Self-Government | Williams Lake First Nation

Toward a future focused, culturally-centered self-government agreement

T’exelc (WLFN) entered negotiations regarding inherent rights and title with BC and Canada in December 1993, along with the other Northern Secwepemc Communities who make up the NStQ or Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw:

NSTQ members

T’exelc (Williams Lake First Nation)
Xatśūll Cmetem’ (Soda Creek/Deep Creek
Stswēceḿc Xgāt’tem (Canoe Creek/Dog Creek)
Tsq’ēsceń (Canim Lake)

The NStQ has been negotiating with BC and Canada ever since. The process is slow and frustrating. There have been many setbacks. However, progress is being made. Negotiations are now at Stage Five of a six stage process. The goal is to ensure Secwepmec laws, inherent rights and title, and sacred duty to protect Secwepemcul’ecw (people, land, and culture) are permanently upheld and respected in Canadian and international law.

“Our members don’t understand that our laws have never been lost or given up. They were replaced with someone else’s laws. We just have to bring back our own laws and start using them again”.
— WLFN Elder

The Self-Government Department’s goal is to reflect WLFN members’ wishes. They told us to bring them a potential agreement protecting the wisdom of elders, enabling the aspirations of youth, and recognizing our duty to sustain the health of ancestral lands given to us by the Creator. Along the way, they expect consultation and discussion regarding choices to be made.

In the future all eligible WLFN members will vote on a proposed agreement. Alongside their elders and parents, today’s WLFN youth will help choose the path forward. Discussing the topics in community, with family and friends, young and old is essential. Understanding the benefits, responsibilities, and trade-offs will help the citizens of T’exelc make their choice in a good way.

We want to hear your input and share all voices throughout the community. Learn more at the links below and reach out to the WLFN Self-Government Department directly anytime you want to offer your thoughts or have questions about self-government topics.