10. Building Trust and Community: The Heartbeat of WLFN’s Recreation Program
18. Events in and around WLFN
Message from WLFN Councillor, Chris Wycotte:
A New day, A New Approach: Our Continued Fight for Our Inherent Rights and Title
When NSTQ entered the BCTC Treaty process in 1993, I didn’t fully understand how it worked or what a negotiated settlement under the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy (CLCP) could mean. Canada introduced this policy in 1973, the same year the Calder case was decided. In this case, the Nisga’a took British Columbia to court, arguing that their land had always been theirs. The Supreme Court’s decision was split, so the Nisga’a technically lost—but the ruling was still groundbreaking. For the first time, Canada’s highest court recognized that Aboriginal title had a place in Canadian law. This decision paved the way for the Nisga’a Treaty in 2000, the first modern land claim in British Columbia, which gave the Nisga’a people self-government. The CLCP was created in response to new legal challenges from Indigenous nations, but many Indigenous people see it as deeply flawed for several key reasons.
The policy provided compensation and settlement terms for land claims, but it came at a significant cost—Indigenous peoples were required to give up their inherent rights to land and self-determination in exchange for specific benefits. At its core, the policy was based on the idea that Indigenous land rights were not fully recognized by Canada, effectively denying Indigenous sovereignty.
The policy also placed strict limits on Indigenous rights to unceded land—territory that had never been included in previous treaties, as is the case for
most of BC. Many Indigenous peoples felt it failed to fully recognize their broader rights, including self-governance, cultural practices, and connection to traditional territories. After 30 years of negotiations, we saw that the federal and provincial governments treated inherent rights as privileges they could grant, rather than recognizing them as rights that existed long before their arrival.
The policy often emphasized economic development as a solution to land claims. While economic compensation or access to land could be beneficial in some ways, many Indigenous communities felt this approach overlooked their deeper cultural, spiritual, and environmental connections to the land. Furthermore, the mandate of the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy was to extinguish or modify Aboriginal Rights, including Title, which, in turn, protected the economic interests of the Governments and Third-Party Interests.
The result of this policy was a lengthy and difficult process for negotiating land claims, which in our case, has taken over 30 years to get to where we are. This has understandably caused frustration among many of our members, especially when the government fails to give proper attention to critical issues of land and rights recognition.
Over the years, we have faced a huge imbalance of power. The Federal and Provincial governments have far more resources and legal expertise than we have ever had. This power imbalance sometimes led to long drawn-out battles at the negotiation table on each individual NSTQ interest. For example, Canada and BC have more lawyers on their team than NSTQ’s total membership.
The most glaring deficiency of the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy is that it did not recognize or respect Indigenous systems of governance, which were based on our own laws, customs, and traditions. In many cases, it imposed extreme governance structures, such as the Indian Act, which undermined our political autonomy.
Secwépemc perspectives on land often prioritize spiritual, cultural, and environmental importance, not just economic or physical uses of the land. We were taught to look after the land and take only what you needed. We look after the land, and it will look
after us. The Comprehensive Land Claims Policy did not fully account for these aspects, leading to concerns about environmental destruction and cultural erosion. This resulted in two worldviews colliding. The European worldview is profits and monetary gain while the Secwépemc worldview is protection and sustainable management. We want to make sure that there’s something left for the next seven generations.
While the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy was intended to address land disputes and Aboriginal rights, the terms and conditions of that policy was not drafted to consider Indigenous interests but to ensure that interests of the governments and third parties were to be protected. Most Indigenous peoples, including NSTQ, saw this as an insufficient and problematic framework that did not adequately respect our rights, governance, or connection to the land.
However, with some hard work behind the scenes by the First Nations Leadership Council of BC and hard negotiating by various treaty tables (including the NSTQ Table) we have been making some major advances in the treaty negotiations. For example, in 2005, BC was adamant that we would never gain jurisdiction over Children and Families. This would be a hill they would die on. Today, we have language in our agreement that ensures we will have jurisdiction over our children and families. We were told that the tax exemptions would be phased out, but Canada has since reversed that decision, and we will have the tax exemptions included in our agreement.
Further, we were forced to borrow money just to negotiate an agreement with Canada and BC—an arrangement we fought for years. We questioned why we had to take on debt to correct an injustice created by Canada and BC in the first place. Eventually, Canada recognized this as yet another injustice layered on top of the ones we were already negotiating. The loans were ultimately forgiven, and we no longer need to borrow money. Today, we receive non-repayable grants to support our negotiations.
