SPRING 2023
Bringing Fire Back to the Land Elder Feature:
Sally Wynja Message from Chief:
Willie Sellars
CONTENTS 4. 6. 8. 14. 15. 16. 18. 19.
Message from Chief Elder Feature: Sally Wynja Bringing Fire Back He Calls Me Kye7e Wildland Firefighter Training Funeral Protocols Council Meeting Highlights Training and Employment
20. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 30.
Gathering Our Voices conference Welcome to WLFN: Carolyn Belleau Welcome to WLFN: Kourtney Cook Welcome to WLFN: Shemica Harry Welcome to WLFN: Kala Ivens Welcome to WLFN: Leah Martin Feature: Gailene William Upcoming Events
Photo: Nuxalk Totem Repatriation Ceremony in Sugar Cane, BC, Feb. 15, 2023; photo by Julie Elizabeth Photography Cover photos: Kiera Elise Photography
Message from the Chief
Willie Sellars
Chief Sellars tending goal for the Williams Lake Stampeders, photo by Laureen Carruthers
Weytk-p,
we announced an additional 66 anomalies on
Spring is in full swing in the territory. Sitting
be triggering to members and for Indigenous
here looking out at the valley has me thankful for
people throughout Turtle Island, but we have to
the warmer weather, slow melt, and the opening
continue to seek the truth if we’re going to heal.
of our waterways. Springtime always has a
The sacred fire, drumming and ceremony that
special place in my heart. Creek fishing, riding
followed the announcement continues to help us
bikes, outdoor sports like basketball, hiking and
strengthen our connection to our culture and our
baseball are a big part of our balance as a family.
ancestors, while providing supports and outlets
We always have to think about our balance as
for those struggling during these trying times.
a people, and I’d encourage you to make sure
The feedback from the four-day Sacred Fire was
you’re working towards yours, every single day.
great and with the multiple nations represented,
January 25th, 2023. We understand this may
the amount of non-Indigenous supporters we had
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2023 marks the one year anniversary of the
in attendance, it fills our heart as a Council that
SJM investigation announcement and the 93
there’s hope in this reconciliation journey we’re
anomalies that were found in phase one. The
currently on as a country. Our team is continuing
investigation has continued into phase two and
this work into consecutive phases and we plan
BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
Make it a priority this year to participate in ceremony and learn your language. Our community and our nation is getting stronger because of the healing that is happening and I am so thankful to be a part of it.
Julie Elizabeth Photography
to keep the community and public informed as
community and our nation is getting stronger
we work through the grounds at the SJM site and
because of the healing that is happening and I am
surrounding area.
so thankful to be a part of it.
The specific claim monies have arrived and our
Please, if you have any questions or concerns, or
trust is up and running! One of my proudest
are curious about something that I have failed to
moments while in leadership at WLFN was
mention, feel free to email me at willie.sellars@
having the opportunity to be a part of the ongoing
wlfn.ca, or phone me at 250.302.1883.
battle for this specific claim. Previous Chiefs and Councils continued to make this a priority and we’ve finally came to a resolution, after almost
Kukstsetemc,
30 years of fighting. Fast forward to present day
Me7 Wiksten,
and we now have those monies in our community trust. We’re in a position to realize those benefits for generations. I’d like to hope our Elders and ancestors would be proud of this work and how we structured the trust.
Chief Willie Sellars
I wanted to close by again stressing the importance of our balance as individuals and as communities. Finding what makes you happy, what feeds your soul should be one of our top priorities. As a part of that balance I also encourage you to pick up that drum, use your voice, learn those songs and remember your culture. Make it a priority this year to participate in ceremony and learn your language. Our
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Elder Highlight
Sally Wynja As an artist, pow wow dancer, and in the kitchen, Sally Wynja knows how to keep herself busy. At age 82, she still regularly forages medicinal
region before she started cooking at St. Joseph’s
plants, crafting materials, and edible plants and
Mission. It was while working there, at age 21,
mushrooms (even if, these days, family members
that she met the man she would marry. Sally’s
are often there to help). When visiting with her
Cousin introduced her to Casey Wynja, a heavy-
daughter in Merritt, Sally goes out on the land for
duty mechanic from Holland. As was the style in
Ponderosa pine needles. Closer to home, her son
the day, they married quickly.
in T’exelc joins her on treks for birchbark and spruce roots for making baskets. It’s clear that her
Casey travelled a lot for work and Sally would go
family and her Secwépemc traditions are dearest
along with him. They were together for 32 years
to her heart.
and had four children before he passed away. Speaking lovingly of her late husband, she recalls
Sally was born and raised in T’exelc. She
“we had lots of laughs.”
