Press Release - Sts'ailes, B.C. advance reconciliation with new agreement
/For Immediate Release
2022IRR0007-000333
March 11, 2022
Sts’ailes
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Sts’ailes, B.C. advance reconciliation with new agreement
STS'AILES XA’XA TEMEXW – A new reconciliation agreement between the Sts’ailes and British Columbia will support Sts’ailes’ social, cultural, economic and environmental goals, and increase prosperity for people in the lower Fraser Valley.
Sts’ailes Chief Ralph Leon shared in the Halq’emeylem language, “Ey swayel mekw’wat. Ey swayel tl’ó wáyél. Letstemot iyém te tset tl’ó wáyél. Ch’íthométsel mekw’wat te ey te syó:ys. Good day everyone. Today is a good day. Today we are strong and united. And I would like to thank everyone for the good work.”
The agreement outlines an incremental, step-by-step approach to implementation. In addition to the transfer of a 167-hectare parcel of Crown land along the Chehalis River, the agreement will support reconciliation with the Sts’ailes by providing $4.35 million over five years to support Sts’ailes in self-governance, restorative justice, economic initiatives and improved natural resource decision-making.
“Sts’ailes and the Province have a long history of partnership and I congratulate the entire Sts’ailes community for taking this next step in our journey together,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This new agreement strengthens our relationship, supports Sts’ailes’ goals and vision for their territory and strengthens their participation in the regional economy.”
The reconciliation agreement includes supporting the Sts’ailes with:
exploring and establishing new economic opportunities in tourism and recreation;
building a Sts’ailes Guardian environmental stewardship program;
promoting land stewardship through a plant inventory and studies to support future land-use planning; and
developing social initiatives such as restorative justice.
In addition to this agreement, the Ministry of Health is providing $2.5 million to Sts’ailes to purchase land for a Sts’ailes-led primary health-care centre.
“Our government is committed to reconciliation, and part of that is ensuring access to culturally safe care,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “We are pleased to be building on this agreement between the Sts’ailes and British Columbia with additional funding to support health-care services that advance cultural values and a traditional wellness approach to health.”
Sts’ailes has strong business relationships with local industry, including forestry, and manages several recreation sites along Harrison Lake. The new agreement will be beneficial to the entire region by enhancing public recreation infrastructure and creating new economic and business opportunities.
“This agreement serves as another step in our journey to nation rebuilding and relationship-building with government, industry and our neighbours,” said Sts’ailes Chief Leon. “Today, we celebrate this important achievement and set our intentions for future generations. We would like to acknowledge the work that took place to reach this point in our shared history. We have a long way to go, and we look forward to continued progress.”
The new agreement builds on successful agreements signed in 2011 (memorandum of understanding) and 2018 (letter of commitment) and represents a renewed and collaborative approach toward long-term reconciliation. The trust developed over time and a shared interest in building relationships has allowed the Sts’ailes and Province to negotiate a significant and complicated agreement – without resorting to the courts.
Government-to-government agreements like this one are important for B.C.’s economy and essential to supporting healthy and prosperous communities. Together, First Nations and B.C. are creating innovative agreements that are flexible and better suited to addressing the needs of individual Nations.
“Our government is absolutely committed to advancing reconciliation in B.C. – guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, B.C.'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and with meaningful consultation and co-operation with Nations such as Sts’ailes,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “I know first-hand the good work that the Province and Sts’ailes have accomplished together in the past and I’m excited for the future as we implement this new agreement.”
Quick Facts:
Sts’ailes [pronounced Sh-Hay-Lis] territory is in the lower Fraser Valley approximately 100 kilometres east of Vancouver and includes the Chehalis River watershed and Harrison Lake.
The name "Sts’ailes" is derived from the Halq’eméylem word "Sts’a’íles," which means “the beating heart.”
Learn More:
See the agreements between B.C. and Sts’ailes here:
Sts’ailes website: www.stsailes.com/
Contacts:
Art Aronson
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
250 893-2028
Sherylynn Crispin
Sts’ailes
604 796-2116
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect
Sts'ailes Elections 2022 - RE: Change of Address
/Upcoming Sts’ailes Chief & Council Elections 2022
If you have moved or have a different mailing address within the past 4 years please send your new address to the following individual:
Carla Charlie, Indian Registration Administrator
T: 604-796-2116 | E: Carla.Charlie@stsailes.com
If you should have any questions regarding the upcoming Chief & Council election please contact:
Linda Pettis
T: 604-796-2116 | E: Linda.Pettis@stsailes.com
If you have family or someone you know that doesn’t have online access, please notify them of this notice.
