Boo Maga December 2021

Boo Maga
Puméke7
December 2021
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - #8

Contents
Remember
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6
8
10
12
A poem written by
WLFN Intern Jia Zhang
Secwepemc Christmas Songs
Some translations of all
your favorite Christmas
carols.
WLFN Education Update
Take a look at what our
Education Department
has been up to recently
Remembrance Day 2021
Photos from WLFN’s
Remembrance Day
ceremony on Nov 11th
Staff Member Highlight
Check in with Nina
Soloman our Lands
Assistant
Council Meeting Highlights
14
Take a look at what
your Council have been
discussing over the past
month!
Welcome to
the Boo Maga
(puméke7), which
translates to
“drum stick”.
Got an idea or story
for future editions?
Contact us:
shannon.skeels@wlfn.ca
250-296-3507 ext.185
General Inquiries:
lisa.camille@wlfn.ca
250-296-3507 ext.103
Facebook:
Williams Lake First
Nation
www.wlfn.ca
WLFN Leadership
Christmas Message
Weyt-kp xwexweytep,
As another year draws to a close,
all of us would like to wish you
a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
We know that 2021 has not
been an easy year for any of us.
COVID restrictions have forced
us to cancel plans and isolate
from our loved ones – when in
these uncertain times, we have
needed our family the most. We
are immensely proud of each and
every one of you for putting your
community first and staying at
home when possible. We can only
hope that 2022 will offer a light at
the end of the tunnel and we can
all return to a sense of normality
once again.
We are thrilled to be able to host
our Annual Community Christmas
Dinner on December 12th, after
having to postpone last year. We
have had to adapt slightly, and
so our Christmas Dinner will be
served “Drive-thru style”! We are
disappointed that we will not be
able to sit down with you all, share
stories and enjoy that sense of
community we have become so
accustomed to in previous years,
we are still excited to be able to
share some Christmas joy – even
if it is through a car window!
Rumour has it that Santa has
already RSVP’d for this event, so
make sure to keep an eye out for
him!
We know for many of you, Christmas
can feel like a lot of work, between
shopping, cooking, and decorating our
homes. However, when you sit down
and reminisce on previous years,
the pressure is all but forgotten, and
instead it’s the family traditions and
lasting memories that we remember
fondly. We hope you take this time
during the festive season to relax
and create more treasured moments,
whilst reflecting upon the past year.
We hope your homes will be filled
with warmth, laughter and light and
that you are able to share this special
time with family members, friends,
and your beloved pets.
On behalf of Chief, Council, and all
the staff at Williams Lake First Nation,
We would like to wish everyone a very
Merry Christmas. We look forward
to working diligently on your behalf
throughout 2022.
Yeri7 skukwstsetetsemc!
Williams Lake First Nation Leadership:
Chief Willie Sellars
Councillor JoAnne Moiese
Councillor Shae Chelsea
Councillor Chris Wycotte
Councillor Rick Gilbert
Councillor Shawna Philbrick
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BOO MAGA - DECEMBER 2021
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Remember
By Jia Zhang (WLFN Intern)
In this morning mist, twelve-thousands of
poppies blow
My name is on the Cross, row on row
What is the special about this Remembrance
Day?
The special is to carry my honor in your way
FireSmart available
for WLFN Members
Love! Do not stand at my grave and cry
Think about my courage and service done
with pride
How do you make it your own
Remembrance Day?
Start to count your blessing day by day
I am the one of the soldier boys and fought
for all
you and your family are here to listen to my
story, to recall
Earthy fall with crackling wind
you closed your eyes and I embrace your
heart; reflect the spiritual legend
This season of whirling, brightly colored in a
monumental way
Deciduous falls on your shoulder that may
carry my weight
Remember the way,
Remember the weight.
FireSmart is living with and
managing potential wildfire
hazards in your area and on
your property. Becoming wildfire
resilient is a shared responsibility
across BC extending from
individuals living in their homes, up
to a landscape land management
level. WLFN currently has two
FireSmart Coordinators working
to develop a plan which will
better prepare the community in
the event of a wildfire. They are
focusing on building long term
plans for reducing the possible
impact of wildfire to both critical
infrastructure and homes within
the community.
The FireSmart program provides
people living in wildfire prone
areas with the knowledge
and organizational means
to significantly reduce their
neighbourhood’s vulnerability
planning and working together –
with the support of a local wildfire
professional. If you are concerned
about the wildfire hazard in your
area - there’s a good chance
your neighbours feel the same
way. The goal is to assist you and
your neighbours to develop an
action plan to reduce your wildfire
hazard simply and effectively.