ventured out to start a life for herself at age-15,
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growing tired of her often troubled family life
Following Casey’s passing, Sally came back to
at home. Sally worked various jobs around the
T’exelc in 2007. She moved back to her dad’s
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place, just down the road from downtown Sugar Cane. From her front porch, she has a beautiful view stretching across the southern end of Williams Lake. She got into creating arts and crafts to keep herself occupied while in recovery from alcohol. There was nobody in her life to teach her how to make traditional Secwépemc art, so she took to the internet to learn on her own. Sally dove in head-first, learning beading, buckskin, and pine needlework all at about the same time. It was around the same time that she got into pow wow dancing as well. Sally spent the following years traveling around the province teaching art workshops. For a while, she taught cultural classes of Native arts in Sugar Cane as well. Eventually she decided to stop teaching formally, and keep her focus on creating art for her own enjoyment. These days, Sally spends the summer on the pow wow circuit, selling her artwork to earn “travel money.” Over the years she’s experimented with different media. Currently, her pine needle work uses sinew to keep it all together. It adds a splash of colour and is easily accessible. A lot of the imagery Sally uses comes from her spirituality. “The Eagle means a lot to me, the animals mean a lot to me. I love the trees, I love the forest. I get my medicine from the forest, and I get my materials from the forest.” Sally is a mother to four, a grandmother to eight, and a great-grandmother to five (plus one more on the way). Keep an eye out for Sally and her beautiful artwork on the pow wow circuit and at local fairs.
[F]ire has its place on the land, and interfering with that is interfering with nature.
Bringing Fire Back to the Land
Once all but snuffed out, T’exelcemc Fire Stewardship practices are coming back into practice, bringing new life back to the landscape.
T
he last time pillars of smoke hung over T’exelc and Williams Lake was the summer of 2017, when sudden lightening strikes sparked numerous wildfires throughout the Central Cariboo, leading to evacuations, property damage, and the loss of at least 60 homes. But when a similar plume rose from the horizon in the fall of 2022, it was met with welcome eyes. Word had gotten around about the source of the smoke. The Williams Lake Tribune told readers that it wasn’t from a wildfire, but from (as the newspaper called it) a “controlled burn” being performed near Bond Lake by Williams Lake First Nation. Rather than doom and gloom, the smoke signified a historic shift; a shift away from a time when Indigenous fire stewardship could land you in jail, and towards a future when our forests are once again rich with diverse species of medicinal plants, protected from drought and wildfire, and are nurturing spaces for endangered animal habitats that once thrived in the area.
Then and Now Tree-ring data from the Ne Sextsine (Flat Rock) area has been analyzed to assess the frequency and intensity of cultural burning throughout history. There is clear evidence that regular burning was carried out by the Secwépemc from before contact until the practice was outlawed in 1874. A given area would be burned as a form of routine land management every four to 18 years, with burning happening in the safety of spring or fall, timed carefully around seasonal animal migrations.
When the Bush Fire Act of 1874 was rolled out in British Columbia, it was prefaced as a safeguard against wildfires started by locomotives and industry. The real, racist rationale behind the law was not so well hidden. The law stated that anybody lighting a fire in the woods (be it on private, reserve, or crown land) or allowing a fire to burn in the woods could be fined up to $100 (about $2600 today) or jailed for up to three months; this at a time when Indigenous fire stewardship was commonplace. The law aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples into colonial society while pacifying the fears of settler ranchers and property owners. It passed not long after smallpox hit the T’exelcemc, knocking the population back by two-thirds. Between these two factors, fire stewardship came to a halt in Ne Sextsine. Prior to contact, forests were more vast and open, with fewer, larger trees, and much more space between them. Elders have reported that one could easily ride a horse or pull a wagon between two given points without a trail. With wildfire suppression, forest understories become a thicket of dense brush. The bottom limbs of large trees become stressed from the pressure of the undergrowth, and the abundance of material allows fire to “ladder” to the crowns of trees. Fire-starved forests are more
The intensity of each burn was assessed by researchers as “low,” “moderate,” or “high.” Most of the burns were low-intensity, with hunting areas being identified as more “moderate” due to a decreased burn-frequency in those zones. Trails that saw regular use, as well as community areas were burned more frequently, and at a lower intensity. Smoke from the Sept. 2022 burn at Bond Lake. Photo by Ruth Lloyd, WL Tribune
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susceptible to insects and diseases, which further intensifies the risk. Laddering can quickly cause a wildfire to escalate uncontrollably. These are the types of fires that led to Williams Lake’s 2017 evacuation, and the utter irradiation of the Village of Lytton in 2021. For as many as 15 years after a burn, deer will favour burned areas in the summer months due to the wealth of young foliage for food. This is true even of land that has been completely ravaged by high-intensity wildfires. In the winter months however, deer will avoid areas that are too open, as it leaves them vulnerable to predation. Their small hooves sink into deeper snow, making them an easy target in open areas. In a forest that is comprised of widely-spaced, larger trees, the crowns of the trees intercept the snow as it falls, making the land easy to navigate by mule-deer. This makes a forest that has been regularly burned the perfect middle-ground for deer habitat; easy to get around, and rich with green growth for food. The effects of fire suppression are also felt in the grasslands. Grasslands make up less than 1% of the province geographically. Such areas are hot and dry in the summer months, which limits the natural growth of tree seedlings. Grasses however, flourish in such regions, as they are adept at capturing moisture in areas where it’s scarce. From birds, mammals, reptiles, mosses, lichens and algaes, the ecosystems that develop around these grasslands are rich, but fragile. Before contact, Indigenous burning played no small role in maintaining Cariboo grasslands as distinct ecological networks. Fires from lightning strikes and cultural burning regimes would traditionally pass through Cariboo grasslands every 10-20 years. Tree seedlings that might have taken root would be largely eradicated, allowing the grassland species to regenerate and reign supreme. When regular fires were halted, there was nothing to stop trees and brush from encroaching on the grasslands, putting the whole ecosystem in jeopardy. Since 1962, some Cariboo grasslands have receded by more than 30% due to this “forest invasion.” Grasslands support around 33% of endangered species in the province; more than any other type of habitat. Badgers are now so rare in the Cariboo that they’re practically the stuff of myth. Burrowing owls, which rely on abandoned badger holes, are now extinct in the region.
