Boo Maga Puméke7
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - #9
January 2022
Contents Councillor’s Message
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Councillor Shae Chelsea gives an overview of her year.
Welcome to the Boo Maga (puméke7), which translates to “drum stick”.
Recreation Year in Review
6
A whole year of activities with Recreation! Which was your favorite?
Recreation Year in Review
8
Recreation
continued!
We just had too much fun to share.
Elder Activities
10
Carla Berkelaar catches us up on what the elders have been up to this year
Staff Member Highlight
12
Check in with Brittany
Contact us:
shannon.skeels@wlfn.ca
250-296-3507 ext.185
Zimmer, our Child and Youth Support Worker
Cedar
14
Got an idea or story for future editions?
A poem by WLFN Intern Jia Zhang
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 Weyt-kp xwexweytep, Shae Chelsea ren skwekwst (Hello everyone, my name is Shae Chelsea). “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”. The time of year that brings families and friends together and the start to a new year. For me, it’s also a time to be mindful about those that do not have family or are struggling. This is the time to be grateful for one another, and gift back to others that might not have what they need. In this unfortunate time of sickness, sadness, and greed; let us remember to hold each other up and help those families. Let’s do more for our neighbors, strangers, and those in our lives. I want to challenge all of you that can give back, to do so. Even if it is a small amount, everything counts.
I have been busy in the past few months; time moves quickly when you are having fun. In August, I celebrated my first year being on Chief and Council. This first year has been a whirlwind to say the least, I am still so blessed for my fellow leadership who continue to educate me on things every day. I am also thankful for the sqlelten (salmon), we were able to fish this year down at the river. I was able to go dip netting (for the first time) with my brother, his partner, and an elder from the community. I was humbled that day, we were up at 5am, fishing until about 11am, then off to clean all the salmon. This was an all-day event, and I had so much fun being with family the entire day. ~Trigger Warning~ In the month of August, I also attended the ceremony for the St. Joseph’s
Mission. This event brought us back to the realization of the tragic events that residential schools forced on the many children that they were imprisoned there. I say imprisoned because the children who were forced to attend these school were no longer children, they were prisoners. As a member of our future generation, we need to ensure this tragedy is never forgotten, and the people responsible are held accountable. We, as leadership and staff must continue to fight every day for our members and we must continue to stand with them in their battles against the trauma’s they endured at the residential and day schools. As I sang and drummed that day, I could feel the healing and the land acknowledging our presence. Every time our people sing, drum, and practice our culture, we heal and become resilient. As our language, culture and traditions continue to grow and come back to us, the stronger we become. We will continue to work hard on getting results for your questions, as we carry on the search for those missing. Thank you for your patience, as extensive work takes time. In September, the kids returned to school and the leaves began changing, fall was here. I had the privilege of accompanying the elders for sage and swamp tea picking. I
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spent two whole days laughing, learning and harvesting good medicines from the lands. At the end of the month, we hosted our annual Orange Shirt Day. This was an incredible turn out. People from many nations and our Non-First Nations allies were in attendance. We stood in solidarity and held each other up that day. We offered prayers, songs, drumming and, we were together. Thank you to everyone that attended the event, we were truly honored. During October, we traveled for our annual Chief and Council Strategy Session in Osoyoos, BC. Leadership worked tirelessly every day in our strategy sessions for the benefits of our community and, future decision’s we made for the upcoming year. Williams Lake First Nation also hosted a 2-night premier, to honor two of our members who starred in the film “Portraits from a Fire”. This event went spectacular, everyone in this film did an incredible job, I really enjoyed it. If you haven’t seen this film yet, I highly recommend you see it because it is a masterpiece. November was a busy time for everyone, I brought my family to the Remembrance Day ceremony. We honored my grandfathers,
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Bill Sellars, Douglas Tait and others who served in the wars they were in. It gave us a chance to reflect on the future they gifted to us with their bravery and the sacrifices they made to provide us with the lives we have now. I also had the pleasure of attending the Motherhood/ Fatherhood is Sacred training in Phoenix, Arizona. Through this training I was educated in using traditional methods to reconnect families, assisting them in healing from their traumas, and bringing families closer together. I will be able to offer this program to our members, as well as members from Xatsull First Nation and Canim Lake Indian Band. I am very excited to have the opportunity to assist others in finding a healthy, happy and safe path for their families within a safe space. I was happy to see the turnout for the Membership vote happening that happened on November 25, 2021. This is where we bring members home, and vote for the new WLFN life being born. As I went to vote, I have considered how I am voting and why I voted for those individuals. I have made sure the votes I made are for people who have ties within our community. As our community is moving forward, we want all our members to benefit and thrive. Our community continues to grow with members moving home and members having babies. We have to be vigilant in our work and decisions so that they will have a bright and strong future.
