Social Development

We are T’exelcemc (Williams Lake Band people), members of the Secwepemc Nation

Empowering WLFN Members to succeed

The goal of Williams Lake First Nation’s Social Development department is to support the safety and health of both families and individuals, while ensuring that every member’s basic needs are being met.

The Social Development department works closely with organizations such as First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Knucwentwecw Society, and Three Corners Health Services Society. The department collaborates with internal WLFN stakeholders such as the Cwelcwélt Health Station in T’exelc to provide a holistic, culturally sensitive means to support Nation members through the implementation of programming, support services, and financial aid in times of need. 

Williams Lake First Nation Social Development Workers (BSDWs) administer Income Assistance to eligible T’exelc Nation members residing on-reserve. Need is determined by meeting applicable eligibility requirements designated by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). 

The Social Development Program provides a variety of services to promote community well-being, including:

  • Developing workshops, events, and educational material to promote healthy lifestyles, enhance employability, encourage safety/reduce violence and support cultural healing/learning. 
  • Liaising with the Ministry of Children and Families and Knucwentwecw Services Society to help families obtain resources and support, as well as providing advocacy support for families involved in the child welfare system.
  • Administering the Income Assistance program to on-reserve individuals.
  • Facilitating applications for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) designation.

Contact the Social Development Department

WLFN’s Local Social Development help-line is available seven days a week, from 8AM – 8PM. You can call this number in times of crisis: 778.267.6677
If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911.

Ashley Sanford
Social Development Support Worker

Ashley provides support to the Social Development team. Ashley also assists with the processing of various aspects of Social Assistance. She can help determine eligibility for accessing emergency funding, provide community support and handles special projects as they arise, such as assisting community members with the ongoing First Nations Drinking Water Settlement.

[email protected] | 250.296.3507 ext. 101

Carla Berkelaar
Community Support Worker

Carla coordinates and determines eligibility for Social Assistance, Funeral Supports, and supports all aspects of Social Assistance including PWD for WLFN Community members. Please contact Carla if you are inquiring about eligibility for supports. Additionally, she provides support to T’exelc Elders in the form of facilitating Elder meetings, coordinating activities, and fundraising.

[email protected] | 250.296.3507 Ext 119

Lisa McAlpine
Community Support Worker

Members of the WLFN community can access various supports from Lisa including support with medical appointments, housing, and other needs that support health and wellness. Lisa also coordinates cultural activities for the broader community like Pow Wow Nights and Ladies Cultural Nights.

[email protected] | 250.296.3507 Ext 140

Kyleen Toyne
Coordinator, Social Development

Kyleen is WLFN’s Designated Band Representative. She is the main contact for WLFN families working with the Knucwentwecw Society. Additionally, she supports treatment applications for community members, and coordinates social development activities throughout the community.

[email protected] | 250.296.3507 Ext 186

Amanda Schulz
Manager, Social Development

Amanda supports the Social Development team in the coordination of social assistance, community events, activities to promote health and safety of community members, and more. She supports the goals and vision of WLFN within the Social Development department.

[email protected] | 250-296-3507 Ext 151

Kiera Dolighan
Director, Health and Wellness

Kiera leads the whole Health and Wellness team at WLFN, including managing the Cwelcwélt Health Station, and overseeing the WLFN Social Development department.

[email protected] | 250.296.3507 Ext 122