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A varied thrush, puffing up to stay warm in the Brunson Lake area. Photo by Brandon Hoffman
Using the Past to Guide a New Way Forward A commonly held idea in forestry is that whether you’re logging, burning, replanting, or whatever else, it’s best to do so in ways that mimic nature. Imitating the patterns of nature tends to decrease unforeseen ripple-effects. It seems that globally, we’re at a moment of reckoning. With uncontrollable wildfires lighting up the headlines every summer, the world is finally coming around to an understanding of forest stewardship that’s been held by Indigenous peoples for millennia: fire has its place on the land and interfering with that is interfering with nature. WLFN recently completed treatments near Bond Lake and Thunder Mountain, and a similar treatment is in progress near Brunson Lake. The total area of these three treatments is about 505.3 hectares (180.3 ha for Bond Lake, 124.4 ha for Thunder Mountain, and 200.6 ha for Brunson). The three land treatments have a common goal: they impart a holistic view of land-management by rolling forestry, environmental stewardship, biomass production, and wildlife preservation into one. Stemming from these treatments, WLFN has already been asked by the Ministry of Forests to conduct a similar treat-
ment in an area affected by spruce budworm near Pablo Creek. The process starts with a question: what did forests look like 150 years ago? WLFN’s recent treatments seek to provide an answer to this question. Driving around the Thunder Mountain lands, WLFN Stewardship Forester John Walker points out a dense patch of non-treated forest. These small islands of thick brush are left every 125 meters or so, as a visual break for animals. They give wildlife protection by obstructing sightlines from predators. These untreated patches are so dense, even walking through one would be difficult. In a traditional clearcut, larger trees are the cashcow. But in the style of treatment WLFN has been conducting recently, the larger trees are left exactly where they are. Most trees under 25cm in diameter are taken out. A few trees (less than 10%) that are 35cm are taken out as well. The goal is to nurture the older, larger trees, while opening the landscape for other species. The smaller trees are the ones that would have previously been knocked back due to wildfires and cultural burning. BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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Moss doesn’t require much sunlight and is incredibly hearty. Starving an interior forest of fire results in a forest floor that’s almost entirely moss. Once the area has been cleared by burning, interior forests welcome new growth of arnica, rose, raspberry, sxúsem, varieties of grass, numerous species of mushroom, and myriad other species. Mycelium networks underground becomes stronger, having a greater variety of proteins and nutrients to exchange between plants and fungi. The trees that are left behind are also rewarded. An overabundance of trees means there isn’t enough moisture to go around. With their longer, deeper roots, big trees do a better job of collecting and storing moisture, safeguarding the landscape against drought. Once their dripline has been cleared of competition, larger trees have an easier time gathering and retaining moisture. Similarly, large trees grab more carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the ground more effectively than smaller trees. Once the small trees are cleared, large trees can perform this task better as well. A combination of feller buncher and hand-treatment with chainsaw and brush-saw is used for the initial clearing process. Walker notes that it takes a great deal of skill with a feller buncher to carry out this type of work; the operator must regularly navigate tight spaces barely larger than the machine itself. After the initial clearing is done, a processor sorts the wood by size and quality for market. Timber that isn’t up to par for the sawmill is later ground or shredded. The pulp can be sold off to Atlantic Power as hog-fuel for the biomass-fired generating facility in Williams Lake, or to Pinnacle Pellet to be turned into wood pellets. Adding this step means a huge amount of wood waste is removed from the land and converted into energy in a sustainable way, greatly reducing the carbon footprint of the whole operation. While beneficial from the environmental angle, it comes at a cost: even with income generated from pulp-sales, the added expense of grinding or shredding the culled timber pushes a treatment like this into the red, making it unfeasible without external funding. WLFN has received extensive funding from government agencies like the Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia (FESBC) for projects like Brunson, Bond Lake, and Thunder Mountain. For the Brunson fuel break project alone, FESBC contributed $1.5 Million, making projects like these financially viable for WLFN. Which brings us to burning.
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(Below) WLFN Stewardship Forester John Walker by an old-growth Interior Douglas Fir tree, near Brunson Lake. Photos by Brandon Hoffman
Bringing Fire Back to the Land From September 22-26, 2022, WLFN conducted the final phase of the Bond Lake treatment. A team of around 35 kept the low-intensity fire moving through the lands, clearing the last of the understory. Although the burn had its share of difficulties to plan around (residential areas, watersheds, and endangered species to name a few), Walker says it went “fairly smoothly.” The plume of smoke was quite a spectacle, towered over the communities of Williams Lake and Sugar Cane.