As we move past the holidays, I will continue to volunteer within the community. Unfortunately, due to the Covid restrictions, we could not have a community Christmas dinner which I find sad. I was not able to see everyone laughing, smiling, and visiting with one another. We were able, however, to host a drive thru Christmas dinner for all the members to be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner and the kids got some joy. I am hopeful in this New Year the restrictions will change and we can embrace one another again soon. For those that are struggling or just needing company, reach out to me and one another, so we can help where we can. For our people to succeed, we need one another and we need to help one another. We must remember this time is not about giving back, it’s about time with loved ones and teaching one another. Let’s continue to hold each other up and continue to be grateful for everything we have. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year, once Covid restrictions ease. May good times and treasures of the present, become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wishing you lots of love, joy, and happiness. Happy New Year to all!! Yeri7 skukwstsetetsemc!!
Shae Chelsea
Recreation Round-up: 2021
January
In January we celebrated Self-Care Week by thoroughly pampering ourselves! We also made bird houses to keep all our local wild birds fed throughout the winter.
February
We moved our bodies this month with some fun and creative relay races. All that excercise made us hungry, so we learnt how to make bannock together. There’s no better way to refuel!
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March We took the children out to pick up litter from the park! They loved helping to clean up their community. We also learn how to make hot chocolate bombs - the perfect way to warm up!
April
April saw us eating lots of Easter treats! We also held a taco fundraiser which was a huge sucess.
May 6
We celebrated Youth Week this month with activities such as Zumba, painting and a movie night. Hazel Grinder was the lucky winner of a Nintendo Switch for participating in all of the activities.
July The Youth Leadership Program went for an overnight trip to Prince George for some fun activities such as Go-Karting and Mini Golf. The After-School program took a trip to the Kamloops Residential School with David Archie .
June This month we built a fort together! We also enjoyed playing parachute games with all the children. The Youth Leadership Program spent some time creating their perfect icecream treat bowls.
September In September we had Back to School Haircuts to get us ready for the upcoming school year! 30 children recieved new trims and nail polish! We also had a food tasting session - Druscilla is trying a lemon !
August We played some pool games to beat the heat this month. We also celebrated Mental Health Day with a day of pampering at the Gym. The children also took part in a bike picnic in which they cycled to St. Josephs Mission School and around the reserve.
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October October was a busy month! We created Turkey Hand Crafts, did some rock painting, took part in a Haunted Cupcake Fundraiser and had an amazing turnout at our Spooky Family Dance! At the dance we had pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, dancing, a costumr contest and lots of games!
November
We received 10 sleds as a donation from the RCMP, had some yoga sessions with Heather from Indigenous Pranayama Yoga, Invasive Species education and crafts with Camille from the Invasive Species Council of BC and Recreation bought a new Lego table! This was a big hit with the kids, they absolutely love it. Recreation also received a brand new community canoe in collaboration with the RCMP and Fortis BC.
December That brings us to the end of our year! This December we have been creating Christmas Crafts together, such as paper tissue trees and beaded candy canes. We also held a wreath building workshop which was a huge hit. We cannot wait to see what we get up to in 2022!
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WLFN PostSecondary Student Highlight: Rhandi Prystae Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University Weytk-p! My name is Rhandi
past. I am studying at Yorkville
sister. It is common for people to
Tsuilimenik
(nee
University which offers online
experience grief, loss, anxiety, and
Alphonse), I was raised by my
study. This has allowed me to
trauma more than once in their
great grandparents in Lillooet
continue working part-time while
lifetime. If we do not find ways to
(Kurt
Mumm
I complete a master’s degree in
heal those experiences they can
(nee Wing); Secwepemc), and
counselling psychology. I have
accumulate, and life can become
I spent some of my formative
had to let my horses go while I
more difficult than is necessary.
years with my parents (Tom
study but I still find time to hike,
I chose the master’s degree in
Alphonse;
Rhonda
mountain bike, cross country ski,
counselling psychology through
Bowe; Secwepemc, T’exelcemc,
snowshoe, paddle board and
Yorkville University specifically as
Esketemc) in T’exelc or what was
practice yoga with the seasons.
it is recognized by the Canadian
then called Sugar Cane. During
I currently reside in Tk’emlups
Counselling
my childhood both in Lillooet and
with my husband Travis. We are
Association,
in T’exelc, I spent every minute
looking forward to trying out the
practice anywhere in Canada as
I could on horseback. A passion
new trails at T’exelc!
