Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council brings together seven member nations to unify our voices and strengthen our inherent indigenous rights, title, and interests in our territories.

News

We’re Hiring: Executive Assistant

The CSTC is a Non-Profit Organization located in Prince George BC, and is seeking to fill the role of:

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Job Summary

The primary purpose of the Executive Assistant position is to provide administrative support to the Tribal Chief, Board of Directors, and the General Manager. The Executive Assistant role requires excellent administrative skills and the ability to function efficiently as a support person to the political and administrative personnel of the Tribal Council. The position requires an ability to work with minimum supervision and in an orderly and efficient manner. The incumbent must be proficient in knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications, minute taking, and maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Report writing and business English skills are required, along with excellent interpersonal and team management skills.


Job Responsibilities/Duties:

• Coordinates schedule of appointments for the Tribal Chief;
• Prepares all levels of briefing notes for the Tribal Chief;
• Exercises due diligence for walk-in clientele, and phone calls;
• Correspondence and material presentation;
• Responsible for ensuring that CSTC and Special Meeting Minutes, Motions, and related documentation are produced and distributed in an orderly, accurate, and timely fashion;
• Ensures that meeting packages are completed in a timely fashion for advanced distribution to the Board of Directors (Chiefs);
• Maintain confidentiality of information and files;
• Filing and administrative records management;
• Attends public forums, meetings, etc., as directed;
• Assists in the coordination of Tribal Council special events (AGA, Special Assembly, etc.);
• Coordinates travel advances and reconciles expenditures in accordance with the financial regulations of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council;
• Provides support/vacation coverage to other Administration staff as required
• Other related duties, as requested by General Manager.


Working Conditions:

Hours of work are to be from 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Minimum weekend and evening work, but will be given sufficient notice if required. Some travel will be required.


Qualifications

The Executive Assistant position requires post-secondary education in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, knowledge of traditions, values, and language of the Carrier Sekani people is required, along with an understanding and appreciation of relevant local, provincial, and national issues and concerns, as they relate to Aboriginal people.

Must have a valid Class 5 driver’s license.

If you are interested in this position submit a cover letter and resume by January 2, 2022, to:

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Attention: General Manager
Suite 200 1460 6th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3N2
Email: generalmanager@cstc.bc.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry per Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. People of Carrier Sekani are encouraged to apply.

We’re Hiring: Fisheries Department Senior Program Technician

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Fisheries Department requires a full-time, term employee for the position of Senior Program Technician. Depending on the qualifications of the chosen applicant, the position will be either seasonal (April-Nov) or year-round.

Objective:

Leading the Fisheries Programs field projects, by planning for field season, preparing gear, training and supervising field crews, implementing field work and ensuring data is gathered accurately and in a timely manner. Field projects include a several white sturgeon studies, sockeye and chinook enumeration (DIDSON, fence, ground, aerial), Salmon and Sturgeon catch monitoring, strategic enhancement, stream monitoring, and others.

Duties include:

  • Maintain an annual inventory of gear, vehicles and equipment at the warehouse.
  • Maintaining equipment (boats, trucks, trailers, gear) and arranging for repairs when necessary
  • Maintain records of all repairs and maintenance.
  • Keep track of when maintenance is required for relevant equipment.  
  • Training and supervising up to 10 seasonal staff on various projects (April 1- October 31)
  • Keep track of staff needing training or re-certification. Co-coordinating course participation within Fisheries Program budget
  • Administrative duties for seasonal staff (hiring forms, timesheets, training records, etc)
  • Ensure that the fisheries warehouse is in clean and safe working condition, throughout the year
  • Assist with coordination of staff and equipment in collaboration with partner projects
  • Summarizing data and project outcomes once project complete
  • Assisting with progress and year end reporting requirements for program funders   
  • Assisting with administrative duties during off- season

Qualifications:

  • Preferred post-secondary education in the fisheries field and/or natural resource management, or acceptable combination of education and field experience
  • Experience leading field projects in fisheries or a related Natural resource field
  • Work experience in fisheries related field projects, especially on large rivers
  • Experience working with First Nations
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
  • A valid class 5 Driver’s License, drivers’ abstract and criminal records check is required

Desired Certificates, not mandatory:

  • Level 1 First Aid, Transportation Endorsement, Swift Water Rescue, Pleasure Craft Operators Card, Helicopter Egress and Ditching and Jet Boat operations

Preference: Although preference will be given to Indigenous applicants (including First Nations, Métis and Inuit), all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Salary: Based on a 35 hour work week. Commensurate with education and experience.

