REDIP/Cariboo-Chilcotin Successful Applicants

Yesterday (May 21, 2025) -- the BC Government announced the successful applicants to its REDIP/Rural Economic Development and Infrastructure Program for the 2024-25 period.

For those in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region:

a) Cariboo Regional District | Rural Workforce Retention & Expansion | $271,200 | Forest Impact Transition

b) Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society | Workforce Readiness Enterprise | $99,756 | Economic Capacity

c) City of Quesnel | Tourism Sector Enhancement | $75,000 | Forest Impact Transition

d) City of Williams Lake | Williams Lake Regional Airport Café Construction Project | $112,000 | Forest Impact Transition

e) Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin | Regional Agriculture Investment Attraction Package | $500,000 | Forest Impact Transition

f) Esk'etemc First Nation (Alkali Lake) | Esk’etemc Powwow Arbor Facilities Project | $99,715 | Economic Diversification

g) Nazko First Nation | Stump Lake (Chuntezni'ai) Development | $996,571 | Economic Diversification

h) Sprout Kitchen Society (Quesnel) | Sprout Kitchen Business Development Project | $75,000 | Forest Impact Transition

i) Toosey First Nation | Toosey Old School Wood Products Facility Upgrade Project (TOSWPFUP) | $500,000

j) Tŝideldel First Nation | The Tŝideldel Indigenous Ecotourism Project | $994,378 | Economic Diversification

l) Williams Lake First Nation | Cultivating Prosperity: WLFN's Vision for Food Security and Economic Sustainability | $400,000

For full background -- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025JEDI0018-000472

MOU signed to guide investigation at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School site

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Williams Lake First Nation, the Province of British Columbia and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to guide future investigative work at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School site.

Since 2021, Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) has taken on a leading role in investigating the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous children who attended St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. Their work has included the use of archival research, survivor testimonies, ground-penetrating radar and other technologies to locate undocumented and unmarked burials associated with St. Joseph’s Mission. In addition to archival research and site analysis, statements collected from former students and their families have determined that Indigenous children died and are likely interred on or near the sites historically associated with St. Joseph’s Mission, which has led WLFN to begin planning targeted excavations at the site during future phases of their work.

“The investigation at St. Joseph’s Mission is incredibly important to WLFN and to all communities that were affected by the former residential school,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars of Williams Lake First Nation. “This memorandum of understanding ensures that WLFN will continue to lead the process, provides the clarity we need in relation to future investigative activities and ensures the careful, culturally sensitive and respectful treatment of any human remains that might be recovered.”

A first-of-its-kind in B.C., the MOU commits to building a shared understanding of the roles of the parties, as they work together to develop and implement the necessary processes and protocols that will likely be used in the potential recovery, identification and repatriation of human remains believed to be interred on or near the St. Joseph’s Mission site.

Signatories of the MOU are Williams Lake First Nation, the British Columbia Coroners Service, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, RCMP, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and the archeology branch of Ministry of Forests.

The scale, complexity, cross-jurisdictional, and culturally and spiritually sensitive nature of the St. Joseph’s Mission investigation requires a collaborative approach that recognizes and draws upon the authorities, capabilities and expertise of each of the respective parties in order to ensure that future work at the site can proceed effectively. The MOU not only outlines the parties’ roles and responsibilities, but also defines the guiding principles and joint objectives of this work. A task team made up of senior leadership from each of the MOU signatories will act in an advisory capacity, as Williams Lake First Nation, the Province and the RCMP continue to work together to achieve these shared objectives.

“It is a very important step to have a First Nation led process to document the history of individual and multigenerational harms caused by the residential school system. It is a step on the path toward truth, healing and justice,” said the Hon. Murray Rankin, BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This MOU reflects a collaborative approach, so that together with Williams Lake First Nation, we can seek truth and justice for the generations of families affected by St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School.”

As part of the MOU, the parties will work collaboratively to achieve the following objectives:

• develop a shared understanding of the views of residential school survivors and the descendants of the children who died at St. Joseph’s Mission, as it relates to the potential identification, repatriation and protection of human remains;
• facilitate access to archival records; and
• develop a process agreement that outlines the operational protocols and procedures that will be followed by the parties, as it relates to the potential identification, repatriation, and protection of human remains.

