CHINOOK SALMON FRY RELEASE, QUESNEL RIVER RESEARCH CENTRE
PHOTO GALLERY: REBUILDING A TSQILYE
FEATURE: KAELAN KOHLEN, NEW GENERAL MANGER OF THE OSPREY NEST WELCOME FROM COUNCILLOR SHAWNA ROBBINS
4. Message from WLFN Councillor, Shawna Robbins
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10. Chinook Salmon Fry Release
12: One Song, Many Voices: Teaching the Mitchell Honour Song to SD27 Schools
16. Are you making the most of your member benefits?
18. Events in and around WLFN
Kaelan Kohlen: New GM @ the Osprey Nest
Dean Boyd: Mowing Lawns and Taking Names
Photo Gallery: Rebuilding a Tsqilye
Message from WLFN Councillor, Shawna Robbins:
Le7 te sitqt! I hope this message finds you and your families well. This is my first formal update to the community since being elected to Council in August 2024, and I am truly honored to serve our people in this role. I want to take this opportunity to share a bit about what I’ve been working on and what I look forward to as we move ahead together. Although this is my first term on Council, I’ve been working with Williams Lake First Nation for the past 19 years, primarily in the Employment Department. My passion has always been helping our members find meaningful training and employment opportunities, and I continue to work parttime in this department to support these important goals. Whether it’s helping a youth explore a career path, supporting someone going back to school, or connecting people to funding and job programs, I remain committed to uplifting our members’ economic success and self-sufficiency.
In September 2024, I also began my journey in the Indigenous Business Leadership Master’s Program through Simon Fraser University. This twoyear program, which I’m scheduled to complete in 2026, is deeply enriching and has already provided me with valuable knowledge on Indigenous governance, law, leadership, and economic development. It’s important to me that I bring these teachings back home to benefit our Nation, especially as we continue to grow our own-source revenues and expand our self-governance.
Since being elected, I’ve been attending various community meetings, gatherings, and events, and it has been a real highlight for me to visit with members face-to-face. Whether at a cultural event, dinner, or community forum, hearing directly from you is what grounds and guides my work on Council. That said, I would love to see even more of our members come out to these events! Your voices, perspectives, and questions are essential as we move forward with the many projects and initiatives underway.
Some of the areas I’ve been paying special attention to include housing, community safety, youth engagement, and infrastructure development. I believe that our Nation has a great opportunity right now to prioritize the needs of our people, especially around creating safe spaces for youth, improving access to services, and strengthening cultural programs. I’ve also voiced my interest in seeing more inter-Nation collaboration and cultural camps that connect our people back to the land.
As I continue my academic studies, there will be times I’m away for short periods or participating in online courses during the day. I thank you in advance for your patience during these times, and I’ve made arrangements with the Employment Department and CCATEC to ensure continued support is available to members.
In closing, I just want to say Kukwstsétselp for your trust and support. I am committed to listening, learning, and leading with heart and humility. Please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts, concerns, or just to say hello. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming community functions and continuing this important work together. With respect and gratitude,
Councillor Shawna Robbins (Philbrick)
Kaelan Kohlen Proud WLFN member, and the new General Manager of the Osprey Nest Social House & Eatery
Kaelan Kohlen is a lifelong Williams Lake local with a love for his community, his culture, and good food. After working across different industries like timber, mining, and construction, Kaelan found his place in the kitchen—first at the Laughing Loon, and now as General Manager of the Osprey Nest Social House & Eatery. What started as a side-gig quickly turned into a passion. Today, he’s focused on creating a restaurant that not only serves great meals but also celebrates and shares WLFN culture with everyone who walks through the door.
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and what shaped your journey into the world of food and hospitality?
I have lived in Williams Lake my whole life, on and off reserve land. Currently living back on reserve land and I love my property, it’s my late grandfather’s property and where I spent a lot of time growing up. The jobs I’ve had have never stayed in the same category, from timber cruising, to mining and construction, learning a lot along the way. The Laughing Loon has been a part of my
life for a long time, about 10 years. I’ve washed dishes, cooked and cleaned, and the opportunity to buy into the restaurant with my father came to me during a Christmas break while working construction in 2020. I wasted no time and dove right into it.
What does it mean to you to be part of an Indigenous-owned restaurant, and how do you see your role in serving the community?
I’ve always enjoyed cooking and providing for people, the first thing I noticed when getting into this industry is that you have to have respect for the people in the kitchen, in the front of house and even the people on the books. There is a ton of work just to get that burger to your table. This is the first I’ve witnessed it, from the actual live beef, to the butcher, to the prep cook and finally to the customer. It’s amazing work!
