Boo Maga Puméke7
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - #2
Sugar Cane Cemetery at Sunset
June 2021
Contents Health Station Renaming
4
Pictures from the DriveThru Carnival and the official new name!
Welcome to the Boo Maga (puméke7), which translates to “drum stick”.
Featured Staff Member
6
Ira Nelson talks about his work with O&M and why he’d like to be Batman.
Multi-use Connector Trail
8
The first of many trails is set to be completed this month.
Bridge Naming Ceremony
10
A ceremony was held to announce the new bridge name.
Featured Member
12
Check
in
with
Greg
Thomas and his work with Titan Construction
Council Meeting Highlights
14
Take a look at what your Council have been discussing over the past month!
Got an idea or story for future editions? Contact us: shannon.skeels@wlfn.ca 250-296-3507 ext.185 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
xwexweyep,
Shae
the gatherings and sharing meals
working
Chelsea ren skwekwst. I am the
with you all. I would also like to
training with Knucwentwecw Society
daughter of Denise Tait and
stretch out my heart to everyone,
to become a C6 Delegated Social
Vernon Michel and William Sellars
thank you for
Sr. and Elizabeth Paul. I am also
your patience
the granddaughter of Douglas
with
Chief
and Gladys Tait, Bill and Martha
and
Council
Sellars and Frank and Elsie Michel.
throughout
I am constantly striving to help
the pandemic
create a world where my three
and flooding.
children can grow up in a healthy
I also finished
community with their culture
my Bachelor of Social Work degree
exciting times in our community,
and traditions. I grew up in the
in December 2020, and started
with
community and lived here my
a position as a General Social
new Administration building, new
entire life, until buying a house
Worker
Knucwentwecw
houses, and all the potential for our
in Williams Lake in 2016. I have
Society.
also
community members to thrive. I
“I truly miss seeing everyone at the gatherings and sharing meals with you all.”
with I
through
am
currently
my
delegation
Worker. I am constantly learning new things every day, as a Councillor, a Social Worker, a Mother and a Matriarch in training. I look forward to seeing what
the
future
holds
for us. We are living in
The Specific Land Claims, the
recently just moved a bit closer
would like to thank our members for
to the community, into Lexington
supporting all the tough decisions we
with my family.
are making, the staff for constantly
I was elected into this Councillor
supporting our visions and my fellow
position in the fall of 2020. I was
leadership and CAO for continuing to
truly humbled and honored to be
have patience and teaching me as we
voted in by my community. I have
go forward.
attended many different events,
Kukwstsetsemc te Sknuncwentsemc!!
whether it be online or in person,
(Thank you for helping me)
since I was elected. I really hope once the restrictions lift I can see everyone in person and get back to some type of normalcy. I truly miss seeing everyone at
Shae Chelsea
Councillor Shae Chelsea
BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 3
Health Station Renaming Celebration
Vaccine Updater
On May 25th, WLFN hosted a drivethru carnival in order to celebrate the renaming of the Health Station. During the event, the new name and logo was announced to the community.
On May 11th WLFN began vaccination clinics, held at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium, with the purpose of providing second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to community members living on and off reserve in the immediate Williams Lake area.
A name contest was called to celebrate the Health Station’s transition and give it a traditional
staff received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The name chosen is Cwelcwelt: A
From February-March, small clinics were held at the
place to get well.
Three Corners Health Services main office and saw an
The drive-thru carnival was a
additional 35 community members and staff received
covid-friendly way to celebrate
vaccinations for a total of 227 first doses administered.
this occasion. Six stations were
During the May 11th-13th vaccine clinic, a total of 187
set up around Sugar Cane, and at
people received their second dose, with another 17
able to enjoy classic fairground
With summer quickly approaching, seasonal allergies may be starting to affect some of you - but did you know that something as simple as fruit can be an easy home remedy to ease your symptoms?
Apples contain quercetin which has antiinflammatory and anti-allergic properties. This means that apples can help reduce the production of substances like histamine.