Thank you!
Sts'ailes Security and Patrol
/Please say hello and give a warm welcome to our new Sts’ailes Security Team.
Now that the Sts’ailes Interim COVID -19 Law is disabled, we have transitioned some of the previous gate staff to a new security patrol detail to continue to help protect and support the Sts’ailes community.
Our Team
Tim Felix- Supervisor
Alexander Paul – Supervisor
Tony Seymour – Security officer
Gerald Seymour – Security officer
Ron Victor – Security Officer
Wes Francis Jr – Security Officer
What they do:
Our security team will be observing, recording and reporting. They will be observing any suspicious or unauthorized activity in the community, monitoring and documenting suspicious activity, and will report to the RCMP any situation that may pose risk and safety issues for members and community.
Issues as an example:
Fire bans
Illegal activity
Prevention of theft in community,
Prevention of criminal activity in community
Monitoring use of community spaces after hours
Monitoring underage drinking, partying or risky behavior
Sts’ailes Contact List
Security Supervisors
Tim Felix
Alex Paul
604-798-7990
Sts’ailes Fire department
Ed Carter, Fire Chief
Dale Leon, Fire Captain
604-796-2888
Sts’ailes Administration
Reception
604-796-2116
After Hours First Aid
Ed Carter
604-491-3065
Sts’ailes Health Nurses
(Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
604-796-8586
External Contact List:
Health
After Hours Health
8-1-1
Agassiz RCMP
Non-emergency
604-796-2211
RCMP / Fire / Ambulance
Emergency
911
For emergency situations where you feel you or someone you know is facing immediate threat or safety concern, please call 9-1-1.
Examples:
Fire
Motor vehicle accident
Medical health emergency or distress
Criminal act that has happened or has happened. (theft, break and enter, robbery, assault, domestic violence, child safety concerns.
Canada Revenue Agency & Service Canada Offering Live Webinar for Indigenous Peoples
/Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada are please to offer a joint live webinar for Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Peoples Benefits and Credits Presentation on July 29, 2021 from 1:30PM – 3:00PM Pacific Daylight Time
Don’t miss out on the benefits and credits to which you may be entitled. Some of the benefits and credits to which you may be eligible for are the Canada child benefit, Disability tax credit, Child disability benefit, Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, and the Canada Workers Benefit. Also, find out how to apply for, and if you are eligible for, the new Canada Recovery Benefits. Tips on how to prepare for and contact Service Canada. Apply for pensions online and access your EI information with the My Service Canada Account. Do you know where to find the benefits you may qualify for? Are you taking advantage of Government Grants and Bonds?
You can register for the event here: https://canada.webex.com/canada/onstage/g.php?MTID=eeb9ceffc6b2c898d4f837cd936c149d5
Cancellation of 2021 Sasquatch Days
/On behalf of Xwilexmet and the team in charge of planning Sasquatch Days, we want to inform you that we are following the rules and guidelines set out in the Interim Covid Law, the Provincial Health orders, we regretfully have to cancel Sasquatch Days for the 2021 year. This decision was made for the safety of all clubs, elders, youth, the community and all others impacted. We hope everyone stays safe during this pandemic and with the new recent developments of the new variant strains that are beginning to take root. We hope this will pass soon enough.
Join us to continue reducing waste in our community - Complete this survey by March 25, 2021
/
Join us to continue reducing waste in our community!
Ey swayel Sts’ailes!
The Lands Department is working with Capital and Public Works to create a Sts’ailes Zero Waste Management Plan. We want to know what you think about our current waste management system, and ways our community can reduce waste and create less garbage.
Please fill out this survey by March 25, 2021. If you require a hard copy of the survey, please call Dawn at (604)-997-7404 Monday to Friday and the survey can be completed over the phone or a hard copy can be delivered. COVID safety practices will be followed.
You have an option to be entered into a raffle to win the following prizes.