... Fire Keepers are being looked to for the expertise they’ve held for millennia, and their time-honoured traditions are once again being put to use.
As we drive through the Thunder Mountain lands, we come upon a slash pile that’s still smoldering from under a thick blanket of snow. It strikes me that the despite being freshly logged, the whole area still looks like a forest. Unlike the stark nakedness of a clearcut, it’s almost serene; vast and open, with large, sprawling trees poking out from the rolling landscape, and the occasional patch of smaller trees filling things out around the edges. In the short term, the payout from this “thin-frombelow” style of logging doesn’t compete with clearcutting. More specialized labour and machinery is involved, and the quantity of market-grade timber extracted is much lower. That said, once an area has been clearcut and replanted, it takes a long time for those little seedlings to become a harvestable forest again. Meanwhile, an area that was “thinned-frombelow” could be continuously harvested from year to year, bringing in more income over time than if it were clearcut. Also, no expensive re-planting is required. In 2020, an informal meeting was held with representatives from Xatśūll First Nation, Williams Lake First Nation, Canoe Creek Dog Creek, Canim Lake Band and Esk’etemc. The meeting was to seek guidance from Secwépemc Youth, Elders and Knowledge Keepers about how the land was managed in the past, and how it ought to be managed moving forward. All in attendance wanted the forests to be more like they used to: abundant with berries, mushrooms, and medicinal plants, open and easy to navigate, and safeguarded from drought, landslides, and uncontrollable wildfires. Less than three years later, and we’re already seeing significant progress towards this vision. WLFN’s model demonstrates an economically sustainable framework that could be replicated across the country, using both new and old technologies to rejuvenate and safeguard our forests.
Does this mean a new era of Indigenous fire stewardship is upon us? One can hope. These three land treatments only took two and a half years from concept to execution. But, while the CRD and Ministry of Forests didn’t skip a beat issuing the permits, there are no guarantees that conventional cutting permits won’t be issued to other companies for neighbouring blocks, allowing yesterday’s land-management models to continue as the norm. It’s unfortunate that it took several years of record-breaking wildfires to get cultural burning back into newspaper headlines. The good news is that for the first time since colonization, Indigenous Fire Keepers are being lookedto for the expertise they’ve held for millennia, and their time-honoured traditions are once again being put to use. The word is getting around that it’s time to bring fire back to the land. ⸙
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He Calls Me Kye7e By Frances L. Supernault January 10, 2023
He calls me Kye7e He reaches for my hand n says “Kye7e, Hand” I smile when I think of him He calls me Kye7e La Yen Te Pusmen He calls me Kye7e He sits on my lap, curls up n falls to sleep I smile when I think of him La Yen te Pusmen He calls me Kye7e He smiles, he has so much energy I smile when I think of him La Yen te Pusmen He calls me Kye7e He runs down the Hallway to my bedroom He laughs, his little voice is so warming to my heart I smile when I think of him La Yen te Pusmen He calls me Kye7e I am Blessed, He loves me When he looks at me, I see his Dad His smile, his little voice, the Pitter-Pat of their tiny Feet I smile when I think of Them La Yen te Pusmen
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WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER BOOTCAMP Apply for this seven day bootcamp in Puntzi, and learn wildland firefighter skills that will enable you to be successful on BCWS or contract crews. A select number of individuals will be hired to work for BCWS in Alexis Creek or Williams Lake. Open to WLFN, Xat’sull, Tsilhqot’in Nation, Xgat’tem, Esk’etemc and Ulkatcho members aged 19-29, who have completed grade 12 (or have GED). Prefer class 5 or 7 drivers license. Deadline to apply is April 11, 2023. The course checklist includes: ■ Occupational First Aid Level 1 ■ Transportation Endorsement ■ S-100 - Basic Fire Suppression and Safety ■ Communications ■ S-170 - Helicopter Use and Safety ■ S-185 - Fire Entrapment Avoidance ■ Pumps and Water Delivery ■ Fire Weather ■ Navigation For more information, or to apply, please contact: John Walker Office: 250 305 5324 Email: john.walker@wlfn.ca
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Traditional Sugar Cane
Funeral Protocols Helen Sandy, proofread by Jean William
F
amily Meetings; formal announcement of death is drawn up and released to the public, meet with WLFN representative to discuss the band’s contribution towards the funeral costs, assigning person to deal with issues that may arise and to coordinate action of each: head cook, pall bearers, cross bearer, bell ringer, pamphlet, person to sit with the coffin 24 hours, flower arrangement for casket — family, location of wake, location of food house (separate from wake), grave diggers, hearse driver.
The men would go out to make wood for the wake fire; those who went out in the bush and the ones who stayed behind to chop the wood and make the fire pit, they would also clean up the yard for people to park and sit. A can is placed nearby to collect cigarette butts, location of church service.
Head Cook: Coordinates who will cook for each meal throughout the four-day wake, assign cooks for arrival of casket, and who will cook for the final feast.
A place in the wake house was chosen to place the casket. A white sheet or special blanket is placed on the floor beneath the coffin, an altar is placed at the head of the coffin; covered with a white clothe for the candles, flowers and holy water, a white sheet is placed on the wall behind the casket; decorated with small juniper branches, plastic flowers around the edge.