In 2019, the First Nations Leadership Council, along with Canada and BC, negotiated and ad-
opted a new Recognition and Reconciliation of Indigenous Rights Policy for treaty negotiations in BC. This new policy offers several key benefits designed to promote a more fair and meaningful relationship between Indigenous Nations and the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
The policy recognizes and affirms the inherent rights of Indigenous Nations, including title and self-government, ensuring that treaties and other agreements are based on mutual recognition and respect. In its opening statement, the policy makes it clear that in British Columbia, the pre-existing inherent rights of Indigenous Nations still exist today, and the reconciliation of these rights with the assumed sovereignty of the Crown remains largely unresolved.
The policy agrees to provide greater flexibility to develop agreements incrementally, allowing for tailored solutions that address the unique needs and circumstances of each Indigenous Nation. Canada and British Columbia recognize that to facilitate greater progress in negotiations, current policies and mandates need to be reviewed and updated. Canada and British Columbia also wish to continue moving beyond the historic legacies of Crown denial, unilateralism, and the doctrine of discovery to a new nation-to-nation relationship based on the recognition of rights, reconciliation, respect, cooperation and partnership.
Canada and BC agree to recognize the right to self-determination as the policy empowers Indigenous Nations to exercise jurisdiction and manage their own affairs, promoting autonomy and governance capacity-building. Further, the new policy states that the preferred methods of achieving the reconciliation of Crown title and the inherent titles, and the reconciliation of pre-existing Indigenous sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty.
A negotiated agreement will:
1. provide for the recognition and continuation of Indigenous rights.
2. not extinguish, surrender or require the modification of the rights of Participating Indigenous Nations, in any form.
3. not set out the specific nature, scope or extent of inherent Indigenous rights, except as other-
wise agreed by the parties.
4. provide a framework for reconciling Crown title and the inherent titles of Participating Indigenous Nations, and pre-existing Indigenous sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty.
5. provide for the co-existence of Crown and Participating Indigenous Nation governments.
6. be capable of evolving over time and not require full and final settlement.
7. employ approaches that reflect the unique circumstances of each Indigenous Nation rather than unilaterally developed, formulaic approaches and formulas; and
8. provide for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), including the rights to redress and “free, prior and informed consent”. This may seem like a lot. The key point, however, is that since 2019, we’ve been making real progress in reconciliation by creating a new framework designed to recognize and respect our rights, support self-governance, and promote the economic and social well-being of our communities.
While the new Recognition and Reconciliation of Indigenous Rights Policy is a major shift from where we were 30 years, the change is not the result of Canada and BC finally growing a heart. The change was the cumulation of a 157-year battle started by Chief William, for our people, in 1868. In 1868, Chief Willaim and other Secwépemc Chiefs went to New Westminster to meet with government officials to protest the loss of lands and rights within their territories.
In 1879, Chief William further complained about the mistreatment of his people. In a letter to the Victoria Colonist, he states:
The land on which my people lived for five hundred years was taken by a white man; he has piles of wheat and herds of cattle. We have nothing – not an acre. Another white man has enclosed the graves in which the ashes of our fathers rest, and we may live to see their bones turned over by his plough! Any white man can take three hundred and twenty acres of our land and the Indian dare not touch an acre. Her Majesty sent me a coat, two ploughs and
some turnip seed. The coat will not keep away the hunger; the ploughs are idle, and the seed is useless because we have no land…. The whites have taken all the salmon and all the land, and my people will not starve in peace. Good friends to the Indians say that ‘her Majesty loves her Indian subjects and will do justice.’ Justice is no use for a dead Indian.
In 1910, all the Secwépemc Chiefs, including Chief William, drafted and delivered a letter to Sir Wilfred Laurier. Among other things, it states:
We demand that our land question be settled and ask that treaties be made between the government and each of our tribes, in the same manner as accomplished with the Indian tribes of the other provinces of Canada, and in the neighboring parts of the United States. We desire that every matter of importance to each tribe be a subject of treaty, so we may have a definite understanding with the government on all questions of moment between us and them.