In the first vaccine clinic, 192 community members and
name to go along with its current.
each, Community Members were
Wellness Corner
Lucas Kiefiuk handing out popcorn at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium
treats, such as cotton candy,
receiving their first. This now means 82% of members and staff which received their first dose at the clinics between February and March, are now fully vaccinated.
hot dogs and, of course, a dunk tank. Our very own Chief Willie, Cst Adam Hildebrandt and CAO Aaron Mannella were kind enough to volunteer themselves to be
Pineapples are full of Vitamin C. Also, it is a good source of bromelain which is an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory effect
Tangerines contain phytochemicals which are able to curb allergic reactions. Phytochemicals can also help boost your immune system. For a quick and easy boost, try this juice recipe: •
3 tangerines
•
2 pineapple slices
•
1 apple
Peel all fruit and place in a juice extractor or grinder.
plunged into icy water! The event was a huge success, and
This recipe should make two, 250ml servings.
with the Health Station officially renamed, it marks yet another milestone in WLFN’s transition into self-governance.
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Cst. Adam Hildebrandt takes a dunk in some icy water
Brittany Cleminson recieving her second vaccine
BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 5
New Government Building nears completion
Staff Member Highlight:
Ira Nelson
Construction work began on the new Administrative Building back in April 2020, and
progress has been steady since then. The interior is almost at completion and soon the paving and landscaping will be underway. Lauren Brothers Construction have done an
incredible job and it will be exciting to see any further progression. WLFN is currently looking at a move in date of August 2021.
Ira works as the Operations and Maintenance
before cutting the pipes and that’s when water
Assistant at WLFN, alongside volunteering as a
started spraying everywhere. I teased him about
Fire Fighter at the Sugar Cane Fire Hall.
him giving me instructions in the beginning “What
Q: What does a regular workday look like?
did you say to me about that main shut off again?”
A: My workday can be all over the place as we are
Q: If you didn’t work here, what career do you
always busy here at O&M. Monday, Wednesday,
think you’d be in?
and Friday mornings we have our routine safety
A: If I didn’t work at WLFN I would apply at a
meetings. Mornings are also my time to review
mechanic shop, because I like learning to fix
service requests and plan what I will get done
things.
through out the day.
Q: If you could be any fictional character, who
Q: What is the best part of your job?
would it be?
A: My favourite part is completing service
A: I would choose to be Batman because he’s
requests because I like being helpful to WLFN
human. Even though he doesn’t have any super
employee’s and community members and
powers he can still make a difference in life.
makes me feel less stressed when I can complete
Q: Do you have a message for the community?
them. I like when we can joke around together
A: I have learned that life isn’t easy and it gets
and still have fun as a team.
harder as you get older, but I now have the tools
Q: Do you have any stories from your time
to get through and my family and friends remind
working here?
me to use them when I’m having a hard time -
A: When I first started at O&M, the manager at
and I also remind them too. Depression is a part
the time was showing me how to change a hot
of life, but it is not life. Getting hurt is a feeling
water tank. He made it clear to find the main
but it is not life. The hardest thing to hold on to is
shut off before starting the removal process. He
love. It always helps to look for happiness in every
ended up forgetting to look for the main shut off
day and be grateful.
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BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 7
Multi-use connector trail to open in June The
construction
of
the
now turned trail builder has
have
1,750-metre multi-use connector
spearheaded the construction
recreational benefits, and that
trail is due to be completed by
of the trail, whilst Tom Schoen
they help establish a presence on
June 15th. A ground breaking
has been managing the project.
traditional territory.
ceremony was held on April
The
construction
the
The trailhead begins at the Chief
19th to mark the start of the trail
trail
was
a
Will-Yum Campsite, with the hope
construction. Chief Willie Sellars
community survey in which
being that many other trails can
said, “if COVID has taught us
an overwhelming number of
be added in the future, starting at
anything, it’s that we need to get
participants indicated that new
this location.
