Wenecwtsin (Big Voice that Speaks the Truth)/Wayne M. Christian, Former Chief of Splatsin, is of Secwépemc and Syilx Okanagan ancestry and served seven consecutive terms as Kúkpi7 of Splatsin (26 years total) and 12 years as Tribal Chief of the Secwépemc Nation, first elected in 1979. His significant achievements include leading Canada’s first community-controlled child welfare legislation and participating in the Constitution Express in 1980-1981 to fight for First Nations recognition as Founding Nations of Canada. A proud father of seven children and twenty-seven grandchildren, Wenecwtsin’s leadership philosophy is built on inclusivity, respect, transparency, and accountability, rooted in his family teachings and cultural laws. He served 20 years in addictions treatment and community health, and actively supports youth development through sports, including 16 years coaching minor hockey, believing that leadership begins by building strong communities starting with the young people.
Weytk, Natika Kunaka ren skwekwst. I am a member of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc band. I have lived here in my home territory since I was born. I am happily married to my husband Malcolm, who is from Harare, Zimbabwe, and we have two small children together. I am honoured to be chosen to be Skú7pecan for the Baby Basket Society. I have had many different roles in my community since I was young. I worked at community services as a youth worker for many years before I left for Zambia for an internship working at the YWCA and spent my time with young girls who were currently placed in a safe home. After completing my internship, I had the pleasure of working at Q’wemtsin Health Society for a number of years as a receptionist and a community wellness champion. After having my two young children, I decided to go back to school, and I received my Indigenous human services certification at NVIT. Currently, I am working at Secwépemc Child and Family Services as a cultural program coordinator. When I am not at the agency, you will find me with our fellow Yecwemimen members doing the important work for our communities.
My name is Kevin Malloy, and I’m proud to call Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc home. I work with Tk̓emlúps in the KSAS department, focusing on archaeology and helping protect the places, stories, and cultural sites that matter to our community. It’s work I care deeply about, and it keeps me connected to the land and to who we are as Secwépemc people. I also sit on a few family boards, where I do my best to support our relatives and help guide decisions that affect our families and future generations.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out on the land. I love hunting and spending time outdoors—it’s grounding, it keeps me connected to the territory, and it’s a big part of my life.
Weykt, my name is Matilda Morgan, I am a member of Bonaparte First Nation (St’uxwtéws).
My husband is Jamie Neighbor, we have 3 children and 10 grandchildren. I have previous experience working with the Ministry for Children and Family Development and Secwepemc Child and Family Services. Currently working in my community for the past 8 years.
I was raised in Bonaparte in a Foster Home. My experience was a positive one and learning lifeskills as we played with our cousins on the land.
There were many of us raised in this house hold of my Auntie Maggie Billy, as I knew her. When I had my first born son Jesse, she helped me raise him and taught me our ways of doing things. I never knew she was getting me ready to be on my own but was thankful she was there for me.
Today I work for our community as a Leader, Councillor. I enjoy my time learning and listening to stories from our ancestors. Learning our ways and stepping up to protect our children and community. I have many mentors in my life and most are gone to the spirit world but never forgotten for the lessons learned.
The strength and resiliency in our people is amazing. We may not always see things in the same light but we all try to participate in our community events and meetings.
The children bring us together and we need to step up and protect our next 7 generations by teaching them to use their tools and work together. We are all still learning our life lessons and our grief seems endless with all the issues of the day but we show up everyday to lend a hand, smile or coffee.
I show my grandkids the Unconditional Love they deserve everyday by hugs, calls or good old messenger. My grown adult kids know I love them unconditionally as well no matter how much sleep I don’t get anymore. Lol
I look forward to working with our community to move forward with our expertise in the community and having our members share their stories so we can make the changes that need to be made.
Kukstemc
Matilda Morgan
Sku7pecen Yecwminte re Xqwllint
Bonaparte First Nation
Stuxwtews
Weytk-p xwexwe’ytep (Hello everyone) Angie Thorne (Porter) ren skwekwst, Stalsh re st’7e7kwen (I am from Ashcroft Indian Band). But this definitely does not define who I am. It’s a pleasure to be brought to the table as a Sku7pecan (Director). I have been born and raised on the Bonaparte (St’uxwtéws) as a little girl as my mother was Julia Porter and my Father is Leslie Edmonds. My grandparents are Clarence and Edna William and Evangeline Edmonds. I was raised since I was six years old by Willard and Marie Antoine (my foster parents) I have three foster sisters and two foster brothers but were brother and sisters. I have one full brother and two half brothers but were brothers and sisters. I am in mourning as we just lost one of the half brothers whom I was very close too. Life hasn’t been easy for me like many of us. I bring many years of experience working as a Social Development Manager. 7 years in Ashcroft Band, 13 years in Cook’s Ferry and 5 years in St’uxwtéws. Total of 25 years working with families in all capacity. I have been designated as band representative for the past 20 years. I have a Diploma in Human Services with NVIT which has helped me in the work that I do and have done. I have extensive experience working with Leadership, Managers and boards. I currently sit as a alternate with the SCFSA Board for St’uxwtéws. I am also a Residential School Survivor as all my parents attended those schools. I won’t get started on the impacts it’s had on my life. I am approachable and think outside the box kinda woman.
Kukstemc-Thankyou,
Angie Thorne
Isabella Luft, Social Programs Manager for Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band and Sku7pecan of the Yecwminte Re Xqwllint, is a mother to two beautiful children with one child in the sky world who continues to guide her path. She returned to Thompson Rivers University as a mature student to complete her Bachelor of Social Work, motivated by her commitment to advancing the well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families. Her experience includes frontline work with high-risk youth involved in the child welfare system, navigating mental health and substance-use challenges, followed by service as an Indigenous Community Outreach Worker in Aboriginal Education, supporting families in overcoming systemic barriers to equitable educational opportunities. In her current role, she leads programs that enhance family wellness, cultural connection, and community development, remaining dedicated to strengthening supports that reflect community values, promote equity, and uplift future generations.