The work we’re doing today is a continuation of efforts that began 157 years ago. By carrying this work forward, we honour the memories of our ancestors and breathe life into the words they spoke during the earliest days of colonization. Through this work, we demonstrate the resilience and determination of our people. We cannot simply accept what is presented to us; we must continue to fight for what is rightfully ours. While we’ve made some progress since 2019, there is still much work to be done. We will need the support and input of our community to push these negotiations across the finish line. The goal is to reach a fair and equitable agreement that leads to real, positive change for our members.
Kukwstsétsemc,
Chris Wycotte WLFN Councillor
Message from Kúkwpi7 Sellars about Sugarcane being nominated for an Academy Award:
I am so grateful—grateful to the Survivors, grateful to the community members, grateful to everyone who had the courage to lend their stories to Sugarcane. Because that’s what this film is about: courage. The courage to speak. The courage to remember. The courage to share the truth, no matter how painful.
It’s that truth—raw, powerful, undeniable—that has made Sugarcane resonate. That has carried it across film festivals, across borders, across the world. And we are so grateful to every single person who has shared it, amplified it, and made sure these voices—our voices, the voices of those who never made it home—are finally being heard.
To the filmmakers, who poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this project—you have done something remarkable. You have told some of the deepest, darkest, hardest stories of our people with heart, with honesty, with compassion. You have made something that will live forever.
And we need to keep this going. Because this isn’t just a film. This is part of the healing. Part of the education. Part of Reconciliation. And we’re not going to do it alone. We need non-Indigenous people to step up. To stand beside us. To carry this story forward. Because the truth isn’t just ours—it belongs to this whole country. And it’s time we all face it together.
We are proud of everybody who told their story. This is bigger than all of us.
Kukwstép-kucw (we thank you all).
Kukwpi7 Willie Sellars
6th Annual
Thomas-Dueck Traditional/
Educational Pow Wow
Kukwstép-kucw - Williams Lake First Nation would like to extend our thanks to Columneetza Junior Secondary School for hosting the 6th annual Thomas-Dueck Traditional/Educational Pow Wow WLFN Councillor Dancing Water Sandy was among those who spoke to kick things off. She prayed for the late Natalie Johnson of Es k’etemc, who had recently passed on. Dancing Water said that the family wished for the Pow Wow to continue. The grandstands were full, with busloads of students from nine different schools in attendance. Dancers of all ages put on a beautiful display to the drums of Kwatna Mountain and Northern Tribez.
Building Trust and Community: The Heartbeat of WLFN’s Recreation Program
Words and Photos by Casey Bennett
On a quiet Friday morning, as the staff begins preparing for the busy afternoon ahead, the basement of the Elizabeth Grouse gymnasium is empty. Cody Call and Nancy Wycotte are focused, organizing supplies and setting up the space for the wave of energy that will soon flood the room. They know the kids will arrive with boundless enthusiasm, ready for games, sports, and activities. The gym, once serene, will soon transform into a whirlwind of laughter, movement, and excitement.
“It’s always a full afternoon,” says Cody. “The kids are full of energy and ready to go. You have to be ready for anything—physically and mentally.”
The Heart of the Program
Behind the team’s success is Crystal Wells, Senior Manager of Recreation at WLFN. Crystal joined the team in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. With a Bachelor’s in Sociology (Social Justice) and a Master’s in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, she has years of frontline experience, including leading the Wellness Team at Denisiqi Services Society. Crystal combines expertise with a hands-on approach to community well-being. She’s worked diligently to create clear guidelines and systems that empower her team to feel confident in their roles, and they credit much
of their success to her steady guidance.
Crystal was also instrumental in bringing the new playground to T’exelc—a project that had been dormant and was about to lose funding until she took the lead. This was one of her first initiatives and remains a point of pride for her.
“Crystal has done a great job building a strong department with clear rules and guidelines,” says Cody. “She supports us in every way, so I never feel unsure of what to do. I know exactly how to handle any situation that comes up.”
Nancy agrees, noting that Crystal has an exceptional ability to find the right fit for each team member. “She’s built a department where we feel comfortable and supported, but she also lets us use our own skills,” Nancy adds. “I’m excited to develop smaller side programs with the girls, like teaching them good hygiene, how to curl their hair, or how to do arts and crafts. Crystal encourages us to bring our ideas to the table.”
Crystal’s leadership isn’t just about managing the program; it’s about fostering a culture of growth and respect. She knows that in order to make a lasting impact on the kids, the staff needs to feel confident, supported, and invested in their roles. Her ability to create this environment is a testament to her dedication and vision.