One to arrange all to do with the casket: puts out request for pall bearers, assigns left and right arm carriers, works with assigned hearse driver / truck, bell ringer and cross bearer.
Hearse driver picks up the body from funeral home and drives a certain route to wake house. They must not exceed 60 Km/h throughout the drive home.
Family decides: who will take charge of funeral costs and arrangements with funeral home, will have final on hearse driver, pall bearer, honorary pall bearers, and cross bearer, family flower arrangement, location of wake, location of food house (separate from wake house), someone to build the rough box and cross.
Sugar Cane Petroleum usually donates cigarettes for beside casket for people to take, decks of cards and tobacco to hand out to helpers.
Coordinator
Upon death, the wake house is completely cleaned using a mixture containing juniper (the kind that is flat, not the prickly kind). Mirrors
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and photographs are covered with black cloth. No TV or radio in wake house.
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The men and boys in the community dug the grave, the cooks fed them, young women and girls were sent out to collect the juniper, (flat kind, not prickly), to use for cleaning, disinfecting and smudging.
Julie Elizabeth Photography (opposite) →
Council Meeting Highlights ▪ The WLFN Council recognizes the importance of supporting the Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society in their efforts to protect and promote the Northern Dialect of the Secwepemc Language & Culture and will support them as they pursue funding opportunities. ▪ The Council Strategy Session, which took place over the course of two and a half days, was attended by all of Council. In the course of this meeting, they talked about the goals for WLFN and how to make them a reality. ▪ Chief and Council signed an agreement to partner with Western Indigenous Pipeline Group (WIPG), along with <insert number> other First Nation Governments, to collectively bid on the purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline and Trans Mountain Expansion Project from the Canadian Federal Government
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▪ WLFN Council is pleased to announce that Kourtney Cook will be taking over the role of Chief Administrative Officer, and everyone at the organization is thrilled to have Kourtney on board. ▪ The Council said their goodbye’s Aaron Mannella, the CAO, as he embarks on his next adventure. They wished him all the best on the next part of his journey, thanking him for everything he had done to help WLFN reach this point in its development. ▪ The WLFN held a hugely successful ceremony to honour the Nuxalk nation as they returned home with their totem pole. A large crowd gathered to enjoy the music, dancing, and drumming. Everyone enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner with chili and bannock.
COMMUNITY TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT OPENINGS Williams Lake First Nation works in close collaboration with the Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre (CCATEC; pronounced ‘Kay-Teck’) to connect our citizens with a wealth of training and employment opportunities in the region. Whether you’re looking for a new job, planning to ‘up’ your training or certification for your job, or curious about becoming educated in a brand new field, there are wellsprings of opportunities available to you.
Come say Hi to Shawna For all your training, education, and employment needs, WLFN’s Employment Coordinator, Shawna, has your back. She is available Monday to Friday, from 8:30am until 4:30pm at the WLFN Administration building on Quigli. Call or email to set up an appointment:
shawna.philbrick@wlfn.ca or 250.296.3507 ext.135
Make the Move: Where to Start Looking for Training, Education, and Employment Opportunities: • • • •
WLFN’s Website: www.wlfn.ca/employment-training CCATEC’s website: www.ccatec.com WLFN’s Employment and Training Facebook Group: www.fb.com/groups/wlfn.employment.training Contact WLFN’s Employment Coordinator Shawna Philbrick: shawna.philbrick@wlfn.ca or 250.296.3507 ext.135 BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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WLFN Youth attend Gathering Our Voices Conference by Councillor Shae Chelsea
O
n March 22, 2023 some of WLFN’s
convince the chaperones to let them chase him on
youth attended the annual Gath-
the stairs, when the elevator doors opened again
ering Our Voices conference in
and he stepped out to greet them. The youth were
Vancouver. On the first night of the
able to snap a couple pictures and thanked him for
conference the youth went to the movie theater near their hotel. After the show, two of our youth spotted Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes buying popcorn. As they raced down the escalator to see him, he had already stepped into the elevator for the parking garage. They tried to
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coming back to meet them. The next day, the youth started their workshops. One, called Keepers of Indigenous Knowledge discussed a young social media influencer and how he got started. Another, Unceded and Unde-
feated was about an undefeated Metis female
alist from the 1999 Pan American games for Water
MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter. The last,
Polo with a unique story of her own. She also went
Indigenous Faces of Music focused on a young
on to become a co-captain of Canada’s first Olympic
First Nations female artist and how she became
women’s water polo team.
the person she is today. After a long day of workshops, the youth were able to go to Metrotown Mall until closing.
After closing ceremonies there was a great giveaway for every youth in attendance, where they could pick from different sports equipment (bas-
On Friday, the youth attended more workshops
ketballs, footballs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks,
until the end of the day. The first was Not Just
etc), books, bags, and other fun outdoor gear (disc
Naloxone. They learned about using a Narcan
golf, badminton, volleyball sets, bocce, and more).
kit safely and why people use substances. The
The youth definitely left with their hands full for
next workshop was Lahal Games, where the
the long journey home. They were so amazing on
kids learned a bit more about the rules and how
this trip, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to
to play. The last workshop of the day was a
attend as a chaperone.
question-and-answer session with musicians Snotty Nose Rez Kids (SNRK). This gave any youth a chance to ask them whatever they wanted to know. WLFN’s Haze Grinder got up to ask both artists what they thought about the TV series Reservation Dogs. SNRK responded, “It’s about time ‒ it’s about time we get representation like that. On all platforms, not just in music but the film industry too. It’s about time! Shout out to Reservation Dogs and they are paving a way for future generations.”
