 Stó:lō Nation Treaty Community Outreach
The objective of the program is to inform and raise awareness of the Stó:lō Nation Treaty Table (SNTT) communities regarding treaty progress and issues. Achieving this objective requires sharing information and receiving feedback from SNTT communities and their membership, on and off reserve.
The Outreach Team
South Region
Brandee Hall, Treaty Community Liaison
Aitchelitz, Skowkale, Tzeachten, Yakweakwioose
North Region
Victoria Kelly, Treaty Community Liaison
Leq’á:mel
East Region
Cathy Hall, Treaty Community Liaison Coordinator
Popkum, Skwahlook
All Regions
Joy Hall , Treaty Community Liaison
Youth Outreach
Theresa Point , Treaty Community Liaison
The Governance Project
The practice and recognition of Stó:lō governance is a central component of Stó:lō culture, and in turn, the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty. Recognizing the importance of building a government structure that will work for their community members once the Treaty is ratified, Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association requested Stó:lō peoples’ input on governance. Community members, from the seven Stó:lō Nation Treaty First Nations, shared their perspectives on governance-related issues since fall 2007. Through input from two questionnaires, community information sessions, sessions with Elders and youth, and discussions with families and individuals, we received valuable input on governance. Throughout the project, many community members expressed the importance of moving away from the paternalistic Indian Act law, and governing themselves. As expressed by a community member:
“For too long we have been told what to do, what not to do. We need to be in charge of our own destiny and have ownership & pride in who we are and where we are going.”
Although we continue to seek community input, Stó:lō perspectives are forming the base of our Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw governance structure. Community voices are essential for creating our own government, and treaty. In the near future, we will also be seeking community feedback on a wide range of treaty issues, such as lands, fisheries, and culture. Thank you to those who participated in the Governance Project, and we look forward to speaking with you and your families soon.
Project Coordinator
Amanda King
Working Towards a Better Future Treaty DVD series
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