The program relies heavily on
community involvement in order
to be successful! If you or someone
you know is interested in better
preparing your community to
withstand the effects of a wildfire,
please reach out to either of our
local FireSmart coordinators.
Willem Faasse:
Willem.Faasse@wlfn.ca
Dave Altrows:
David.Altrows@wlfn.ca
Or phone: 778-417-0192
to wildfire. This is achieved by
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Secwepemc Translations
of Chrismas Songs
A big thank you to Jean William and Judy Alphonse
for providing copies of these translations.
Tsxwéntiye xwexéytep
(Oh Come All Ye
Faithful)
This translation of Adeste Fideles or “Oh Come All Ye
Faithful” was made in about 1890 by Father LeJeune, OMI,
who was a missionary among the Secwepemc for almost
40 years. Secwepemc people probably helped him with
it. It was originally published in Chinook Shorthand in his
booklet Studies on Shuswap. Ida Williams from Chu Chua
taught it to Marianne Ignace in 1987, who recorded the
words in Secwepemctsin. It is still remembered by many
elders throughout Secwepemc country.
Tsxwéntiye xwexwéytep
Xwéxwistem re qe7tse-kt
Tsxwéntiye, tsxwéntiye ne Bethlehem
Yi7éne tek skw’imém’elt
Re senkúkwpi7s re lesós
Tsxwéntiye tsecwmíntem
Tsxwéntiye tsecwmíntem
Tsxwéntiye tsecwmíntem,
Tqelt kukwpi7kt.
Tigw, Tigw, Tigw
(Jingle Bells)
This translation of Jingle Bells
is known by many Secwepemc
children throughout Secwepemc
country. Bridget Dan from Alkali
Lake (Esk’et) first recorded it on
tape and also translated it.
Togw, tigw, tigw
tigw, tigw, tigw
Tigw, tigw wel re m-yews
qílqeltwilc te7s c7emut
nek’ts’nsqéxe7 te leslí
Cuy’!
Tigw, tigw, tigw
tigw, tigw, tigw
Tigw, tigw wel re m-yews
qílqeltwilc te7s c7emut
nek’ts’nsqéxe7 te leslí
Tekwtukwt te sr7al
(Silent Night)
Antoinette Archie from Canim Lake wrote out
the Secwepemc translation of this song for
the Secwepemc language class in 1996. The
Secwepemc language curriculum committee
practiced it in December 1997 and recorded it.
Tekwtúkwt te sr7al, le7 te sr7al
Tet’ílt re stem, tsektsík’t re tmicw
qelentém re skúyes re kí7ce
Kúkwpi7stem te kw’oyí7se te skúye
C7itc ne tqeltks re tmicw
C7itc ne tqeltks re tmicw.
Tekwtúkwt te sr7al, le7 te sr7al
Kupkúkwpi 7 t’llep te swíkems te skuye
Tsetsé7kw’ re stem ne tqeltks re tmicw
Setsínem re lesós, “Alleluyah”
Tskitsc re skw’imém’elt ne tmicw
Tskitsc re skw’imém’elt ne tmicw.
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WLFN Post-
Secondary Student
Highlight:
WLFN Education Updates
WLFN is proud to announce the 2021-2022 postsecondary
education (PSE) sponsorship for the following
successful applicants:
Part-time students:
Lori Billyboy – Bachelor of Business – Okanagan College
Geraldine Bob – Master of Education/Counselling –
Thompson Rivers University
Jacqueline Mattice – UCEPP in Master of Social Work –
Thompson Rivers University
Cody William – Language Proficiency Certificate – Simon
Fraser University
Full-time students:
Rhandi Prystae – Master of Arts in Counselling
Psychology – Yorkville University
Davee Palmantier – Master of Arts in Environment and
Management – Royal Roads University
Roderick Sandy – Bachelor of Arts Psychology –
University of BC
Savanna Sandy – Bachelor of Social Work – NVIT –
Vancouver
Trinity Sure – Bachelor of Commerce Human Resource
Management – Thompson Rivers University
Michaela Gilbert – Bachelor of Fine Arts – University of
Victoria
Courtney Sandy – Social Services Worker – Vancouver
Career College
WLFN Education Building
Opened its doors November 15, 2021
Location: the old education office, 2672 Indian Drive
The building will include the following programs:
• LCPS Language and Culture program
• Video Production program
• Tutoring
Merry Christmas
from the Education
Department to the
K-12 students of WLFN!