In the past I have attended Gathering Our Voices with other youth from WLFN and Xatsull. It is such a unique experience every time I have attended; it shows the youth that there is so much more out there in the world that can be achieved. If they work hard and never let go of their dreams, anything is possible. I am a big believer that you can do anything as long as you work hard and don’t give up. This is just the beginning for our youth. I hope that in the future they are able to attend more and create more memories with one another. The next steps
After the Q&A session with SNRK, the youth
will be helping them create a youth council, so they
went back to the hotel to get ready for the
can figure out where they want to go next.
dance/concert with SNRK that night. Some of the youth decided to stay behind but a couple of the youth attended the dance/concert and had the opportunity to watch SNRK’s live perfor-
No dream is too big, and we are here to help guide them. Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip a reality for these youth.
mance. Saturday the youth were up early to attend the
Yeri7 Skukwstsetsemc!
closing ceremonies, where they were able to listen to others like them who have succeeded while they were young. One of the speakers that morning was Waneek Horn-Miller, a gold med-
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Photo: Nuxalk Totem Repatriation Ceremony in Sugar Cane, BC, Feb. 15, 2023; photo by Julie Elizabeth Photography
Welcome to WLFN, Self-Government Transition Coordinator
Carolyn Belleau
fan when their team heads to the playoffs. “Segregation, the Sixties Scoop, all the laws that devastated our way of life, that trickled
Carolyn is originally from Esk’et and was
down and shaped our whole entire lives as
raised in Edmonton. Her parents are Dave and
a Secwépemc – The legal educational path I
Marilyn Belleau, and she has six brothers.
worked toward was based on wanting to be on the side where I can shape the laws to make
Prior to taking this job at WLFN, she was
a difference, to make sure those colonial laws
living in Williams Lake while articling
never happen again.”
remotely for the charitable organization Access Pro Bono (‘articling’ is like an apprenticeship;
Carolyn is the first Secwépemc to graduate
working with seasoned lawyers in different
from UVic’s new JD/JID program — the
specialties to gain experience). This is
world’s first Indigenous law program.
Carolyn’s final step on her path to becoming a qualified, practicing lawyer. She will complete
Before a passion for law took over her life,
her articling requirement in May, 2023.
Carolyn loved to Pow Wow dance (mostly Jingle, but also Fancy and Traditional). She
Carolyn talks about upcoming Supreme
loves to sew and bead. She’s presently beading
Court cases with the excitement of a hockey
a pair of moccasins for her brother. BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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Welcome to WLFN, Chief Administrative Officer
Kourtney Cook Hailing from the McLeod Lake First Nation,
four barn cats, twelve hens, and four pigs.
Kourtney is Tse’Khene but has called the
Kourtney loves taking care of the animals — a
Cariboo home since 2009.
duty she shares with her husband and threeyear-old daughter, Ramona Rebel, on their
She transitions to WLFN after holding the
property in 150 Mile House.
position of Senior Coordinator of Indigenous and Community Relations at Gibraltar
On the weekends, Kourtney mostly spends
Mines Ltd. She has a Bachelor of Arts from
time with her family, lovingly referring to her
UNBC majoring in Public Administration
daughter as her “main purpose and guiding
and Community Development and minoring
light.” She loves hiking, and “can’t pass up a
in Planning, is currently working towards
good all-Native hockey tourney.” One of her
her Master of Business Administration at
family’s favorite pseudo-vacation moves is
SFU specializing in Indigenous Business
spending the night at the cabin on their active
Leadership, and has a rooster named Pancake.
trap line.
This is due, I’m told, to an unfortunate frostbite incident which left his comb a little
Kourtney is passionate about uniting culture
on the flat side.
and progressive businesses. She is excited to work and grow alongside the WLFN team.
In addition to the rooster, she has two dogs,
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BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
Welcome to WLFN, Health Station Coordinator
Shemica Harry Shemica Harry is excited to be in her new position of Health Station Coordinator at the Cwelcwélt Health Station in Sugar Cane. Working with the public all day, she is enjoying getting to know the people in her community better, and spending more time with Elders. She says she can’t wait until the summer heat comes, so she has an excuse to start doling out freezies to the kids. Shemica was born in Williams Lake, and raised in Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek / Dog Creek; SXFN). She is the granddaughter of Louise Harry and Earl Boston. She stayed in SXFN until completing grade 10, then came to Williams Lake for grades 11 and 12.
