staff Birthdays and Anniversaries

Shawna Philbrick Employment Coordinator 16th Anniversary

Heidi Strong Executive Assistant to the NRM & Economic Development 3rd Anniversary

Daniel Penny Project Manager 3rd Anniversary

Tanya Thomas Director of Human Resources 2nd Anniversary

Hali McKenzie Bus Driver Happy Birthday!

Joey Alphonse Journeyman Carpenter Happy Birthday!

Nina Soloman Lands Assistant Happy Birthday!

Willie Sellars Chief Happy Birthday!

Tommy Wycotte Utilities Manager & Water and Wastewater Technician 1st Annivarsary & Happy Birthday!

Leah Simon Healthy Meals Cook Happy Birthday!

Aaron Higginbottom Senior Manager of Natural Resources & Economic Development Happy Birthday!

Kaitlyn Seath Self-Government Transition Coordinator Happy Birthday!

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Council Meeting Highlights

February

Council received a staff report about ongoing development and expansion in the Coyote Rock Real Estate Development and were encouraged to hear that an additional 3 lots of have sold.

Council saw a preview of the video “T’exelcemc Who We Are”, a video produced by Secwepemc filmmaker Sean Stiller that showcases WLFN’s community and culture. This initiative is supported through the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) Trust.

Council received an update from WLFN administration who reported the WLFN Housing Selection Committee has offered rental housing to 19 member households to occur in January and February 2022.

WLFN was able to provide all eligible registered WLFN members with a special Christmas distribution of $150.00. At December 15, 2021, a total of 337 distributions had already been dispersed.

Council received an exciting update from the CAO that CMHC approved WLFN for $613,293.49 in non-repayable funding through the Rapid Housing program to build 2 additional housing units in Spring 2022.

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Council was pleased to support the issuance of a 5-year lease of the Chief James Louie Building to the Orange Shirt Society, beginning January 1, 2022.

Council heard a staff report including recommendations for a new fire protection agreement to be negotiated with the City of Williams Lake for San Jose Indian Reserve (IR6)

Council welcomed Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Chair Margo Wagner to WLFN’s downtown office to receive a meaningful gift of artwork for the new WLFN administration building.

Council heard a staff report about proposed reclamation of Tillion Indian Reserve (IR4) to repair stream damage from the 2020 river valley flooding and sewage brief. Drawings were provided by DWB Consulting.

Council heard an update from legal counsel Mandell Pinder about the Village Claim settlement.

BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022 15

FEBRUARY 2022

Council Meeting

Valentine’s Day

Family Day

Council Meeting

Stay up to date on all of our events by following our Facebook page: Williams Lake First Nation 16 BOO MAGA - FEBRUARY 2022