K-8: WLFN Logo Telus /School supplies
back packs
K-6: Stockings
9-12: $100.00 Gift Cards to Caribou Ski
9-12: $75 Gift Card to Sport Chek
Alexis Alphonse – Cannabis Retail Specialist –
College of the Rockies
Cambria McGregor – Bachelor of Science –
Thompson Rivers University
Kaela Stobie – Water and Wastewater Technology
Certificate – Thompson Rivers University
Colby Cady – Heavy Duty Mechanic Apprentice
Program – Thompson Rivers University
Dannika Murphy - Language Proficiency Certificate
– Simon Fraser University
Corey Lee Philbrick - Language Proficiency
Certificate – Simon Fraser University
• Education resource material library
• Additional LCPS teaching space
Trinity Sure
Bachelor of Commerce
Human Resourse
Management at Thompson
Rivers University
I grew up in the Williams Lake
area, in a rodeo family. I lived on
a ranch where we rode horses,
competed, and managed a herd
of around 150 cattle. At the age
of 17 I took up motocross and
raced provincially for 6 years until
I suffered an ACL injury. Between
ages 22 and 27 I became very
interested in fitness, became a
regular at the gym and competed
in bikini fitness shows.
I have an amazing husband
and we had our beautiful son in
2018. He is almost 4 now. We
are living in the Quesnel area. I
own horses again and hope to be
out competing again in the near
future.
I am currently studying full-time
at Thompson Rivers University
through the online department,
completing a Diploma in Business
with a focus in Human Resources.
I will then transfer into a Bachelor
of Business Administration with a
major in Human Resources.
I chose business as the field felt
natural to me and all my first parttime
employment opportunities
were within an office
environment. I chose to major
in human resources because I
am passionate about policy and
regulations, whilst providing the
best working environment for
employees. I want to ensure a
healthy and happy atmosphere
that’s balanced and fair.
In five years, I would like to
have graduated from a Master’s
program and be starting my
career.
My dream career is to work
within an Indigenous organization
and help build innovation and
autonomy as we work towards
Treaty. Once Treaty is successful,
Human Resources are essential
in maintaining an unbiased
working environment as we work
towards and develop our ownsource
revenue and maintain and
develop external partnerships.
I would like to thank the Williams
Lake First Nations Chief and
Councill for the opportunity to
follow my education path and for
supporting their people in career
advancement. The Williams Lake
First Nation Education Department
for their work, support, and duties
year after year in the application
process. They are wonderful at
assisting students with concerns
and confusion throughout the
application progress and beyond.
I feel grateful to be able to develop
my skills and knowledge with help
from Williams Lake First Nation.
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Remembrance Day
2021
The Remembrance Day Ceremony
for 2021 blessed us with decidedly
better weather than the previous
year. Instead of snow fall, guests
were greeted with warm sunshine
and surrounded by fall colours.
The ceremony was opened with
a prayer from Elder Jean William,
followed by a drumming circle.
Chief Willie Sellars addressed
the crowd and described the
ceremony as “the vision of former
Chief and Council Member Rick
Gilbert.” Rick was away and unable
to attend the ceremony this year.
“We have all come together
to honour our ancestors, our
soldiers and our loved ones that
fought for our freedom,” said
Chief Sellars.
“I take great pride in standing
here underneath these flags
and seeing how each year the
ceremony gets bigger and bigger.”
RCMP Officer Adam Hildebrandt
was in attendance along with
Aubrey Jackson who played the
bagpipes for all in attendance.
Soldier Boy was sung by Cecil
Sheena whilst members drummed
along. Captain (R) CAF Reserves
Carla Berkelaar performed a
reading of In Flanders Fields whilst
onlookers stood and silently took
in the words.
Thank you to all who attended
the Williams Lake First Nation
Remembrance Day Ceremony,
whether online or in person,
and took time out of their day to
reflect upon those who gave the
ultimate sacrifice.
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Staff
Member
Highlight:
Nina Soloman
Staff
Birthdays and
Anniversaries
Amy Schroeter
2nd Anniversary
Q: What is your role at WLFN?
A: I am the Lands Assistant. My main duties are
to provide the Lands Manager and department
with various administrative support like
processing and tracking department payments,
organize and coordinate law development
meetings and lands projects, department related
training, and assisting the Lands Manager where
needed. I have also been assisting with the
reconciliation of some of the flooding projects
for reimbursement from EMBC/DFA.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions,
the lands department has not held any inperson
meeting with the community. In the
summer months the lands dept hosted a
Land Survey Training as part of the Survey
Capacity Development Program through the
Natural Resource Canada/Survey General (see
September 2021 issue) which entailed hosting
in-person field training.