The Province fully supports WLFN’s investigation of the St. Joseph’s Mission site and is committed to a collaborative, inclusive, trauma-informed, community-led and survivor-driven process to locate, document and protect residential school cemeteries and other sites where Indigenous children were buried. This approach is consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 71 through 76 and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Quick Facts:

• St. Joseph’s Mission operated as an Indian Residential School between 1891 and 1981, and was administered by the Roman Catholic Church through much of its history under the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of the Instruction of the Child Jesus.
• Indigenous children from more than 40 communities were taken to St. Joseph’s Mission, including children from Tŝilhqot’in, Secwépemc, Dakelh and Stl’atl’imx First Nations.
• Since September 2021, Williams Lake First Nation has been leading the investigation on lands historically associated with St. Joseph’s Mission and has released its preliminary findings of 159 reflections that indicate the presence of burials.
• In the 1980s and 1990s, there were three high-profile criminal convictions for physical and sexual assault that took place at St. Joseph’s Mission.

Available support services:

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1 866 925-4419.

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society:

• Crisis services for Indigenous Peoples in B.C. are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free throughout the Province at 1 800 588-8717.
• Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the adult/Elders line at 250 723-4050 or the children/youth line at 250 723-2040.
• For more information, visit: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/

Métis crisis line:

• A service provided by Métis Nation British Columbia. 
• Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free across the Province at 1 833 638-4722.

For WLFN-specific resources, visit: https://www.wlfn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WLFN-Emergency-Emotional-Spiritual-Health-Resources-Jan.-2023.pdf

Emergency Operation Centre funding for Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments'

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local or Indigenous Governments have received Emergency Operations Centre or EOC Funding...

Wells -- $30,000 for equipment/training

Quesnel - $14,000 for training

Lhtako Dene Nation - $30,000 for equipment

Williams Lake First Nation - $29,352.87 for equipment

Cariboo Regional District - $13,875.90 for equipment and training

People in approximately 100 communities will be safer during emergencies with provincial funding that will better equip local governments and First Nations to respond to emergencies.

“As we move into the wildfire season, we know that many communities may need to activate their emergency operations centres (EOC) to respond and support people in their areas,” said the Hon. Bowinn Ma, BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Local emergency operations centres are crucial for co-ordinating emergency response to keep people safe. This funding will help communities support responders on the ground and better protect people in emergency situations.”

The Province is providing approximately $2.7 million to communities in B.C. for emergency-preparedness initiatives, such as new supplies for local emergency operations centres and conducting training and exercises to support staff and enhance capacity. Emergency operations centres are a vital part of local emergency response, bringing together representatives and leaders to co-ordinate actions and resources, and to support first responders.

“This funding will help to grow communications capacity in our Lhtako Dene Nation emergency operations command centre, which was established last year,” said Bruce McDonald, lands and natural resource manager, Lhtako Dene First Nation. “It will help us initiate reliable means of communication with neighbouring Nations in the Quesnel area so we can better support them during times of emergency and need.”

Funded through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), investments will support 80 projects in approximately 100 communities in the province, including:

• continued expansion of the emergency operations command centre through the purchase of new radios and supplies, and volunteer radio and EOC training for the Lhtako Dene First Nation;
• new equipment installation and emergency operations centre training for several communities in the Cariboo Regional District, including satellite connectivity for more reliable internet during emergencies;
• purchase and installation of equipment for two radio towers to enhance communication capability during emergencies, and community evacuation and EOC training for staff in the Sunshine Coast Regional District;
• a new trailer to transport supplies and equipment, and a new backup generator for community EOCs in Nlaka'pamux Nation; and
• new equipment, such as laptops and a mobile EOC kit, for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District emergency operations centre, which was activated for more than 80 days during the 2023 wildfire and spring flooding season.

“This funding will enhance the Akisqnuk First Nation community and staff to strengthen emergency-management education and response for both minor and major emergency situations,” said Thomas Dobbin, emergency program co-ordinator for Akisqnuk First Nation. “This initiative aims to foster greater collaboration and training opportunities with neighbouring local governments.”