The Work Behind the Energy
Hana Elefson, a recent graduate of the College of New Caledonia’s Early Childhood Care program, is the Rec team’s After-School Program Coordinator. She is hard at work developing a list of programs to introduce to the youth in the coming months.
Last year, the After-School program provided 300 meals to youth in community. Some highlights included a day-trip to the Kamloops
trampoline park and petting zoo, the Honor Your Health program (painting, yoga, and mindfulness), movie days, and video game truck days.
Nate Antonio is the newest addition to the team, as WLFN’s new Recreation Supervisor. Nate is taking over for Madison Engstrom while Madi is on maternity leave. The team is excited to welcome Nate into the program. He brings a wealth of experience to the position and holds a degree in Psychology, with a focus on childhood development from UBC.
Cody, a retired rodeo professional, and Nancy, with a background in forestry, may not have years of experience in childcare or education, but they’ve quickly adapted to the dynamic needs of the program. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn have allowed them to build strong relationships with the youth they serve.
“I think this job is not for the weak,” Cody adds, acknowledging the physical and emotional demands of working with kids. “Every job has its challenges, and sometimes you have to be strong—both physically and mentally.”
Nancy, who has only been with the team for a few months, shares that her role has been a rewarding challenge. “I’m learning how to interact with a whole group of kids,” she says. “It’s a big learning curve, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s bringing out a side of me I didn’t know I had. Plus, my family were teachers, so this kind of feels like I’m in a similar field.”
While the staff might be small, the energy they bring is significant. Their commitment to making each child feel heard, valued, and safe is palpable. The day-to-day operations are filled with surprises, from organizing games to making sure kids feel supported and included in the activities.
Community Always Shows Up In
Amazing Ways
The after-school program has faced a few challenges recently, with key staff members stepping away for personal reasons or pursuing new opportunities. Despite these changes and hiring new staff in between, the support from the community and WLFN staff has helped to keep the program moving without a hitch.
“We’ve had some incredible support from people really dedicated to making a difference.” Cody says with a big smile, “One person who really stood out was William [Lulua] from the Culture team and he spent almost two weeks with us, every day from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, helping out with the kids and engaging with the program.”
Cody continues, “Lisa Presley from the health station came over a lot, which was great. We also had Leah [Briault, WLFN Education
Coordinator], who came a couple of times, and Holly [Tomczynski, WLFN Community Support Outreach worker] joined us a few times as well. Kyleen [Toyne, WLFN Social Development Coordinator] dropped by one day—every little bit helps. And we’ve had a number of people from the health department, so there’s been a nice mix of support from different angles.”
Trust and Community Building
The after-school program is not just a place for kids to hang out until it’s time to go home. It’s a space where they can connect, feel safe, and develop skills for their future. Building trust with the kids is a crucial aspect of the work, and the team is deeply invested in creating a community where every child feels accepted.
“Just consistently show up and be present,” says Cody. “You will be fed, you will be
warm, you will be listened-to, and we will take the time to learn about your interests. It’s about more than just running activities. It’s about showing the kids that we care.”
For Cody, this means meeting the kids where they are—physically, mentally, and emotionally. “We have a large group of girls who love doing arts and crafts, so I’m not going to force them to go run laps in the gym. But I will ask them to do some physical activities just to stay healthy,” he explains.
This approach to inclusion and respect helps the kids feel understood and supported. It’s not about pushing them to be something they’re not, but rather encouraging them to grow in their own way.
Looking Ahead
As the program continues to grow, the team remains committed to their work, knowing that the relationships they build with the youth will have a lasting impact. For them,
it’s not just about running games or supervising activities; it’s about being present in the lives of the kids, listening to their stories, and providing them with a safe place where they can be themselves.
While the day-to-day tasks may vary—from setting up games to organizing crafts—one thing remains constant: the commitment of the staff to the kids they serve.
In a small community like T’exelc, these recreation staff members are more than just employees—they’re mentors, role models, and trusted adults who are helping shape the future of the youth they work with. ■
& CEREMONY
Wednesday, June 4th, from 3:30-6PM
At the Chief Will-Yum Pow Wow Arbor
WLFN Education Department sincerely welcomes our honoured graduates and their guests to the annual Education Celebration and Traditional Ceremony. Please confirm attendance of friends and family members by May 15, 2025 by contacting Michelle Carrier: Michelle.carrier@wlfn.ca | 250.296.3507 ext. 172