This is my third time working for WLFN. I worked
in the Social Development department from
2007 to 2014, and then as the Lands and
Natural Resource Technician from March 2016
to March 2017.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job is learning the
different facets of Lands Management, putting
my office administration skills to good use, and
working closer to home.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your
job?
A: I am still learning the ropes of Land
Management which can be a challenge. To
further my learning, I am starting Applied Land
Management program in January 2022 with TULO
Centre of Indigenous Economics which will pose a
challenge juggling home, work, and school.
Q: Do you have any memorable stories?
A: The lands department applied for and received
funding from Trees Canada. We had the invasive
crew plant fruit trees and berry shrubs for the
elders. It always feels good to help and provide for
our elders!
Q: Where is your favorite place that you have visited?
A: I have two favorite places I have visited, Nemiah
Valley (or Xeni Gwetin) and Haida Gwaii! My husband
is from Xeni Gwetin, so I’ve had the privilege of
visiting and living there over the years. I absolutely
love how peaceful and beautiful it is out there!
Haida Gwaii, my late granny (Cecilia Michel), mom
(Lisa Michel) and I went there to visit some family
friends many years ago. The memories that stick
with me is the very long drive and ferry ride, the
distinctive beauty, and the mile long beach that you
can see the Alaska coast from on a clear day.
Q: Do you have a message for the community?
A: Enjoy life as much as possible! Create all the
memories you can with as many experiences as you
can. Do your best to not let the stress, anxiety, and
depression of life situations keep you down.
Education is very important as not having your grade
12 or higher (post secondary) is a huge barrier to
employment which in turn provides a means to
support you and your family. Strive for the best!
Also, always let your family and friends know how
much they mean to you.
Merry Christmas to everyone!
Jennifer Pantanetti
Happy Birthday
Lisa McAlpine
Happy Birthday!
Whitney Spearing
Happy Birthday!
Fernando John
Happy Birthday
Shayla Alphonse
Happy Birthday!
Madison Douglas
Happy Birthday!
Willie Hardeman
Happy Birthday
Jordan Davis
Happy Birthday
Ira Nelson
Happy Birthday
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Council Meeting Highlights
December
St. Joseph Mission
Investigation Updates
Council got a sneak peek at the video “T’exelcemc: Who
We Are” and is excited to see the finished product.
On Wednesday, November
24th, WLFN issued a Press
Release announcing that in
of December 10th, 2021 and
will provide the Chiefs with an
opportunity to ask questions of
start time for this session is 1:00
pm on December 10th, at 2561
Quigli Drive. Anyone planning to
early December, WLFN will be
the technical experts involved in
attend the session must make
receiving preliminary geophysical
the first phase of the investigation.
arrangements in advance with
results from the first phase of the
This session is closed to the media
Dominique Melanson (Dominique.
Council agreed to extend the time for the Membership Vote
to four hours.
investigation at the St. Joseph’s
Mission Residential School (SJM).
and to the public, and attendance
is by invitation only.
Melanson@wlfn.ca), as COVID
protocols are in place and seating
Immediately after receiving the
In the afternoon of December
is limited.
geophysical results, WLFN will be
10th, a formal press conference
“We know that everyone is eager
hosting an all Chiefs meeting with
will be held to announce the
to receive these results,” states
Chiefs of communities directly
preliminary results of the
Chief Sellars. “But we’re asking
Three more homes are being built in the Coyote Rock Development.
affected by the operations at St.
Joseph’s Mission. This meeting
geophysical investigation. This will
be followed by a brief question and
that everyone be patient and
respectful of the process. Our
will take place on the morning
answer session. The anticipated
key concern is the mental health
and welfare of the survivors of St.
Joseph’s, and that of their families.
We’re trying to conduct this
Council is excited to have Rylan Kerber joining the WLFN team as Manager of Public
Safety and Law Enforcement on December 6, 2021.
process in as orderly a fashion as
possible.”
WLFN will be arranging for on-site
health and wellness supports for
the duration of the events and
will be reaching out to affected
communities to help arrange
Council attended the WLFN Remembrance Day ceremony on
November 11th, which drew a sizeable crowd.
supports in those communities.
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DECEMBER
2021
Christmas Bazzar
Council Meeting
Community
Christmas Dinner
Council Meeting
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Years Eve
Stay up to date on all of our events by following our
Facebook page: Williams Lake First Nation
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