Boo Maga June

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

10 BOO MAGA - JUNE 2021

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.

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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.

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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