people out in the land. Physical
trails wouldbe beneficial. There
The
activity is an important tool that
was little to no disagreement
constructed will lead to Asahal
we can use to improve mental
with
that
Lake and follow the original path
health, whether that be walking,
trails are useful for travelling
which was destroyed in the 2017
running, biking, or just getting out
within and outside of the
wildfires. It will be 3,433 meters in
and identifying the medicines that
community, that they enhance
length and an intermediate, more
are on the land and experiencing
the quality of life, that they
challenging trail.
the
of
preceded
statements
by
health,
next
economic
trail
set
to
and
be
the beauty of our territory.” The trail has been designed as an easy walking path with minimal incline to make it accessible for the entire community and includes a viewing deck. It is also suitable for all types of bicycle and will include dirt features to make it fun for advanced mountain bikers too. It will also serve as a “catch trail” for future proposed mountain bike trails. James Doerfling, a world-class, professional
mountain
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biker,
BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 9
Naming Ceremony for Nekw7usem Bridge On May 17, 2021, the City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation conducted a naming ceremony for the Nekw7usem Bridge that connects the RC Cotton trail to Scout Island.
The Nekw7usem Bridge - pictured in sunnier weather!
just before the ceremony began, and continued throughout the entire event. It was certainly quite the welcome from Mother Earth. The naming ceremony and sign unveiling included elected officials, elders, and community representatives from both the City and Williams Lake First Nation. The ceremony began with singing, drumming and Chief Willie Sellars and Mayor Walter Cobb unveiling the plaque.
Archie and Elder Virginia Gilbert, before comments from Chief Willie Sellars and Mayor Walter Cobb. The 200 ft pedestrian bridge was completed in 2020, with the support of grants obtained from the Rural Dividend Program and the Canada Recreation Program. With 83% of the project funding provided through government grants, the remainder was funded by the City of Williams Lake. Mayor Walt Cobb said, “the bridge is a landmark project for the City and opens up more of the outdoor
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event will make a meaningful
to residents and visitors alike.
and lasting contribution toward
We were pleased to have an
the development of a stronger
opportunity to work with Williams
relationship between WLFN and
Lake First Nation to choose the
the City of Williams Lake.
name
–
However, I believe that designing
which means “Unity”, and look
legacies for future generations
forward to continuing to improve
must include the full story and
access to our natural landscape.”
history of the people who occupied
Chief
these lands prior to European
“Nekw7usem
Willie
February
In typical Cariboo fashion, the heavens opened
prayer from WLFN’s Cultural Coordinator, David
spaces that are so important
Chief Willie Sellars and Councillor Rick Gilbert.
Sellars
2018,
the
Bridge”
said,
“in
Supreme
settlement.
Unfortunately,
the
Court of Canada ruled in favour
legacies of the past have been
of the Williams Lake First Nation
very devastating. Naming the
by confirming our Secwepemc
bridge in our language can turn
ancestors
by
the page on that legacy and could
European settlers. Our ancestors
be the first step toward telling the
considered Scout Island a sacred
true story of WLFN.
site, a place of refuge, a resource
Our lands are not mere spaces,
for sustenance, and the location
but a sacred gift and trust passed
where spiritual healing occurred.
down to us by our creator. Our
We are grateful to the City of
teachings taught us to have a
Williams Lake for acknowledging
deep respect for our land and
the necessity for modern-day
environment.
reconciliation by declaring this
To us, these lands are sacred
bridge a symbol of “one tribe, one
because they hold our ancestors,
family.” Unity, more than ever,
our laws, our cultural identity,
is required for Indigenous and
our
traditions,
our
language,
non-Indigenous people to move
our
teachings,
and
histories.
forward on our respective healing
It is important for everyone to
journeys.”
know that while WLFN no longer
Councillor Chris Wycotte also
occupies these lands we still have
added, “I would like to thank
a very strong connection to it.”
the City of Williams Lake for
The City and the Williams Lake
taking the time to recognize and
First Nation would also like to
commemorate
piece
thank the Williams Lake Field
of Williams Lake First Nation’s
Naturalists and grant providers
traditional territory. I believe this
for their support throughout.
were
displaced
a
small
BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 11
Featured Member:
Staff Birthdays and Anniversaries
Greg Thomas Greg Thomas is a WLFN Member, a father of five and is currently working full time for Titan Construction.
