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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