The CEPF helps communities better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate-related emergencies by funding local projects and initiatives in several categories. In addition to emergency operations centre equipment and training, other categories include disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation, public notification and evacuation-route planning, Indigenous cultural safety and cultural humility training, and emergency support services equipment and training. The CEPF is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) on behalf of the Province.

The Province has invested $369 million into the CEPF since it was established in 2017. More than $217 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments through the CEPF for more than 1,970 projects. More than half of the funding has gone to communities since December 2022, demonstrating the Province’s commitment to ramping up defences against climate emergencies in B.C. Since 2017, approximately $14.9 million has been invested to support local emergency operations centres.

Learn more:

For information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit: https://www.ubcm.ca/cepf

WLFN/Williams Lake First Nation purchases residential school site

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- more from Williams Lake First Nation here

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) has purchased, with funding from the Province of British Columbia, the private property on which the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School operated between 1891 and 1981.

WLFN ownership ensures that the site is permanently protected for historical and investigative purposes.

The return of these sacred lands to the control and stewardship of Indigenous people is an important step to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system in British Columbia. The purchase of this property ensures that the site of the former St. Joseph’s Mission will be recognized as a place of historical, cultural and spiritual importance to those communities whose children were taken to this institution throughout its operation.

“Residential school survivors and their families have told us that the sites of former schools are of great significance and must be protected,” said the Hon. Murray Rankin, BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “The return of these lands will support the process of truth telling, healing and remembrance as it will ensure future generations know the true history of this site and its impact on the generations of children who were forced to come here.”

This purchase provides the immediate protection of the property from any future development while ensuring that former students, their families and their communities can visit the site for cultural, spiritual, personal or other commemorative purposes. As the owner of this property, Williams Lake First Nation can work with former students, families and communities on a long-term vision and plan to protect and commemorate the site of the former St. Joseph’s Mission. While planning is still in the early stages, this may include opportunities to reimagine the site as a place for reflection, remembrance, truth telling and public education.

“It has long been the goal of WLFN’s current and previous Councils to see this property preserved and protected,” said Kukpi7 Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nation​. “WLFN can now ensure the integrity of the investigation on this portion of the site, and we can start to think longer term about how to honour and acknowledge the children that disappeared from St. Joseph’s Mission and the generations of children that were torn from their families and forced to attend there. We’re grateful for the Province’s support and look forward to continued collaboration with the Province, Canada and other impacted First Nation communities.”

Since 2021, Williams Lake First Nation has taken a leading role to investigate the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous children who were taken to St. Joseph’s Mission throughout its history. This has included the use of archival research, survivor testimonies, ground-penetrating radar and other technologies to locate undocumented and unmarked burials associated with St. Joseph’s Mission. This purchase will also allow a more thorough search of the property and will ensure that all relevant information pertaining to the investigation is collected and preserved. The Province has offered its full support for the investigation and is committed to a collaborative, inclusive, community-led and survivor-driven process to locate and protect any unmarked and undocumented burials associated with St. Joseph’s Mission.

Quick Facts:

St. Joseph’s Mission operated as an Indian Residential School between 1891 and 1981 and was administered by the Roman Catholic Church through much of its history under the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of the Instruction of the Child Jesus.

Indigenous children from more than 40 communities were taken to St. Joseph’s Mission, including children from Tŝilhqot’in, Secwépemc, Dakelh, and Stl'atl'imx First Nations.

Since September 2021, Williams Lake First Nation has led the investigation on lands historically associated with St. Joseph’s Mission and has released its preliminary findings of 159 reflections that indicate the presence of burials.

In the 1980s and 1990s, there were three high-profile criminal convictions for physical and sexual assault that took place at St. Joseph’s Mission.

Available support services:

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students and others affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line at 1 866 925-4419.

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society:

Crisis services for Indigenous Peoples in B.C. are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free throughout the Province, at 1 800 588-8717.

Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Adult/Elders Line at 250 723-4050 or the Children/Youth Line at 250 723-2040.