Application procedure: Submit a cover letter and resume with references by 4:30pm PST, November 19, 2021 to:      

Christina Ciesielski, Fisheries Program Manager

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Suite 200-1460 Sixth Avenue

Prince George, B.C.  V2L 3N2

Email: cciesielski@cstc.bc.ca

Fax:  250-562-8206

No phone calls please.

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified of the outcome of the process.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council welcomes Lucy Martin to the role of General Manager

(Unceded Traditional Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Oct. 26, 2021) The Chiefs of the seven member Nations that make up CSTC congratulate Lucy Martin after negotiating an employment agreement for the General Manager position at CSTC’s Prince George office.

Lucy started her career with the CSTC in the early 1980’s. She is a member of McLeod Lake Indian Band and has served her community both as Off-Reserve Councilor and by serving on the Band’s Board of Trustees which oversees the management of the community’s treaty settlement funds.

Lucy left CSTC in 1999 in an effort to pursue other opportunities, including work as Junior Planner with Radloff & Associates and Economic Development Manager for Tse’khene Community Development Corporation. She was also the first Indigenous Tourism Specialist for Northern BC Tourism before returning to the CSTC in 2020 as the Manager of their Technical Services Unit.

Lucy has a certificate in Engineering Graphics & Design and holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Planning (First Nations stream).

 “I’m very excited to be working for the CSTC membership in this new capacity,” says CSTC General Manager Lucy Martin. “2020-2021 has seen unprecedented times with challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic, the finding of unmarked graves at former Indian Residential School locations, and B.C. having faced the worst fire season on record. There is a lot of work to be done at the CSTC level, as well as with the Carrier Sekani First Nations regarding the Pathways Forward 2.0 Agreement. I’m looking forward to working with communities to move forward in a positive manner.”

On behalf of the CSTC Board of Directors, Chief Priscilla Mueller says “I am very pleased to have Lucy as part of our team and look forward to working with her in her role as the new General Manager for CSTC. Welcome back Lucy, and congratulations.”

CSTC recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

(Unceded Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nations – Sept. 29, 2021) Carrier Sekani Tribal Council will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Sept. 30 as a solemn reminder of the horrors experienced by residential school survivors and of those children who did not survive.

The impacts of the residential school system are ongoing and felt throughout our member nations. This day is set aside to honour survivors, their families and communities.

CSTC will be closed Sept. 30 to give staff and members much needed time to spend with loved ones and to participate in reflection and healing.

If you are in distress and need support, please contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-925-4419.

Regional Dakelh Language App Builds Sense of Identity for Carrier Sekani First Nations

(Stellat’en First Nation, Nadleh Whut’en and Ts’il Kaz Koh – Aug. 3, 2021) Three Carrier Sekani First Nations have collaborated to develop a regional, central dialect Dakelh language app aimed at increasing the number of Dakelh speakers and addressing loss of language in Dakelh communities.

Stellat’en First Nation, Nadleh Whut’en and Ts’il Kaz Koh jointly developed the app for Android users with funding from the Pathways Forward Agreement, an agreement made between the provincial government and the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council to increase economic opportunities for Carrier Sekani First Nations while addressing decision-making, management and revenue sharing of lands and resources, and healing communities through socio-cultural work.

“Your language is your sense of belonging and identity,” says Eleanor Nooski, Nadleh Whut’en Language and Culture Coordinator. “Once the children start learning, there’s so much pride when the elders see it, and there’s a ripple effect in the whole community.”