working at Three Corners Health Services Society, where she cut her teeth in office administration and reception. She worked at Three Corners for six years before eyeing the position at the Health Station, and jumping on the oportunity to work in the community of Sugar Cane where she lives with her spouse and four-year-old son. On the weekends, Shemica loves going on walks and spending time outside with her family. If the weather isn’t cooperating, she enjoys watching a movie with a bowl of popcorn, or reading with her son (she notes that “Hockey with Dad” is one of his favourites). Stop by the Health Station and say “hi” to Shemica, weekdays from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Straight out of highschool, Shemica started BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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Welcome to WLFN, Referrals Coordinator
Kala Ivens Kala joins the team following an 11 year
each listing for potential impacts on WLFN’s
tenure at Mount Polley Mining Corporation,
Stewardship lands. From April 2021 until
where she held a variety of positions. For the
March 2022, there were nearly 1000 referrals
past three and half years, she served as an
submitted through the portal which could
Environmental Technician, largely doing field
potentially impact WLFN’s Stewardship lands.
sampling and monitoring around the mine. Kala is also on board to help out with bigger As the Referrals Coordinator, Kala spends her
WLFN environmental assessment projects,
time working with and streamlining WLFN’s
such as Osisko Development’s Cariboo Gold
Referrals Management system, working
Project, or ongoing projects with Spanish
closely with the Natural Resource department.
Mountain Gold.
Kala is quickly becoming WLFN’s resident
Kala loves snowshoeing and quading with
expert of an online database system called
her husband, six-year-old daughter, and two
the NStQ Portal. Any time a development
dogs, Lurch and Moose. She loves the summer
or natural resource project is undertaken in
months around their 150 Mile homestead as
Northern Secwepemc territory, the project
well, spending lots of time enjoying the nearby
must be submitted to the NStQ Portal. WLFN
lakes.
closely examines each referral, assessing
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BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
Welcome to WLFN, Community Social Worker
Leah Martin Leah Martin may be new to WLFN, but she’s
rental housing market by providing housing
no stranger to the field of Human Service
subsidies and wrap-around support services.
Work in the Central Cariboo and British Columbia. She got her start working at Insite:
Through her diverse experience in the field,
Supervised Injection Site, and providing
Leah knows that learning an effective self-
harm-reduction services at music festivals
care routine is a journey. Leah suggests
and events. While working in the Downtown
finding things that ground you, and making
East Side might seem intimidating for many,
time for those things. For Leah, this
in Leah’s words, she found it to be “... a
includes “... getting outside, walking, skiing,
wonderful challenge.”
snowboarding, kayaking — I like going to the rec centre for the hot tub.”
In 2011 she made her way to the Cariboo, first settling into Wells, BC, while working at the
Leah is passionate about, and focuses her
Seasons House Shelter in Quesnel. Before
work on harm reduction services. She loves
joining the team at WLFN, Leah worked
spending time with her two kids and playing
in Williams Lake for the Canadian Mental
music with friends. You can find her at the
Health Association as the Community Bridge
WLFN Administration building on Quigli, or
to Housing First Coordinator. This program
out-and-about in the community.
assists people living homeless to re-enter the BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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Celebrating 10 Years at WLFN,
Gailene William “Gailene’s exceptional work ethic and expertise has assisted the finance department in moving forward. WLFN is grateful for all her hard work and dedication that she brings forward each and every day.” - Lori Billyboy, WLFN Chief Financial Officer Gailene William is originally from Nemiah
to break away from home each month for her
Valley, BC. She lives in Williams Lake
studies, having her little ones at home, but
with her husband and twin sons, while her
gaining meaningful skills that she could bring
daughter is off studying sciences at TRU in
back to her community made the hard work
Kamloops. January 2023 marks Gailene’s
worthwhile.
10-year anniversary of working at Williams Lake First Nation. Over the years, she’s seen
Since then, Gailene has never stopped
the organization grow and change, but notes
learning, earning further certification in
that leadership as well as the vision has stayed
Payroll Compliance, and presently working on
relatively steady and true.
her Certified Payroll Manager’s certification. Gailene has held the position of Finance
When she started, the whole finance team
Manager since January of 2019.
consisted of Lori Billyboy (Finance Manager at the time) and Gailene, working in the
From a bright and sunny smile, she quips
basement of the old log band office in Sugar
“Everyone loves you when you work in
Cane. Gailene looks back at the old office
finance — they’re all smiling as they come to
fondly, jokingly referring to the basement as
pick up their paycheques.”
their “dungeon.” Gailene loves the support that she feels She was initially hired for a term position as
working for WLFN. She first started when her
Financial Assistant while another employee
twin boys were very young, and having the
was on leave, but soon took a full-time role as
daycare available was a huge asset.
