By Monika Lamb-Yorski
In hopes to engage more members in its treaty process the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council (NStQ) launched a new interactive website and Facebook page Jan. 30.
Leaders gathered at the NStQ board room in Williams Lake to welcome the launch.
“We’ve been in a treaty process for a number of years and we’ve always stated we need to find a way to communicate with our communities and members,” Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie said. “We are nearing an agreement-in-principle and we must all get informed on exactly what we are looking at in the treaty.”
Whether people vote yes or no to the process, votes should be based on an informed decision, not a speculative one, Louie added.
Canim Lake Band Councillor Andrea Boyce said social media will reach youth, young adults and elders and bridge gaps.
“I think our members won’t feel as alone.”
Canoe Creek Chief David Archie said the website and Facebook pages will help tackle the “on-reserve/off-reserve” strain bands find themselves in and will reach out to band members wherever they may be.
“It will be part of a solution that brings us all back together. Reflecting back on what our ancestors used as tools and the tools we received from them and balancing them with the new tools we have today.”
As the treaty process unfolds, it’s apparent the NStQ needs social media tools, Louie said.
“We must learn how to use them and encourage staff and community members to become more involved.”
Treaty team co-ordinator Allan Tweedie said the NStQ anticipates the agreement-in-principle documents will arrive in April from the federal and provincial governments.
“Our negotiation meetings usually take place in the Cariboo at the end of each month.”
The NStQ Treaty Group represents T’excelc (Williams Lake Indian Band), Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band), Xat’sull (Soda Creek Band) and the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation communities.
The new website can be found at nstqtreaty.ca.
Monika Lamb-Yorski is a reporter for the Williams Lake Tribune.