The app is called ‘Dakelh nekhunik yats’ulhduk,’ which translates to English to mean ‘we will speak like our ancestors.’ It interfaces users with recorded pronunciations of the words spoken in a regional dialect of Dakelh. Traditional learning through oral history has been easily incorporated into the app.

A previous version of the app was developed strictly for iPhone, but was cost prohibitive for community members who cannot afford Apple products. The new app includes over 900 newly recorded words in a shared dialect between the three nations and is fully owned and copyrighted by the communities.

“Our language was never recorded and never written,” says Stellat’en First Nation Language Assistant Dennis Patrick. “It’s been a generation that’s lost virtually everything, and it’s important to know that when we learn this language, we’re learning about the land and who we are.”

Development of the app began in 2014, when elders and youth stayed in a hotel together to record Dakelh words for things like body parts, animals and phrases. In 2018, the three First Nations began collaboration on building the app for Android.

Collaboration between the three communities was key because the number of fluent speakers in each community varies, with Nadleh Whut’en having such low numbers, developing the app independently would have been very difficult.

Ts’il Kaz Koh Language Program and Culture Coordinator Sherry Tibbetts believes this app is an important part of healing through language and cultural activities. She is happy to be a part of the collaborative approach to teaching language in new ways.

“We live in a time when we have to be creative and innovative in everything we do,” says Tibbetts, who credits her close colleague for empowering her to take bold action to help her community. “I’ve been inspired by Karen Sharp. She taught me that everything you want to do, think beyond the impossible. When opportunity’s thrown at you, you take it.”

‘Dakelh nekhunik yats’ulhduk’ is available for download on Android.

Tutorial: Dakelh nekhunik yats’ulhduk

CONTACT:

Audrey McKinnon
Communications Coordinator
250-617-3862
communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

CSTC, DFO, Inch Hatchery, and Local First Nations Team Up For Fish Release

(Unceded Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nations – July 6, 2021) After over 10 years of low returns for the Early Stuart sockeye salmon run, hope may finally be on the horizon for a resurgence. With the aid of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Inch Creek Hatchery, and the Takla and Tlazt’en First Nations, 60,000 sockeye smolts were released on June 8 in Gluskie Creek to help rebuild the salmon population.

Sockeye smolts released in Gluskie Creek

While the Early Stuart sockeye run has been low for over a decade, the Big Bar landslide in 2019 further endangered the species’ migration routes and population. This encouraged the Big Bar Landslide Response Team, a collaboration of DFO, The Province and First Nations, to team up with Inch Creek Hatchery and First Nations Groups from the Spawning grounds to help improve the population. Over 60,000 eggs were taken, fertilized, hatched and raised at the Inch Creek Hatchery in Dewdney, B.C. Once the smolts had reached 10 months of age, Inch Creek Hatchery brought the smolts up to Middle River to release the fish at Gluskie Creek. Representatives from Takla Lake First Nation, Tl’azt’en Nation, CSTC and DFO attended the release.

Kayleigh Patrick, Kimberely Alec, and John Alec Sr. looking over the release with DFO officer Kevin Laarman

The hope is that a portion of these 60,000 smolts will return in 3 years as full-sized salmon to breed and help raise the fish population. With easier passage through Big Bar, good ocean conditions and the right environmental conditions during migration, we should see an increase in the fish population for years to come.

Warning: Heat Wave in the Prince George Area

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and the Carrier Sekani First Nations are postponing the webinar scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, due to excessively high temperatures in the region.

If you are in need of a cooling centre in Prince George, please head to the POUNDS Project at 1126 3rd Avenue or the House of Ancestors at 355 Vancouver Street. They will be providing shade, cold snacks, and water until 11 p.m. 

As western Canada continues to heat up, please follow these simple tips our to stay safe:

-Slow down. Excess motion or speed will both generate additional heat and increase sweating, which can lead to dehydration.

-Stay out of the sun. If you can’t get indoors, find areas of shade.

-If you have planned outdoor activities, postpone them if you are able.

-DO NOT attempt to drastically shift your temperature. If you are overheating, find a cool place to rest instead of a cold place. Rapid temperature shift can cause your body to go into shock.