a Psychotherapist. Ultimately, I
that has continued through my
I chose psychology and more
hope in the future to share my
life and has grown in disciplines
specifically counselling psychology
knowledge and help people on
and in horse breed variation.
as a program for a few reasons.
their own healing journey. Thank
I am currently fortunate and
The field of counselling psychology
you for taking the time to hear
tremendously grateful for the
has been instrumental in assisting
about a piece of my journey,
opportunity that the Williams Lake
me through many challenging
and a big thank you again to the
Band has permitted; allowing me
times in my life. I truly can say I’m
Williams Lake Band and Education
to be a full-time student now
not sure where I would have been
Department for their support.
and in the completion of my
without skilled counselling after
undergraduate degree in the
the loss of my grandparents, and
Prystae
Mumm;
Lillian
T’exelcemc;
Psychotherapy allowing
me
to
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Elder Activities in 2021 Carla Berkelaar
Happy New Year WLFN! I am Carla
to start up our in-person meetings
it brought great sadness to our
Berkelaar,
Community
for a short time over the summer.
group. It was recommended that
Support and Elders Worker. I
Unfortunately, that was short
we take a trip in order to honour
started working here in May
lived, but we have continued our
the children.
2019. That first year I was just
bi-monthly meetings via Zoom At
It just so happened that our
getting my feet wet learning about
almost every meeting we have
trip was planned at the end
the community and getting to
more and more Elders join in.
of the Yukon Warrior Walkers
know the Elders, and then 2020
Thank you to Chief Sellars for
trip. We attended a day at the
happened! All of us were so
attending these meetings and
Kamloopa Pow Wow grounds
used to having gatherings, Elders
updating the Elders on what is
on August 9 where we all came
meeting, Bingos, and going on
happening in the community.
together to pray, sing, drum and
trips and it all came to a stop.
Every week we strive to have
also, to celebrate the end of the
Thankfully 2021 has brought us
different presenters join us and
Warrior Walkers journey. It was a
hope for the future as the vaccines
share who they are and what their
memorable day that we shared
were rolled out. The Elders were
position is in the WLFN network.
with many Elders from all over the
some of the first ones to receive
After the news of the 215 children’s
province and the Yukon.
their vaccines, and I fortunately
graves discovered in Kamloops,
The next day we visited the
WLFNs
fell in with this group, because I was spending so much time with them. Part of my job is to shop for the elders, transport them to appointments and pick up various prescriptions. As the year progressed and we all received our second dose we were able to spend a bit more time together. We even managed
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Kamloops
Indian
Residential
School where we held a ceremony. Elders shared some of their stories and we drummed, sang songs and prayed for healing and closure. Thank you to Counsellor JoAnne Moise and Little Chiefs Primary School teacher, Louise Harry for joining us on this adventure.
No matter what is
going on, it is always a good day
for a tour of Hazeltine Creek. We
forest of spruce and fir trees.
when it is spent with the Elders.
were guided by Gabriel Holmes,
This Elder sure has an eagle eye.
Many of the Elders came together
an Environmental Tech. This was
Estwelalnik was able to harvest
on September 30th for National
a shared tour with the Xatsull
some pitch and bark to make
Truth and Reconciliation Day.
First Nation Elders. David Archie,
tea, which is good for the lungs.
There was an amazing turn out,
WLFN’s Cultural Coordinator and
This was another wonderful day
not just from the community but
Chief Sellars also attended the
spent with Knowledge Keepers
also from the City of Williams Lake.
tour with us. Jia Zhang the NVIT
from both bands. We ended this
Hundreds of vehicles lined up at St
intern also came with us and had
day by coming back to the Band
Josephs Mission site and formed a
the joy of riding in the back seat of
office and Elders Millie Emile and
convoy to the Arbor. What a day
our Elders Van. Gabe shared with
Linda Narcisse were kind enough
that was! It was so impressive to
us the area at which the breach
to drum for the Open House.
see all those people come out and
happened, the damage that it
We have continued to have our
take part on this first day of its
caused and the reconciliation that
biweekly meetings and for the
kind. It was so uplifting to hear all
has happened since.
first time since June, have had
different nations come together
We were blessed to see a Lynx
a fundraiser bingo. In order
to sing and drum. The weather
on the side of the road, spotted
to raise funds for some of our
was beautiful for this celebration.
by Elder Estwelalnik Sandy.
trips and adventures we also
Our next adventure took us to
was a beautiful sight.
