Neskonlith is a vibrant, healthy community that is prosperous, spiritual, self-reliant, self-governing committed to exercising inherent rights to the lands and resources in Secwepemculecw as Yucminte (Caretakers of the Land)
703 Chief Neskonlith Drive
PO Box 318
Chase, BC V0E 1M0
T: 250 679 3295
F: 250 679 3294
Kweseltnews: We are all family and value respect in our relationships
Knucwetsuts: We value personal care through individual strength and responsibility
Etsxe: It is through our personal connection to the spiritual world that we recognize the value of our gifts.
Meueic: We value the process of renewal by living a balanced and healthy lifestyle
Contact: Director of Council Operations
E: chantalstott@neskonlith.net
T: 250 679 3295 ext 218
Next Council Meeting:
Our Director of Council Operations is responsible for:
Please be aware our Chief & Council do NOT deal with day to day Administrative matters, please see Administration page and follow up with appropriate Director.
Should you need assistance connecting with our Chief & Council we encourage making an appointment, you may call or email the Director of Council Operations to arrange an appointment that fits your schedule.
Weytkp, my name is Chief Irvin Wai of Neskonlith Indian Band. I have been married to my beautiful wife Angela for 31 years this November whom I share two daughters with - Alexis and Sarah.
I have been very fortunate in life to be able to explore many opportunities across Turtle Island before finally settling back home here at Neskonlith. Leaving home for good, a greenhorn at 19 - ready to take on the world. My experiences ranged from picking tobacco in Paris Ontario 5 provinces away, then onto Alberta working; ranching, breaking + training horses for competition and pleasure. Onto the sawmill, including roofing construction, having a successful career with some of the largest energy companies in Alberta and BC. My hobbies include any outdoor adventure. My favourites would be; rodeos, dog sledding, hunting, and fishing.
I feel my life experiences have a lot to offer our community and look forward to making changes that benefit us all!
If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. It is a cliché I love to use to inspire our youth and community.
Sincerely Kukpi7 Wai
Kukstemc
Remember,
You can have anything;
You can do anything;
You can be anything;
Just believe, I did.
Councilor Michael (Brad) Arnouse
Neskonlith Band – currently working here but also have worked in the Natural resources for several years in all agencies Canada the province of British Colombia as well as the local Bands
My current function: currently am in my 4th year at council in many capacities natural resources and emergency management housing and my main sector is forestry, liaison with the RCMP, energy sector as well CP Rail (I’m sure I missed a few)
My overall goal - to reach levels on par with Forestry so we can have our own techs working in the industry. I value hard work and dedication and am very much a boots on the ground councilor
I have received – an award from BCEDA for the Harper Lake Community Collaboration project. There were many speakers and was honored to be nominated and won many speakers from all over the world. I have also been featured in a book a river runs through it and was interviewed by Mark Hume a environmental enthusiast. I have also had a small mention in archaeology in relation to my field work as a shovel bum.
I like to - read and power walking and art is my passion – mostly reading “leaders are readers”
I can be reached at – email, bradarnouse@neskonlith.net or my landline is 250 679 3295 ext. 203
Weykt!
My name is Shirley-Anthony-Anderson. My late mother’s name is Honora Lavine Lizzette Anthony-Narcisse and late father’s names are Steve Narcisse & Raymond Adrian Narcisse. My husband and I, Vernon Anderson, have a beautifully blended family of 8 adult children, 30+ grandchildren and 30+ great grandchildren. My great grandmother, Helene August, spoke Secwepemcstin and lived primarily in Loakin. As children we learned to speak the language from my great grandmother but because of the residential school policies our ability to speak our language was taken from us.
I was told by other elders and fluent speakers that our ability to speak our language is latent: meaning that when I relearn it, it will come back. This statement has captured how I’ve been living my life as well in that: despite all the odds I have faced in my life;
I continue to commit my professional and personal life to believing in individuals, families, and communities’ abilities to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.
As a member of the Neskonlith Indian Band I have come to recognize that I would like to give back to the community by becoming a band Councilor. I bring with me over 20 years’ experience as a Director of Health and Wellness and an Interim Band Manager.
