The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the T’exelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years.
Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe. One of 17 Secwepemc nations forming Secwepemculecw, the greater stewardship land area extends from Shuswap Lake in the south, to Quesnel Lake in the north, and from Columbia-Kootenay Range in the east, to the Alexis Creek area in the west. Since time immemorial, our Kukpi7s (Chiefs) led a strong people, and they do so today.
We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused.
Chief and Council
Elected to WLFN Council at the age of 24 in 2008, Willie was one of the youngest elected Councillors in WLFN history. After serving 10 years on Council he was elected as the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation in 2018 and is currently in his second term. In his previous work experience, Willie worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations before returning to his community to assume the position of Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department. During this time, he was responsible for new business initiatives flowing from Impact Benefit Agreements, engagement with proponents in the traditional territory and community consultation for major WLFN projects. Willie is also a published author of “Dipnetting with Dad,” and “Hockey with Dad.” Willie enjoys his family time with his five kids, playing hockey, attending community events at WLFN, dipnetting, pow wow dancing, and enjoying his downtime.
Email: willie.sellars@wlfn.ca
Shae Chelsea was born in Williams Lake and raised in the community of Texelc (Sugar Cane) and is a proud member of Williams Lake First Nation. Shae was elected for her first term in 2020, while finishing her Bachelor of Social Work with the University of Northern British Columbia. She is currently serving her second term after being re-elected in August 2024. Shae is the Director of Programs and Services for Knucwentwecw Society.She is a proud mother of three and strives to help create a world where her children can grow up in a healthy community with their culture and traditions. With a strong commitment economic development and the well-being of all members, she brings both traditional knowledge and modern leadership skills to her leadership role. Councillor Chelsea believes in transparent governance, respectful dialogue, and building a future that honours the teachings of the Elders while creating new opportunities for the next generations. “We are led by the people and take our guidance from our Elders, youth and members. As we continue to be gifted with these roles, we always consider what is best for our community, our people and the future generations. Yerí7 skukwstsétsemc!”.
Email: shae.chelsea@wlfn.ca
Councillor Ann Louie was born in Williams Lake and raised by her grandparents, Caroline and Alec Gilbert. She is a direct descendant of Chief William through her grandmother, who is daughter of Chief Tillion William. Ann Louie served as a band councillor from 1982-1984, 1994-1996, and 2006-2008. She served as Chief from 2008 until 2018. Councillor Louie prioritizes keeping community members engaged and informed with the ongoings of WLFN. She feels a strong obligation and commitment to serving her community with heart and integrity. Councillor Louie has served on the boards of Sugar Cane Petroleum, Three Corners Health Society, the Williams Lake Community Forest and NStQ. She worked for the Provincial government for 25 years. She is a foster parent to many children, with two grandsons, one great grandson, and one granddaughter. Councillor Louie considers it an honour to serve her community.
Email: ann.louie@wlfn.ca
Shawna Robbins (Philbrick) is a proud Secwépemc and Tsilhqot’in woman from T’exelc, deeply connected to her community through her lineage from the hereditary Family of Late Chief William, after whom the City of Williams Lake is named. A mother of two, she is pursuing a Master of Education in Indigenous Business Leadership at Simon Fraser University. Raised in the Cariboo, Shawna is committed to instilling Secwépemc and Tsilhqot’in language, culture, and traditions in her children, guided by respected Elders. Serving as WLFN Employment Coordinator since 2006, Shawna’s dedication extends to her role as a Councillor. After her first term on council from 2018 to 2021, she was re-elected in 2024, advocating for economic development, self-determination, and the integration of Secwépemc values to ensure a prosperous future for her community.
Email: shawna.robbins@wlfn.ca
Dancing Water Sandy was born into the Secwepemc and Cree Nations and Councillor Dancing Water Sandy was born into the Secwépemc and Cree Nations and is a member of Williams Lake First Nation. Councillor Sandy was primarily raised in East Vancouver before settling in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, where she currently resides with her son, William Magnus Lulua. She holds a Bachelor of Education from UBC with a specialization in Indigenous Education and currently works in several capacities for School District #27. In addition to education, she has worked in reforestation, environmental responsibility and mining, as well as community health and wellness. A focus for Councillor Sandy is ensuring off-reserve membership have access to health, housing, and educational needs. She enjoys Pow Wow Dancing and spending time with her son.
Email: dancing.water.sandy@wlfn.ca
Councillor Dancing Water Sandy was born into the Secwépemc and Cree Nations and is a member of Williams Lake First Nation. Councillor Sandy was primarily raised in East Vancouver before settling in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, where she currently resides with her son, William Magnus Lulua. She holds a Bachelor of Education from UBC with a specialization in Indigenous Education and currently works in several capacities for School District #27. In addition to education, she has worked in reforestation, environmental responsibility and mining, as well as community health and wellness. A focus for Councillor Sandy is ensuring off-reserve membership have access to health, housing, and educational needs. She enjoys Pow Wow Dancing and spending time with her son.
Email: chris.wycotte@wlfn.ca
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