-Drink lots of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Heat causes sweating, which can help keep you cool, but also rapidly depletes your body’s water supply. Stay hydrated.

-Dress appropriately if you can. Thin, loose material clothing that covers as much skin as possible is best, as it will let air cool you off while keeping the sun off your skin. Wide brimmed hats are also useful.

-If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks, especially if you are in direct sunlight. Take your breaks in the shade if at all possible.

-Use the buddy system. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sneak up on the best of us, so having a friend who can keep any eye out for the symptoms is very helpful.

-Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion: Cool, moist, and/or pale skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. If symptoms are present, move someone to a cool area, remove any tight clothing, and apply cool, wet clothes. If conscious, provide with water, but make sure to drink slowly to avoid choking.

Heat Stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. CONTACT 911 RIGHT AWAY. Move to a cool place and use a cool bath or cool cloths to cool the body down until help arrives.

Please stay safe, everyone.

We’re Hiring: Reception/Clerical Support – Casual

Submit your application by Monday, July 5, 2021

JOB POSTING

The CSTC is a Non-Profit Organization located in Prince George BC, and is seeking to fill the
role of:

RECEPTION /CLERICAL SUPPORT – CASUAL

VACATION COVERAGE & ON CALL

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the reception and clerical support services for the Administrative Department, for
vacation backfill and on-call coverage.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications for the position include a post-secondary education and training in the business administration and office administration field. A minimum of Grade 12 and previous experience is required. Minute taking and business essential skills and interpersonal skills are also required. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in MS Word and Excel. A clear criminal record check is required for this position.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be available from July 26-30, 2021 and August 3-5, 2021
  • Must be available to be scheduled for full days to backfill for administrative staff and be available for on-call assignments, possibly on short notice when required.
  • Must have access to a reliable vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.

Purpose of the Job
Specific duties are as follows:

Reception / Clerical Duties:

  • Typing and word processing.
  • Operation of CSTC office equipment.
  • Provide telephone services, including maintenance of appointment schedules.
  • Record and transcribe meeting minutes.
  • Maintain all filing systems.
  • Maintain library of technical reports.
  • Assist the organization and scheduling of travel and accommodations.
  • Respond to inquires and make referrals to appropriate staff and in the absence of appropriate staff provide response if able.
  • Maintain office supply inventory.
  • Prepare travel claims for all staff, as required.
  • Create form documents for data, mail merge applications and distribution lists.
  • Process all incoming and outgoing mail, faxes and other documents.
  • Daily matching and reconciliation of purchase orders with incoming invoices to be forwarded to the Finance Department.
  • Document and receipts of all incoming cheques and cash.
  • Other administrative and clerical duties as required.

Working Conditions:

  • Frequent time pressures and changing priorities.
  • Frequent interruptions to respond to requests for information.
  • Open office concept with distractions from foot traffic and telephone calls.
  • Processing large columns of data with firm deadlines.
  • Requires long hours of sitting at computer and reception.

Detailed description of duties:

  • Prepares supply list as requested from staff for approval by the respected portfolio managers by:
    • Preparing supply lists for staff when required.
    • Receiving delivery and verify purchase orders and invoices of all CSTC office supplies.
    • Maintaining office supply files.
    • Maintaining a record of all stationary supplies and initiating supply orders as required.
    • Conducting follow-up as required.
  • Maintain office inventory and equipment by:
    • Contacting appropriate service offices for maintenance repair of office equipment and furniture.
  • Makes office arrangements for staff by:
    • Obtaining itineraries of approved travel.
    • Initiating vehicle rental or aircraft charters and hotel reservations as required.
  • Provides clerical duties by:
    • Providing photocopy services to the staff as required.
    • Providing word processing services and other clerical services.
    • Maintaining updated files.
    • Providing receptionist services to the general public.
    • Field inquiries and make referrals to appropriate staff.
    • Ensuring public inquiries are answered in an efficient and pleasant manner.
    • Ensuring incoming mail is routed to appropriate staff and filed accurately.
    • Setting up a log for outgoing files to ensure files are returned.
    • Ensuring mail goes out on a daily basis.
    • Ensuring receipt of itineraries from staff on a weekly basis.
    • Ability to record and transcribe minutes of meetings.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the
incumbent. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or skills
required of the incumbent.