What excites you most about being part of this restaurant’s story?
I have a great opportunity here now at the Osprey Nest, working for the people and serving the people of the community of WLFN. It’s important that I listen to all of the input that I receive, and I get a lot of it. Everyone deserves to be heard because it is also an important job to be able to showcase our culture to the public, it’s only just beginning now.
Are there any family traditions or teachings that you carry with you into your work and leadership?
It’s exciting to me that we are able to form this restaurant how we want it visualized and experienced. Culture being one of the top priorities, it’s in our motto. Along the way I’ll be working with the culture department to be able to provide our culture to the public.
What’s one thing you’d love the community to know about you — as a person, not just as a GM?
I would want the community to know that I am proud of where I am from and what I represent, I will do my best for my community and my people.
Good Guy: Dean Boyd
Dean Boyd of WLFN’s Operations & Maintenance team was recently recognized by Chief and Council as a true shining star in the community — and for good reason. Originally tasked with mowing the T’exelc Cemetery, Dean finished the job faster than expected and just kept going, clearing overgrown patches and trimming grass well beyond what was asked of him. Now he mows all over the community, taking initiative wherever he sees it’s needed.
When we caught up with him on a warm but overcast day, Dean stepped off his mower, pulled out his earbuds (he was listening to The Joker by the Steve Miller Band), and shared a bit about his approach to work. “I like to keep my own yard looking clean, so I want the community to look good too,” he said.
With a work ethic rooted in years of labour — he’s been working since he was 13 — Dean says he goes stir-crazy if he’s not busy. But come the weekend, you’ll find him kicking back with family, enjoying some well-earned rest. Kukwstéc-kucw, thank you Dean, for your pride in community and the care you put into every job.
Staying Grounded: Rebuilding a Tsqilye
(sweat lodge)
WLFN’s Culture Team, with the help of Cash Sellars, Geraldine Bob, and David Archie, has rebuilt the Women’s Tsqilye to ensure it remains in use for years to come. Tsqilyes typically last around four years with regular use, and it was time to renew the women’s structure. Our Tsqilye site, located within the Byron Louie Memorial Park, includes fire-heated change rooms, separate men’s and women’s Tsqilye (in accordance with traditional protocols), and a mixed-use, wheelchair-accessible Tsqilye.
As each branch is placed to support the structure, tobacco is laid down in ceremony, ensuring the space is blessed for continued good use.
Kukwstép-kucw — thank you to everyone who helped keep our ceremonial spaces strong and active.
On Monday, May 26, WLFN Elders, representatives from Chief and Council, and members of WLFN’s Culture Team, Natural Resources Team, and Little Chiefs Primary School gathered at the Quesnel River Research Centre to mark the release of 30,000 Chinook salmon fry into the Cariboo River. The fry were raised through an ongoing partnership between the research centre and Williams Lake First Nation, a collaboration that
began in 2020 in response to the Big Bar landslide. Elder Linda Narcise opened the event with a prayer, Kukwpi7 Willie Sellars spoke about the importance of the partnership, and the Culture Team led traditional songs. Both children and adults took part in learning about the salmon, their life cycle, and the work of the research centre. As the truck carrying the young salmon made its way toward the release site, the kids gave a cheerful send-off, waving and calling out, “Bye bye, fry!”
Bye Bye, Fry: Chinook Salmon Fry Release, Quesnel River Research Centre
One Song, Many Voices:
Teaching the Mitchell Honour Song to SD27 Schools
Over April and May 2025, Williams Lake First Nation’s Culture and Language team travelled throughout School District 27, bringing the Mitchell Honour Song into classrooms across the region. Written 50 years ago by Mitchell Dick of Esk’etemc, the song has become an anthem of Secwepemcúl’ecw and beyond — sung at ceremonies, graduations, and gatherings to honour
those who show commitment, strength, and love for the people.
The team visited 22 schools, teaching thousands of students — from Forest Grove to Horsefly, 100 Mile House and Horse Lake, and all around Williams Lake, including the alternative Skyline School and Nenqayni Wellness Centre. Students from Big Lake and Likely were even bussed to the Chief William Pow Wow Arbor to learn the song in T’exelc.
“So many kids were happy to see their culture being taught in the classroom,” said Cultural Support Worker William Lulua. “They got to take part, have fun, and share a piece of themselves with their classmates. It was really rewarding.”
Culture and Language Team Assistant Val West
agreed: “Probably the best work we’ve done all year — and we already do some pretty amazing things! The kids were super excited. Participation was amazing. It was pretty cool.”