Mt. Polley Mine on October 6th
spotted one Balsam tree in a
It
She also
created
two
harvest
baskets,
consisting of medicines, canning and handmade items from the Elders.
We were also able to
host the 2021 Elders Christmas Bazaar which we had 20 vendors attend and sell their wares. We are looking forward to many more trips activities and adventures in 2022. BOO MAGA - JANUARY 2022 11
Staff Member Highlight:
Brittany Zimmer Q: What is your role at WLFN & what are your job duties? A: My role here at WLFN as the Child and Youth Support Worker is to run the Youth Leadership Program for youth from ages 12-18. The YLP consists of various types of workshops, activities, and trips as well as opportunities for youth to obtain volunteer hours and work experience. In addition to running the YLP, I am also active in the After School Program for children 6-12. As the Child and Youth support Worker, I aim to build meaningful relationships with the children and youth within this community and ultimately be a support pillar for them. Q: What does a regular workday look like for you? A: My days normally vary, however with the YLP as a registered program there are certain days each week that remain consistent. On Wednesdays I teach a cooking class to the youth, on Thursdays there is yoga for Mental health offered, and Fridays are a day for the youth to utilize the gym however they wish. In addition, other workshops and classes are held, as well as trips. My mornings usually consist of emails, meetings, program shopping and planning the calendar for the YLP. Q: What is the best part of your job? A: The best part of my job is being able to create meaningful relationships with the children and youth and to be able to provide consistent support while doing fun activities and crafts with them. Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your
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job? A: I would have to say, the most challenging part of my job is keeping socks on children’s feet. Q: Do you have any memorable stories from your time working here? A: The Family Halloween Event was a memorable moment for me. Watching the children and youth along with their families laugh, dance, and have a wonderful evening was very rewarding and as my first event working here at WLFN, it will always be a special moment for me. Q: Where is your favorite place that you’ve visited? A: My favourite place that I have visited would be Cuba. Q: What’s the one thing you can’t live without? A: I cannot live without my family and friends. Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? A: When I am not working, I enjoy being outdoors with my friends and dog doing things like quadding and camping. Q: Do you have any New Years Resolutions? A: My resolution for the New Year is to spend more time reading instead of watching Netflix. Q: Do you have a message for the community? A: I would like to say thank you to the Sugar Cane community for welcoming me. I have felt nothing but positivity and warmth from the employees at WLFN as well as the community members and my time here has already been memorable.
Staff Birthdays and Anniversaries
Gailene William 9th Anniversary & Happy Birthday
Mavis Skerry 3rd Anniversary
Gina Gill 1st Anniversary
Jordan Davis 1st Anniversary
Mimi Sellars 1st Anniversary
Deveny Kohlen 2nd Anniversary
David Archie 2nd Anniversary
Christopher Wycotte 1st Anniversary
Silver Supernault Happy Birthday!
Anthony Sellars Happy Birthday!
Shawna Philbrick Happy Birthday!
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St. Joseph Mission Investigation Updates On December 7, 2021, Chief and Council of the Williams Lake First Nation issued a press release announcing the postponement of the release of the preliminary geophysical results from Phase 1 of the St. Joseph’s Mission investigation. “After engagement with St. Joseph’s Mission survivors, our members, and other communities we had initially concluded that it would be best to make full disclosure of our results immediately after we received them,” states WLFN Chief, Willie Sellars. “However, since we made our announcement that there would be a public session to reveal the results on December
10, a number of communities have come forward and made it clear that they do not have the necessary health and wellness supports in place to address any issues that might arise from the release of these results. It has also become clear that people around the province are still struggling in response to recent natural disasters and we wish to avoid causing people affected by these disasters any additional stress or suffering. For these reasons we are persuaded to delay the public release of the results until the New Year.” The revised date for the release of the preliminary geophysical
results has been tentatively set for Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Additional details regarding the time and venue for that meeting will be forthcoming in January. On Monday, December 6th, Canada’s Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller stated that the federal government will soon release some of the residential school records that have been withheld from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). The Centre called the decision a “significant moment” for survivors and Canada and the SJM team could not agree more with this statement. The SJM team is eager to receive these records as they pertain to government and Catholic Church documents. The SJM team believes that this is a major step towards accountability from the federal government. The SJM team had a virtual meeting with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the BC RCMP on Tuesday, December 14th to discuss roles and responsibilities throughout the SJM investigation and best practices for moving forward.
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JANUARY 2022
New Year’s Day
Council Meeting
Council Meeting
St. Joseph’s Mission Investigation Announcement
Stay up to date on all of our events by following our Facebook page: Williams Lake First Nation 16 BOO MAGA - JANUARY 2022