If you are interested in this position, submit a cover letter, resume by July 5, 2021, to:

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Attention: General Manager
Suite 200 1460 6th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3N2
Email: generalmanager@cstc.bc.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will
be contacted.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry per Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. People of
Carrier Sekani are encouraged to apply.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Honours National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

(Unceded Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation – June 21, 2021) Carrier Sekani Tribal Council wishes its members and surrounding communities a joyous National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Today marks the 25th anniversary of what was once known as National Aboriginal Day. 

This day falls in the midst of two other important cultural markers; National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. Given the cultural reverence of this time and in respect for Two-Spirited and other LGBTQIA+ people, we have much to celebrate. Our shared culture of acceptance, engagement and understanding is worthy of recognition on its own. As we honour National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the midst of both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, we have three wonderful reasons to celebrate.

While it’s important to acknowledge our Peoples on this day, we cannot forget how much work there is still to do towards reconciliation. While this is a 25th anniversary, we as the Dakelh people have been celebrating our history since time immemorial. Every day, we can be proud of our history, our culture, our tenacity and our strength. Today is an important reminder of that fact.

We’re Hiring: Technical Services Unit Coordinator

Submit your application by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 – Reporting to the General Manager, the Technical Services Unit Coordinator position ensures the overall coordination and administration of all programs and series offered by CSTC, Technical Services Unit (TSU).

Job Posting

The CSTC is a Non-Profit Organization located in Prince George BC, and is seeking to fill the role of:

TECHNICAL SERVICES UNIT COORDINATOR – 1 Year Term

Job Summary

Reporting to the General Manager, the Technical Services Unit Coordinator position ensures the overall coordination and administration of all programs and series offered by CSTC, Technical Services Unit (TSU). Under the Memorandum of Understanding between Indigenous Services Canada and CSTC, Technical Services Unit, the TSU organization is to provide engineering services to CSTC Member Bands under the direction of a professional engineer who will provide overall technical responsibility for TSU designs, specifications, and construction supervision services.

Qualifications

The position of Technical Services Unit Coordinator requires completion of Grade 12, post-secondary education and related experience. The incumbent must possess a range of technical, managerial, and project experience and experience working with First Nations and/or of First Nations Ancestry is an asset. Good computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, business English skills, and interpersonal skills are also required.

Conditions of Employment

· Must be able to travel a minimal amount;

· Must have access to a reliable vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license;

· Full-time 1 year term position, subject to funding.

Purpose of the Job

Specific duties are as follows:

· Direct the TSU support staff, engineers, and maintenance personnel;

· Secure and maintain budgets;

· Overall supervision of the Coordination of the capital program;

· Provide assistance to liaise and consult with Band and Tribal Councils within the area to promote TSU services;

· Maintain contacts with other First Nations’ agencies;

· Actively represent the interest of the TSU as they relate to the capital program to various agencies and associations locally, provincially and federally through meetings, conferences or other functions as required;

Clerical Duties (With Additional Clerical Support):

· Maintain program filing system and update as necessary;

· Maintain library of technical reports;

· Maintain office inventory and equipment;

· Verify vendor’s invoices and other project invoices and prepare for submission to the CSTC Finance Department;

· Make inquires to INAC regarding status of capital projects or other requests;

· Satisfy quarterly reporting requirements of INAC by creating and maintaining a database of all capital projects for input into Capital Project Progress Reports for quarterly reporting requirements to INAC on behalf of member Bands by staff;

· Track project status (budget versus expenditures);

· Prepare capital project invoices for submissions for the CSTC Finance Department:

· Prepare funding request submissions for maintenance training, as required;

· Create form documents (i.e., completion report, etc.) for data input on the computer;

· Prepare capital project submissions, as required;

· Attendance at CSTC meetings, as requested.