The team used a class-set of drums, 28 in total, which were hand-painted by grade 11 and 12 students at Lake City Secondary School.
WLFN Councillor Dancing Water Sandy, who also works in several capacities with School District 27 was instrumental in setting up the lessons.
Val taught Columneetza Middle School solo, with Dancing Water as backup — a full-circle moment, as the school gym was where she first sang in public. “Even the teachers got super involved.”
For both Val and William, the experience was deeply affirming. “It didn’t feel like we were pushing our culture on anyone,” said William. “The kids, the teachers — everyone wanted us there. They were excited to learn and they want us back.”
The group also connected with the family of the song’s composer. “We met with Ivan Dick, Mitchell’s son,” Val shared. “He had a meal with us and told us the story behind the song — how it was created one morning down by the river, when they were dipnetting, while birds were swooping and playing.” The song mirrors the birds — it goes high and low, like their flight. Mitchell Dick passed on in 1985, with the Honour Song being just a part of his revered legacy.
Val first learned the song while singing with her mom in the mid-90s. “I started teaching it in schools more than 20 years ago. Wildwood, Alexis Creek, Yunesit’in”
Val added, “You hear the Mitchell Honour Song across Secwepemcúl’ecw — in Kamloops, Vancouver, even out east. Everyone knows it. It’s a true anthem.”
Val’s drum, painted by her late mother, was with her every step of the way. “She’s been gone for 13 years. But I carry her with me every time I sing.” ■
(Left to right), WLFN Culture & Language Team Assistant, Val West, WLFN Cultural Support Worker, William Lulua, Ivan Dick, WLFN Community Cultural Assistant, Danikka Murphy, and WLFN Councillor, Dancing Water Sandy
WLFN Members, Are You Making the Most of Your Member Benefits?
Williams Lake First Nation offers a Member Benefit Plan for all registered members, provided by CINUP & Johnston Group Inc. This plan is coordinated with Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).The Member Benefit Plan is designed to complement any existing employer-provided benefits. If you are covered under a separate workplace plan, that coverage is used first, and the community plan can help cover any unpaid balances. If you do not have employer coverage, the Member Benefit Plan can be used on its own to help cover eligible medical and dental expenses. Members can track their remaining balances and submit claims by visiting: www.my-benefits.ca.
Annual Coverage Amount:
Each member is entitled to a $500 maximum per calendar year. This amount resets every January 1.
Coverage Breakdown:
• Prescription Drugs – $100 per member/ calendar year
• All Other Healthcare & Dental Combined – $400 per member/calendar year
Examples of Eligible Expenses:
Eligible expenses include dental, vision care, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic services, hearing aids, speech therapy, acupuncture, and orthotics. For a complete list of eligible services, or for help setting up your online account, please contact:
Lisa Camille Director of Member Services lisa.camille@wlfn.ca 250-296-3507 ext. 103
Gailene William Finance Manager gailene.william@wlfn.ca 250-296-3507 ext. 105
Member Benefit Plan – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does my unused balance carry over to the next year? No. Your $500 benefit resets every January 1. Unused amounts do not carry forward.
2. Why is dental care listed as 30% coverage? FNHA often covers the majority of basic dental services. The 30% coverage from the WLFN plan is intended to cover what FNHA does not, up to a maximum of $400/calendar year provided that room is available on your card (not used on a different health/dental service).
3. How does coverage for prescription glasses work? FNHA provides:
• $275 every 2 calendar years for members aged 19+
• $275 every calendar year for members aged 0–18
If you have a high-index prescription (7.0 dioptre or higher), you may be eligible for an
additional $140. You can use your CINUP card to cover any remaining costs. You can use your CINUP card to cover any remaining costs up to a maximum of $300 every 24 months (provided this amount is available on your card).
4. Can I avoid paying out of pocket? Yes, often. Present both your Status Card and CINUP Card to your healthcare provider and request direct billing. While not all providers offer this option, many do — it’s the easiest way to avoid paying upfront..
5. What if the provider doesn’t offer direct billing? Keep your receipt and submit a claim through the my-benefits app or by fax. The app is the faster option.
6. When does my $500 balance reset? Your annual balance resets every January 1.
7. Need help with claims or setup? Reach out to Lisa Camille or Gailene William at the WLFN administration building on Quigli Drive (see their contact on the previous page). They can assist with account setup, claims, and general inquiries.
8. Why is it important to keep my address updated? To ensure you receive important correspondence from CINUP and WLFN, always make sure your mailing address is current with Director of Member Services, Lisa Camille.