1. 1 FIRMAN 4550/3650 Watt Recoil Start Gas Portable Generator
2. 1 set of 121 Liter Garbage and Recycling can on wheels
3. 1 of 4 - $50 Master Card gift cards
Get an additional raffle ticket by joining the Sts’ailes Lands Office Community Info Page and posting a picture of your recycling setup at home in the comments of the survey posting .
Kw’as hoy siyam qas te siyaye!
CRA Indigenous Peoples Benefits and Credits Webinar
/CRA Indigenous Peoples Benefits and Credits Webinar Presentation Invites for January and February
Canada Revenue Agency is offering the following webinars in January and February:
Benefits and Credits Presentation on January 12, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30PM and February 2, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30PM.
Don’t miss out on the benefits and credits to which you may be entitled. Some of the benefits and credits to which you may be eligible for are the Canada child benefit, Disability tax credit, Child disability benefit, Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, and the Canada Workers Benefit. If you do your taxes after the filing deadline, your payments could be delayed.
You can register for any of the above webinars by going to the below link and clicking on the link associated with the date of your choice.
https://canada.webex.com/canada/onstage/g.php?PRID=4f1473dfdd206ba0967b78ce55fe4326
Regards,
Donavin Robinson
Outreach Officer, Assessment, Benefit, and Service Branch
Canada Revenue Agency / Government of Canada
Conseillèr la visibilité, Direction générale de cotisation, de prestation et de service
Agence du revenu du Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
Sts'ailes Bulletin - Covid-19 Update (May 12th, 2020)
/We are treading a new path for Sts’ailes during this global pandemic. Our first priority is to protect our people. Our efforts contribute to the regional, provincial, and national efforts to reduce the spread of the virus so that our medical health system does not get overburdened.
Due to everyone’s cooperation, there are no cases of COVID-19 in the community today. Thank you all for your efforts, and we must stay the course and continue these efforts.
Amendment to the Sts’ailes Interim Law
Effective May 12, 2020, the Sts’ailes Interim COVID-19 Virus Community Protection Law (also known as the Sts’ailes Interim Law) was amended:
To increase from two (2) residents to up to six (6) residents of the community from different residences to gather on Sts’ailes lands and residences.
The law requiring physical distancing (remaining 2 metres or six feet apart from one another) remains in place. This means ensuring where you gather provides physical distancing at all times.
For Example:
Gatherings on Sts’ailes Lands: gatherings at the Main Beach or Soccer Field is increased to six (6) people. These six (6) people can be from different residences. The physical distancing of two (2) meters or six (6) feet must be maintained by those from different residences.
Gatherings in Residences: up to six (6) guests are permitted at your residence at one time, with a maximum of ten (10) people in total. This means a residence with six (6) people permanently residing there can have four (4) guests. The physical distancing of two (2) meters or six (6) feet must be maintained by those from different residences.
This amendment (and other safety measures) will be revisited by Chief & Council on May 26, 2020. The Community Gate remains in place. Community residents and staff or companies will have continued access as approved by the law.
EOC Level One
As of April 30, 2020, we returned to Activation Level One with moderate staffing in a virtual EOC and providing greater support to the COVID-19 Interim Law Enforcement Team.
Returning to EOC to Level One does not mean that the safety measures and laws put in place are lifted or less serious.
EOC Level One Means:
The physical EOC location closed, and a virtual EOC remained open (which means the Council Chambers will reopen for day-to-day operations);
The Sts’ailes Interim COVID-19 Virus Community Protection Law (also called “the Interim Law”) remains in effect;
Mandatory Safety Measures in Sts’ailes facilities remain in place;
Sts’ailes will continue to stay informed of the Medical Health Official guidelines, our Sts’ailes Nursing Staff advisements, and our Pandemic Plan;
The EOC team meetings will be reduced from every weekday to twice a week, every Monday and Thursday at 9:00am (virtual/on-line meetings);
EOC staff are expected to continue to fulfill their duties on EOC days or as required, and to attend the EOC team meetings;
We must be prepared to move forward at any time if the situation calls for a higher activation level;
We must also be prepared for other potential upcoming emergencies (i.e. flooding and fire season).
What About the Interim Law and the Community Gate?
In Response to the COVID19 Pandemic Sts’ailes has enacted the Sts’ailes Interim COVID19 Virus Community Protection Law. The Interim Law outlines regulations and restrictions for entrance into the community, gatherings in homes and public places, as well as regulations for social distancing.