More information: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/

Métis Crisis Line:

A service provided by Métis Nation British Columbia.

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free across the province at 1 833 638-4722.

For WLFN-specific resources, visit: https://www.wlfn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WLFN-Emergency-Emotional-Spiritual-Health-Resources-Jan.-2023.pdf

WLFN Chief on Pope Francis Apology

Courtesy of Williams Lake First Nation:

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) understands that the content of this press release could be triggering for some people. 

WLFN would like our members and the wider community to know that it is ok to ask for help. Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 1-866-925-4419 Hope for Wellness helpline: 1-855-242-3310 

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On Monday, July 25th , Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in the catastrophic legacy of residential schools during a visit to Maskwacis, Alberta. 

Pope Francis apologized for members of the Catholic Church who cooperated with Canada’s devastating policy of the Indigenous residential school, saying the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples into Christian society destroyed their cultures, severed their families, and marginalized generations in ways still being felt now. 

“In our community, it is a mix of emotions and there is going to be a lot of healing that needs to happen for our members. The Pope visiting our country and issuing again another empty apology leads to a lot of anger within our community. An apology is great but let us take it another step further with what the Catholic Churches have done to our communities and get them to acknowledge the attempted genocide of First Nations people, of our culture, our history and our language” states WLFN Chief Willie Sellars.

WLFN agrees to purchase former "Poplar Glade" school site from SD27

Last Friday (June 3rd, 2022) -- the Board of Education for School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) announced that it had come to a preliminary agreement with Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) to purchase the former Poplar Glade school property on 11th Avenue in Williams Lake - read more from the Williams Lake Tribune here

The purchase price was not publicly disclosed although there was no conditions placed upon the purchase by WLFN and fully complied with the "Request for Offers" requirements from School District #27 and is subject to completion of the required Bylaw readings' by the SD27 Board of Education by the end of June

For his part - Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars of WLFN said:

It’s pretty exciting to see the support in the Region. It’s a massive step in righting a wrong and holding up a light in the path to reconciliation. Housing will be the primary use of the land. The site can address housing needs for their members, the needs of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are currently living within Williams Lake looking for permanent housing, and for others who are seeking to relocate to the Cariboo. “We’re also very keen to work with School District #27 to address their need for housing for teachers and other School District personnel. Even in advance of the development of the Poplar Glade site, there is an opportunity for us to try to service the School District’s needs through the units that are to be constructed as part of the Osprey Nest project, which will be completed in Spring of 2023.”

Meanwhile - on behalf of the City of Williams Lake, Mayor Walt Cobb said:

"The City is desperate for housing developments within the City of Williams Lake municipal boundaries, and we look forward to that happening at the Poplar Glade site, noting the City is happy to assist and work with WLFN, as needed.  Meanwhile, the City will continue its' bid for Crown Land below Westridge for additional housing opportunities"

Congratulations to WLFN on this successful purchase of property and I am sure it will be a resounding success, similar to all of their other successful ventures in the Cariboo Region... 

 ~SF

COVID-19 Vaccination to Become Mandatory for WLFN Staff

Courtesy of Williams Lake First Nation:

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) announced today the implementation of the WLFN Workplace Vaccination Policy for all employees, elected officials, and contractors, requiring that all eligible individuals receive a complete series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. 

Dating back to January 2021, WLFN experienced a significant COVID-19 outbreak in the community of Sugar Cane that saw 47 WLFN members rapidly contract the virus over a short period of time. The Nation’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) led a robust response that included daily situational awareness updates, emergency isolation accommodations, regular delivery of supplies like groceries, medicine, and firewood, and financial supports for membership. WLFN’s leadership also aggressively advocated for the early introduction of the Moderna vaccine, hosting multiple vaccination clinics for WLFN members at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium in the community of Sugar Cane. 

This policy will apply to all employees, elected officials, summer students, and volunteers whether they are working virtually, remotely, or on-site at a WLFN office or facility. Any contractors or vendors who require on-site access will also need to be provide proof of vaccination. 

Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars was proud of the announcement, saying, “WLFN has a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment for our employees and the community they diligently serve. Ensuring that employees are fully vaccinated and continue to follow all public health measures in the workplace remains the best way to protect individuals and our community against COVID-19.” 

