St. Joseph’s Mission – Site Access Protocol

The St. Joseph’s Mission Site, for the purposes of this protocol, is the area of the former St. Joseph’s Mission grounds that are owned by Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN). The Site is within WLFN’s Traditional Territory, and we are honoured to be the caretaker of the Site. This protocol has been established for its protection and preservation.

Access to the Site will be granted primarily for ceremonial, spiritual, and educational purposes. Access for other purposes may be considered at the discretion of WLFN. The area that guests at the Site can visit, called the “Visitor Area,” is marked by ceremonial flags. The Visitor Area is marked on the attached map. There is no access to any of the existing buildings at the Site, nor areas outside of the Visitor’s Area. Visitors are asked to please go through the following process to request access to the Site.

Application Process:

Applications to visit the Site should be made at least one month in advance of the visit. Any additional support requests for WLFN should be made at this time as well. Please complete the attached application and detail the following:

  1. The purpose, date, and time of proposed access to the Site, the approximate number of people who will be attending, a health and safety plan for those with accessibility needs, a plan for health and cultural support, and a plan for child supervision.
  2. A main contact person for the Site visit
  3. Contact information for Health and Cultural Support(s)
  4. Proposed agenda for the visit

Rules for Site Visitors

  1. Fires are not permitted at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site at any time.
  2. Smoking is not permitted at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site at any time.
  3. Vaping is not permitted at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site at any time.
  4. Alcohol is not permitted at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site at any time.
  5. Drugs are not permitted at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site at any time.
  6. Weapons are not permitted at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site at any time.
  7. Visitors are to avoid littering and dispose of any refuse in provided garbage cans.
  8. Visitors are not to enter any of the buildings at the St. Joseph’s Mission Site.
  9. Visitors are to remain within the Visitor Area at all times.
  10. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  11. No pets are allowed at the Resting Place at any time, with the exception of service and emotional support animals.
    a. In the case of service or emotional support animals, the visiting Nation/Community will be responsible for cleaning up after the animal(s).
  12. Guests are asked to conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner visiting the Site.
  13. Visitors are responsible for the care of their Elders and others who require assistance while at the Site.

Contacts

Whitney Spearing
Lead Investigator, St. Joseph’s Mission Investigation
whitney.spearing@wlfn.ca
(778) 417-0196

Nyx Forth
Coordinator, St. Joseph’s Mission Investigation
nyx.forth@wlfn.ca
(604) 837-1446

Definitions and Abbreviations:

The St. Joseph’s Mission Site: the portion of the former Mission grounds that is owned by Williams Lake First Nation.

Visitor Area: the area of the St. Joseph’s Mission Site that visitors are permitted in, as marked by the ceremonial flags.Visitors to the Site are not permitted outside of the Visitor Area. Please see the appended map for reference.

WLFN: Williams Lake First Nation

SJM Site Access Request Form

Main contact for visiting group(Required)

Visit details

Requested date of visit(Required)
Applications to visit the Site should be made at least one month in advance of the visit.
Arrival time(Required)
:
Departure from site(Required)
:

Health and Safety Protocols

Health and safety representative for visiting group (if different from above)
Will there be any service or emotional support animals?