The Interim Law is still in effect with the amendment outlined on page one of this news bulletin.
We are concentrating more of our efforts in supporting and enhancing the Enforcement Team: Sts’ailes Officials, Gate Staff, and Admin Support Team that technically assist the Officials.
To report a breach of the LAW contact the Lands Manager or Lands EA at 604-796-2116 Monday- Friday 8-4; for after-hours call 604-997- 7404. The name of the person reporting the breach will be kept confidential.
If you are concerned for community safety or excessive noise due to parties or members under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please call 911.
The Community Gate is still in place.
These are very challenging times for all of us. The weight of what we are facing as individuals and as a community takes a toll on every individual. Please keep this in mind at all times.
Our Enforcement Team is doing their job in the face of a brand new situation, with very serious consequences. Your patience and understanding is necessary at this time.
What Does This Mean For The Administration?
The office remains locked, but services are still available. Please consult with each department about safety measures, which includes services over phone or email, and safety measures if a service requires an in-person meeting.
All Mandatory Safety Measures implemented by the CAO and supported by Chief and Council remain in effect.
All employees and members of Council are subject to the Interim Emergency Law.
Vulnerable staff and staff over the age of 65 years continue to work from home to reduce potential exposure to the virus.
Directors, Managers and Officers (DMOs) continue to coordinate a staggered schedule with the remaining staff that are working in the offices (example, switching out 50% in the office and 50% work from home or 3 days work in the office and 2 days work from home, etc.).
The increase of janitorial staff continues to periodically sanitize high touch areas.
There is no cure. There is no vaccine. All of the measures are to help our community reduce and limit contracting the virus. This is for the protection of all.
We are in this together. Stay the course. Be Patient. Be Kind
Sts’ailes Interim COVID-19 Virus Community Protection Law
/In Response to the COVID19 Pandemic Sts’ailes has enacted the Sts’ailes Interim COVID19 Virus Community Protection Law. This Interim Law is enacted for the health and safety of the community.
The Sts’ailes Interim COVID19 Virus Community Protection Law outlines regulations and restrictions for entrance into the community, gatherings in homes and public places, as well as regulations for social distancing.
To report a breach of the Law contact the Lands Manager or Lands EA at 604-796-2116 Monday- Friday 8-4; for after-hours call 604-997- 7404
If this report is around suspicion of members partying or members under the influence of drugs or alcohol please call 911.
Incident
/April 23, 2020
Ey Swayel
We understand your concern for the community as these are very anxiety-inducing times. On April 22nd there was some concern from community members of a person spitting on door handles. At this time, there is no evidence of this happening. The RCMP were called to look for a suspicious person the evening of April 21st but did not find anyone nor did they find a camp.
If anyone were to see someone spitting on door handles, they should promptly call police and also alert Tim Felix, Dawn Charlie and Stephanie Leon Riedl as Sts’ailes takes these matters seriously.
Tim Felix
tim.felix@stsailes.com
Dawn Charlie
dawn.charlie@stsailes.com
Stephanie Leon Riedl
stephanie.riedl@stsailes.com
Kwa’shóy (Thank you)
Potential Secondary Exposure
/April 23, 2020
Ey Swayel
We are aware of concerns around a potential secondary exposure to COVID-19 within the community. Secondary exposure means that a member had been in contact with someone that was in contact with a positive case. This case was brought to the attention of the Yeqwethet (Health Department) and the Sts’ailes Emergency Operations Center by the family immediately. Sts’ailes has been in contact with the British Columbia Center for Disease Control and First Nations Health Authority for appropriate follow up and we have chosen to take extra precautionary measures for the safety of the community. At this time, the member is in good health and will be self-isolating. There is no indication that this is a positive case, but this is a reminder of the potential risk our people could experience if this virus were to come in to our community. We therefore further promote the infection control standards:
Refrain from touching your face (eyes, ears, nose, and mouth)
Cover your mouth with the inside of your arm when you cough, sneeze or breathe heavily
Practice social distancing – stay two meters/six feet or more apart from one another
Sanitize high touch areas in your home
Only go shopping when you need essentials
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you notify the Yeqwethet Nurses (Health Department) for appropriate care at 604-798-8586.
Sts’ailes is here to support and protect you. We will continue to keep you informed.
Kwa’shóy (Thank you)