WLFN Councillor Shae Chelsea echoed the Chief’s comments, offering that WLFN’s leadership has a responsibility to take a firm position on the matter. “The duty of maximizing protection from the devastating COVID-19 virus and preventing its spread to our elders, youth and vulnerable community members has become the duty of us all. To avoid the inevitable transmission of this virus, our community has already made enormous sacrifices. We must continue our progressive endeavors to keep ourselves safe. The decisions we make today will be remembered for generations to come. Williams Lake First Nation’s leadership will always base decisions on the wellbeing of our membership.

Those who are partially vaccinated will be required to receive their second dose within 35 days of the policy announcement. Unvaccinated employees can request an accommodation if they indicate they have a legitimate medical exemption certified by a medical professional. Employees who assert a religious belief or applicable prohibited grounds for discrimination under the Canada Human Rights Act can also request an accommodation in writing. Employees that do not comply will be placed on an unpaid administrative leave for up to 3 months, or face termination.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Aaron Mannella explained the necessity of requiring WLFN’s over 80 government employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, remarking, “COVID-19 represents a deadly threat to the beautiful resiliency of Indigenous people, already robbing the lives of loved ones in our community this year. 

On behalf of WLFN’s administration, I am pleased to support Chief and Council’s vision in announcing that our government will not stand by idly. This emphatic statement from WLFN’s leadership commits that our workforce capacity will uphold the health and wellness of every single WLFN member we serve.” The WLFN Workplace Vaccination Policy may evolve as the pandemic situation changes or legislation and public health advice is altered. The policy is scheduled to be reviewed every six months.

City of WL Response to Open Letter from WLFN Chief Willie Sellars

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

In response to an open letter issued by Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars critical of a recent social media post shared by Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb on Friday, October 29, the City of Williams Lake is addressing the matter sincerely and seriously.

Chief Sellars’ open letter to the City criticizes a social media post shared by Mayor Cobb on Friday morning, October 29, titled ‘Residential schools – the other side of the story.’ In the letter, Chief Sellars requests City of Williams Lake Council to clarify its position in relation to residential schools and their impact on First Nations people.

“We received the letter Friday and have had ongoing discussions throughout the weekend between City staff and members of Council, and we will be providing a formal response on Tuesday, November 2 during our regular Council meeting,” said City of Williams Lake Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca. “The City of Williams Lake takes this matter seriously, and continues to work toward meaningful reconciliation.”

The City of Williams Lake remains committed to reconciliation efforts in collaboration with our First Nations neighbours moving forward.

Naming Ceremony Scheduled for Nekw7usem Bridge

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

On May 17, 2021, the City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation will be conducting a naming ceremony for the Nekw7usem Bridge that connects the RC Cotton trail to Scout Island. 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.

 

Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb said, “the bridge is a landmark project for the City and opens up more of the outdoor spaces that are so important to residents and visitors alike. The pedestrian bridge provides excellent viewing of the marsh and outlet and was designed to conserve the natural riparian habitat. We were pleased to have an opportunity to work with Williams Lake First Nation to choose the name “Nekw7usem Bridge” – which means “Unity”, and look forward to continuing to improve access to our natural landscape.”

 

At a Council meeting in February 2020, City of Williams Lake Council was excited to choose an official name for the bridge from the three names provided by Williams Lake First Nation. The naming ceremony and sign unveiling will include elected officials, elders, and community representatives from both the City and Williams Lake First Nation. 

 

Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars said, “In February 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Williams Lake First Nation by confirming our Secwepemc ancestors were displaced by European settlers. Our ancestors considered Scout Island a sacred site, a place of refuge, a resource for sustenance, and the location where spiritual healing occurred. We are grateful to the City of Williams Lake for acknowledging the necessity for modern-day reconciliation by declaring this bridge a symbol of “one tribe, one family.” Unity, more than ever, is required for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to move forward on our respective healing journeys.” 

 

The City and the Williams Lake First Nation would also like to thank the Williams Lake Field Naturalists and grant providers for their support.