(WLFN’s
Employment
Coordinator)”,
says
Greg.
“I
look at the waterways, the trees, plants and animals.”
needed to make a change in my
“We didn’t lose our culture, we
in
life and get back to work, and
just wandered away from it. All we
2014, right before I was due to
Shawna helped me find this
have to do is get back out there.”
finish my degree in Business
opportunity – and has helped
Greg’s message for the community
Administration”
with other small jobs in the past.”
would be to look for a balance in
immediately had to withdraw and
Despite
your life, within your heart, mind,
became a full-time father to my
communities, Greg says he chose
body, and soul.
children.”
to become a member with WLFN
“If you take care of each of those,
“A lot of people tried to put me
again because of the amount of
it will help you out in life,” he says,
down for that and would question
family he has in the area and that
“by taking care of yourself first,
why I wasn’t out working – but I
he enjoys how industrious the
you will then be strong enough
told them I needed to look out for
band are.
to take care of the others around
my children.”
“WLFN does an excellent job of
you.”
“For years I worried about how
tying in our culture with how
“With the current climate, with
they were doing, but they’re really
today’s world is run and creates a
COVID and drugs, people can
flourishing at the moment and so
balance in-between, both for on
disappear just like that, so you
finally this year I decided to get
and off reserve members.”
have to cherish everything.”
back to work again.”
“Our culture is so important and
“Our people have been oppressed
Titan Construction is currently
yet a lot of people think we have
for so long and that can be
building new housing on reserve
lost our culture, but that’s not
overwhelming – but if we learn
and the timing lined up perfectly
true,” says Greg. “Our culture
to deal with those emotions in
with Greg’s return to work.
has always been entwined with
a healthy way we will become
“I heard of the employment
Mother Nature, and that’s never
stronger and our lives around us
opportunity
going to go away, just get out and
will improve.
“My spouse passed away
says
Greg.
through
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“I
Shawna
living
in
various
Janet Smith 1st Anniversary
Ada Phillips 1st Anniversary
Jennifer Pantanetti 1st Anniversary
Anna Gilbert 3rd Anniversary
Eric Mckay 3rd Anniversary
Shayla Alphonse 3rd Anniversary
Kiera Dolighan Happy Birthday!
Steve Simms Happy Birthday!
Joey Alphonse 1st Anniversary
Whitney Spearing 5th Anniversary
Lori Billyboy 13th Anniversary
John Walker Happy Birthday!
Caitlin Sellars 1st Anniversary
Kirk Dressler 12th Anniversary
Carla Berkelaar Happy Birthday!
BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 13
Council Meeting Highlights
June
Council hosted a blanketing ceremony for Cody Williams to recognise all his hard work with the Secwepemc Language classes.
Covid-19 vaccine clinics were a massive success; 187 people recieved their second doses.
Council was in support of having 8 garden boxes for community use installed down by the Elder’s building.
Council participated in the naming of the Nekw7usem Bridge Ceremony on May 7th.
Council supported having a press conference for the late Gerald Supernault to help the RCMP solve the case and provide closure to the Supernault family. 14 BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021
May 5, 2021 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Chief Sellars, Councillor Chelsea and WLFN Culture Coordinator participated in the ceremony in Herb Gardner Park.
Council approved a donation of $1000 to Cariboo Search and Rescue to acknowledge them as a community partner and to show appreciation for the support it provides.
Council approved the renaming of the Health Station
A Council Strategy retreat is in the planning stage for October 2021. The retreat will provide Council dedicated focus time on the future of WLFN.
Council is excited to hear that Enbridge is donating a modular home to WLFN Community. Placement location is still to be determined. BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021 15
JUNE 2021
Virtual Bingo Night
Council Meeting
Fathers Day BBQ
Aboriginal Day
Last Day of School
Council Meeting
Stay up to date on all of our events by following our Facebook page: Williams Lake First Nation 16 BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021