Payroll & Benefits Clerk. It was during this era that Gailene began taking courses at Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics in Kamloops to bump up her certification. It was difficult BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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Events EASTER CELEBRATION
SUN. APRIL 2 | CHIEF WILL YUM CAMPSITE Please join us for the 2023 WLFN Easter Celebration! Everybody welcome. Admission is by donation. Egg hunt! Games (like sack races and toss-the-egg)! Petting Zoo! Hotdog Roast! Donations go towards future WLFN programming. For more info, please contact: kyleen.toyne@wlfn.ca | 250 296 3507 ext 186
ELDERS DANCE
FRI. APRIL 14 | ELIZABETH GROUSE GYMNASIUM WLFN Elders (and their families), please join us for the 2023 Elders Dance! Dust off the dancing boots for a night to remember, with dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Open to WLFN Elders and their families. Friday, March 31, from 5-9pm, at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium. Please RSVP so the coordinators know how many to expect. To RSVP, or for more information, please contact: carla.berkelaar@wlfn.ca | 250 296 3507 ext 119
BINGO
TUES. APRIL 18 | ELIZABETH GROUSE GYM Bingo! Doors open at 4:30pm, starts at 6pm. $40.00 per package. All Cash Prizes 4 Walk ins, 8 regular games 12 cards, 4 Specials, Extra Specials and Books can be purchased. Payouts are based on sales! Booklets can be purchased at the door. First come first served. Proceeds go towards T’exelc Elders. Concession, Loonie auction and 50/50. This is a 19+ Event. License Number 139692 For more info, please contact: carla.berkelaar@wlfn.ca | 250 296 3507 ext 119
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BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
EMPOWERED FILMMAKER COURSE MAY 1-5 | ELIZABETH GROUSE GYMNASIUM
Empowered Filmmaker is a free 5-day intensive, indigenous-focused filmmaking program. No prior experience is necessary and all film gear is provided. Participants will produce their own films using state-of-the-art gear, receive certifications, have their films distributed, access grants, and so much more. We also have awards and surprise giveaways to help support our new filmmakers. We believe in the power of storytelling. For more info, or to sign up, please contact: 604 562 2119
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR MAY 25 | TRU WILLIAMS LAKE
Please join us for the 2023 WLFN Health and Wellness Fair - a free event with booths from community organizations covering a wide variety of health and wellness topics. Free | BBQ | Door Prizes | Open to Everybody Thursday, May 25, from 2-6pm at the Thompson Rivers University gymnasium. For more information, or to book a booth, please contact: kyleen.toyne@wlfn.ca 250.296.3507 ext. 186
GRADUATES CELEBRATION THURS. JUNE 15 | WLFN POW WOW ARBOR
The WLFN Education Department sincerely welcomes our honoured Graduates and their guests to the 2023 Education Celebration. Please join us for the traditional ceremony commencement. 1-5PM. For more info, please contact: michelle.carrier@wlfn.ca | 250 296 3507 ext 172
RECURRING EVENTS TALKING CIRCLE
12:30PM, EVERY THURSDAY | WLFN ELDERS BUILDING This is an opportunity to gather, learn, and experience how culture and tradition help hold us up through life’s challenging journey. This circle is not limited to WLFN members and includes all residential school survivors. Lunch provided. For more info, please contact: judy.ventry@wlfn.ca | 250.296.3507 ext.191
ELDERS EXERCISE GROUP
10-11AM, EVERY OTHER THURSDAY | WLFN ELDERS BUILDING Exercising is a great way to prevent disease, improve mood, boost energy, and reduce the risk of falls. Join us with instructor Noah Ryll. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
7-8PM EVERY MONDAY | WLFN ELDERS BUILDING NA meetings are held weekly on Mondays from 7pm-8pm in community at the Elder’s building. Snacks and refreshments provided. For more information, please contact Courtney: 778.961.0152
GOOD FOOD BOX ORDERS WLFN Members, place your monthly order for a free food box containing fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables. Order cutoff is 3pm, every second Thursday of the month, or whenever all the boxes are spoken for. Don’t hesitate! For more info, or to order, contact: lisa.presley@wlfn.ca | 250.296.3532
PRENATAL & POSTNATAL LUNCH & LEARN GROUP
11AM-2PM, SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH | CWELCWÉLT HEALTH STATION For pregnant and postnatal WLFN members with babies up to 6 months old. Visit, make a craft, and enjoy a
healthy lunch together while everyone chats about a topic related to Mommas and Babies. Limited seats. Please reserve your spot by contacting Lisa Presley: lisa.presley@wlfn.ca | 250.296.3532
DROP-IN SWIMMING
SEE THE CARIBOO MEMORIAL COMPLEX’S SCHEDULE FOR DROP-IN SWIM TIMES | CARIBOO MEMORIAL COMPLEX WLFN Members, stop by the Cwelcwélt Health Station or the downtown WLFN office on Yorston for drop-in swimming passes. They can be used for aquafit classes, fitness classes, or public swimming at the Cariboo Memorial Complex. For more info, contact: lisa.presley@wlfn.ca | 250.296.3532
ELDERS MEETINGS
EVERY OTHER MONDAY | WLFN ELDERS BUILDING WLFN Elders Meetings start at 10am each day. Lunch is provided. Every two weeks. For more info, please contact: carla.berkelaar@wlfn.ca | 250 296 3507 ext 119
STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS HEALTH-AND-WELLNESS. Like or Follow the Cwelcwélt Health Station on Facebook to find out when practitioners are coming to community (physio, healing touch, counselling, reflexology, and more). You will also be the first to know about group meetings, workshops, and all kinds of other great programs to keep yourself feeling happy and healthy.
BOO MAGA | SPRING 2023
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2561 Quigli Drive, Williams Lake, BC, Canada, V2G 0B1 250.296.3507 | WWW.WLFN.CA
CULTURALLY CENTRED FUTURE FOCUSED