Here’s what’s happening around WLFN. For a complete and up-to-date listing, visit wlfn.ca/events
June 16 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Women’s Wellness: Low Impact Workout & Stretching
WLFN Elders Building 2682 Shuswap Drive, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
Women’s Wellness Series presents Low Impact Workout and Stretching with Danya Straza. Light dinner provided. Open to Community Members and Staff. RSVP to Kyleen 250 296- 3507 extension 186
June 18 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
WLFN Natural Resources Department Strategic Plan
Community Meeting
WLFN Administration Building 2561 Quigli Drive, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
Pizza dinner provided. Door prizes for attendees! Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) invites all registered Members to participate in an upcoming community meetings to discuss the development of a Strategic Plan for the WLFN Natural Resources Department. The first meeting will be held from 5pm-8pm at the Council Chambers in the Quigli WLFN administration building (2561 Quigli Drive).If you are unable to attend the meeting in person and would like to attend virtually via Microsoft Teams, please email Ty Sorensen at ty.sorensen@ wlfn.ca to receive a link to the meeting.This meeting is a follow-up to the two community meetings held in April 2025, where initial input from Members was gathered to inform the Strategic Plan. The June meeting will build on that feedback, with a focus on identifying and discussing Members’ top concerns and priorities for the stewardship of WLFN’s lands and resources. This will be the final community meeting before the draft Strategic Plan is prepared and presented to the community, which is anticipated to take place in September 2025.
June 20 @ 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
2025 Summer Solstice & Baby Welcoming Ceremony
Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium 2674 Indian Drive, Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
WLFN members, join us for the 2025 Summer Solstice & Baby Welcoming Ceremony! Doors open at 4:30, ceremony stars at 5, with dinner to follow. Please call the Cwelcwélt Health Station by June 16 to sign your baby up for the Baby Welcoming ceremony: (250) 296-3532
June 23 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Women’s Wellness: Low Impact Workout & Stretching
WLFN Elders Building 2682 Shuswap Drive, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
Women’s Wellness Series presents Low Impact Workout and Stretching with Danya Straza. Light dinner provided. Open to Community Members and Staff. RSVP to Kyleen 250 296- 3507 extension 186.
June 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Growing Through Grief Sharing Circle and Dinner
WLFN Elders Building 2682 Shuswap Drive, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
WLFN members, join us for a sharing circle where we will learn coping tools. The pain of loss can feel overwhelming and confusing. There are healthy ways to cope with grief and honour those we have lost. WLFN Members, join us for a circle where we will share and learn coping tools. For more information, please contact George Warr at the Cwelcwélt Health Station:(250) 296-3532. Tuesdays May 27th, June 10th and 24th, July 8th @ the WLFN Elders Building, 2682 Shuswap Cres. Dinner provided
June 25 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cake Decorating with Jaydeen Sargent
WLFN Elders Building 2682 Shuswap Drive, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
Join us for an engaging and hands-on cake decorating workshop led by Jaydeen Sargent. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this session offers valuable tips, techniques, and creative inspiration. All decorating supplies will be provided. Light dinner included. Each participant will decorate their own cake. Small group setting for personalized instruction. Please Note: Seating is limited — RSVP is required to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP with Kyleen Toyne at kyleen.toyne@wlfn.ca
July 13, workshop from 1-4 pm, dinner from 5-6 pm, barn dance from 6-9 pm
Line Dancing Workshop & Barn Dance
Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium 2674 Indian Drive, Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
WLFN Members, grab your boots and join us for a linedancing workshop and barn dance! Dinner provided. Hosted by Boots & Beats Dancing, out of Kamloops. Space is limited! Register by July 7 to reserve your seat: kyleen.toyne@wlfn.ca | 250.296.3507 ext. 186
July 28-29 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (must commit to both days)
Leather Belt Making with Nicole Paskemin
TRU Gathering Place, 1250 Western Avenue, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
Hey WLFN members! Don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to learn the art of Leather Belt Making with the talented Nicole Paskemin from the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan! Over the course of two days, Nicole will guide you through the beautiful process of creating your very own leather belt, sharing her skills and knowledge along the way. Members must be able to attend both days of the workshop.Lunch will be provided.Spots are limited, so make sure to RSVP soon to secure your spot! RSVP by emailing: kyleen.toyne@wlfn.ca.
July 30 - July 31
2025 NStQ Citizens’ Assembly
Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium 2674 Indian Drive, Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
July 30 from 8 am until 8 pm, and July 31 from 8 am until 4 pm. This annual vent brings together members of the Northern Secwépemc te Qelmúcw for a celebration of language, culture and tradition, and Treaty / Self-Government updates.