Personnel Management

· Directly coordinate support staff, engineers and maintenance personnel;

· Follow established personnel policy for all staffing actions;

· Enforcement of personnel policy and disciplinary action, as necessary;

Financial Management

· Assist in the preparation of budgets as they relate to the operation and planning of technical services with Consultant;

· Provide assistance to negotiate and secure budget amounts for all contracts and proposals;

· Review and approve all invoices, obtain all monthly and annual program revenue and expenditure statements;

· Provide assistance to ensure financial reports as required by the funding agencies are prepared and submitted.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or skills required of the incumbent.

Assist Consultant Engineer (With the Following Duties)

• Certify project documentation to obtain capital funding as per MOU;

• Certify as-built drawings and/or CAIS forms to obtain O and M funding for the Bands as per MOU;

• Direct and review design work prepared by TSU technical staff;

• Review designs prepared by consultants, as needed;

• Certify Asset Condition Reports to INAC, if needed.

• Professional advice to Bands on capital and maintenance items, as needed;

• Capital planning for CSTC;

• Assist in submission to INAC and other agencies for additional capital and O and M funding;

• Liaison with BC Environment, Health and Welfare Canada, and other government agencies (i.e., environmental and health concerns with CSTC communities).

• Provides an engineering advisory service to Tribal and Band Councils by:

• Plans and organizes feasibility studies, capital planning studies, and pre-engineering investigations leading to effective Tribal Council planning by:

Implementing Capital Projects in CSTC Bands by planning and organizing the design and construction of new infrastructure projects, community buildings and school buildings, and the alteration or additions to existing to facilitate the work quality, timeliness, and budget constraints and other duties, as related.

If you are interested in this position, submit a cover letter, resume by June 30, 2021, to:

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Attention: General Manager

Suite 200 1460 6th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3N2

Email: generalmanager@cstc.bc.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry per Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. People of Carrier Sekani are encouraged to apply.

Congratulations to the Graduates of the Key to Employment Program

(Unceded Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation – June 14, 2021) Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is proud to announce the graduation of thirty students from the Key to Employment Program, run by Indigenous Community for Leadership and Development (ICLD).

An outpouring of interest resulted in the program doubling its intake from fifteen to thirty students. Graduates met in a Zoom chat room, unable to be face-to-face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even under our challenging circumstances, thirty students proved their strength and intelligence, coming out the other side armed with the knowledge and skills to make their mark on the workforce.

CSTC hopes no matter what type of success these graduates seek, they will take the experiences they made here and forge ahead to create a world for themselves and those around them to be happy and fulfilled. Whether this training marks a major milestone or is simply a single step towards their goal, we applaud the Key to Employment graduates for their hard work.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grad-photo-ICLD-2021-1-1024x753.jpg
Key to Employment Graduates Celebrated via Zoom

Statement From the Tribal Chief in Response to Discovery of 215 Children’s Remains at the Site of the Former Kamloops Indian Residential School

If you are in need of counselling support, the IRSS Emergency Crisis line is available 24/7. Call 1-800-721-0066 for support.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is devastated to learn that the remains of 215 children were discovered buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last weekend.

This Thursday, May 27, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc band confirmed the remains were found with the help of a ground-penetrating radar specialist. Work is still being done on the site to potentially find more remains.

Some of our people spent their childhoods at this school, which closed in 1969, and it is possible our own members are among the unidentified remains found there last weekend. This is a painful reminder of an unspeakable injustice on our people through the Residential School System that aimed to erase us from our land and from history.

These 215 lives ended in childhood were the result of an act of colonial violence and genocide; we will never know who these children would have become to us.

We as Carrier Sekani First Nations must say a prayer for much needed healing and to honour the children who were forcibly separated from their families before having their lives taken from them too soon.

As a community, we will never forget the atrocities done to our people, but we have the strength of many to heal and pray together. We are reminded to also ask for healing for those who still carry the scars of Residential School today.

Our hearts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc band as we spend time this weekend reflecting on this horrifying discovery.

With great sadness,

Mina Holmes,

Tribal Chief, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council