I am respectful of all cultural protocols and acknowledge a variety of knowledge systems such as elders, men’s, women’s, and youth knowledge systems. In my years as a Director of Health Director, I worked closely with stakeholders such as Secwepemc Child and Family services Agency (SCFSA), the Ministry of Children & Families (MCFD), Stsmemelt jurisdiction, RCMP, Interior Health, First Nations Health Authority, and Jordan’s Principle. I work tactfully and respectfully but also strive to advance opportunities and growth for the community. I worked with a team of professionals who have always been committed to helping take care of those that are vulnerable and advocated for equal opportunities and enhancing cultural safety for mental health and wellness.
With my shared experience and knowledge, I intend to collaborate with the community by listening to their challenges and advocating for a continuance of addressing anti Indigenous racism in health environments like hospitals, work on an integrated health system for our communities that includes the Social Determinants of Health like education, housing, funding, food sovereignty, and language while also recognizing the importance of implementing the United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous people.
I look forward to reconnecting with each other and representing a sector in my expertise.
Sincerely,
Councilor Shirley Anderson
Councilor Mindy Dick
Portfolio: Education, Culture & Language
As a proud Councilor of Neskonlith Indian Band, I am honored to hold the portfolio of Education, Culture, and Language- responsibility rooted in our community’s vision for empowerment, preservation, and growth.
Education:
Education is the foundation of opportunity. I advocate for:
We are working to bring in survival skills training, early childhood education enhancements, and post-secondary partnerships that reflect our values and aspirations
Culture: Honoring Our Traditions
“Our traditional knowledge should be kept alive and cherished”
I support
Language: Revitalization of Our Voice
Language is identity. I am committed to:
Community Engagement
I believe in listening to our people and acting with transparency, Whether it’s through Chief & Council meetings, education forums, or cultural events’ I welcome your ideas, feedback, and collaboration.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact me at:
250-679-3295 ext. 230
Joan has served two three-year terms since 2009 as Neskonlith Band Councilor. She embraces the past leadership and ancestors because without their actions that have set the foundation for the future, we would not be here today. She works every effort to hold up the legacy of our people in the territory. With the leadership, is guided by the strategic plan and mandated by our people. We have moved from a DIA Band to our own traditional governance. We need to keep consistency, experienced people in office to keep business inline for future benefits to our community.
In the past experience working at council level, Joan remains a firm believer in policy governance, fiscal responsibility, organizational structure, teamwork, sharing leadership roles. Programs knowledge and finance is essential in managing band service and programs.
We are responsible for oversight to administration, policies, bylaws, AANDC Band finances, and report regularly to council and work with administration.
Prior to this Joan had been working in various departments for the Band for many years.
Along with this Joan has gained experience & skills in these areas:
Tmicw Sector
The focus has been to balance our future with past history, honour our people, preserve, protect our culture, stand up Title & rights.
In balancing past and future she keeps up with education goals for her position for the council in growth, strength and knowledge in various political tables. Joan has always been a people person, along with the compassion for our community for healthy living and business opportunities that can create a self-sufficient way of living for all.
In asserting out Title & Rights in our territory we have made a huge step into traditional governance. Our council is working to generate own source revenues from developing our own economic development and pursuing territorial revenues through collective efforts of the Sexqeltkemc Te Secwepemc, our territorial division. Joan has served as political council table last four years and prior as a technical table since 2008 to the STS.
Served as: STS Liaison Team rep, STS council, STS finance committee rep, right of way team. Currently working on the CWA the Secwepemc Parties working group.
Joan has great compassion for community and enjoy my work and very dedicated to working for Neskonlith and making it a healthier, proud, happy place to live. Currently serving for the next 4 years of council.
ENTHUSIASTIC * ENERGETIC * DEDICATED NIB COMMUNITY MEMBER
Chantal Kawamoto Stott grew up on the unceded territory of the Sto:lo First Nations located in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. Chantal studied Administration at the University of the Fraser Valley and BCIT. She has over 16 years of experience in a combination of Administration, Communications and Social Media content building for several Canadian companies. Chantal is a proud Japanese Canadian and enjoys exploring the beautiful Shuswap with her family.
Paul is Chantal's beloved dog and the happiest little guy you'll ever meet! You might spot Paul around the office occasionally, spreading his cheerful energy wherever he goes.
But Paul isn’t just a bundle of joy—he’s also a registered service dog! Friendly and full of love, Paul adores meeting new people. If you see his wagging tail and excited smile, don’t hesitate to say hi and give him a few pets—he’ll be thrilled to make your day a little brighter!
Assistant to the Director of Council Operations
Email: ea2doc2@neskonlith.net
Ph: 250-679-3295 ext. 123
