FILE PHOTO - Splatsin First Nation chief Wayne Christian has been acclaimed to another three-year term for a total of 26 years as the community's leader.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
August 19, 2021 - 4:13 PM
Splatsin First Nation chief Wayne Christian has been acclaimed to another three-year term for a total of 26 years as the community's leader.
Kukpi7 Christian said in his new term he plans to continue promoting the Secwepemc language, customs and traditions. He is dedicated to finding resolutions to outstanding land claim issues, and wants to strike the right balance between economic development and protecting traditional lands for future generations.
“We need to move beyond reconciliation and into reconstruction of our land, laws, language and families: the genocidal laws and policies perpetrated against our children will never be forgotten,” he said in a press release from the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, to which Splatsin is an affiliate member-band.
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“We have been here for thousands of years and shall remain here on our lands until the end of time," he said.
Kukpi7 Christian believes ceremonies, language and law to be the foundations for rebuilding Secwepemc Nation governance structure.
He’s actively involved in social justice, and spent 20 years working in mental health and healing, including time with Round Lake Treatment Centre and Community Health Associates of BC.
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