Investing with Williams Lake Indian Band

Region:  Cariboo

Nation:  Secwepemc

The T’exelcemc (Williams Lake Band people) are members of the Secwepemc Nation (Shuswap people). Secwepemc lands extend from Shuswap Lake in the south to Quesnel Lake in the north, and from Columbia-Kootenay Range in the east to Alexis Creek Area in the west. We know, and archaeology has shown, that Northern Secwepemc culture stretches back for 4000 years in the Cariboo Region. For thousands of years we lived in semi-permanent villages in the winter and moved around on the land in the summer to collect fish, game and plant resources. We enjoyed a rich environment and a rich ceremonial life. Our chiefs led a strong people. They do so today.

Today we have 732 band members and our population is growing. 234 members currently live on reserve, 462 live off reserve and 35 live on another reserve. Our band members include teachers, lawyers, social workers, artists, loggers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs. We honour our Elders and treasure our children. Our families are deeply important to us. We value our past and look towards our future.

Many band members operate home businesses. Some sell arts and crafts (leatherwork, basketry, and beadwork), while others offer catering (including providing traditional foods such as bannock, wind-dried salmon, deer meat, canned preserves and berry desserts). There are also private entrepreneurs in the community, including ranchers, farriers, trades people, administrators, silviculture technicians and logging contractors.