A call out to W̱SÁNEĆ families who want to participate in focus groups.
Dear W̱SÁNEĆ families,
The W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) is reaching out to invite your family to participate in a series of focus groups. We understand that not everyone has had the opportunity to engage in previous community sessions, whether in person or online, and we value your perspectives on the future of our waters and lands within the W̱SÁNEĆ territory.
We would be honored to come to your location and facilitate a discussion with your family group. To ensure a comfortable environment, we are seeking a space large enough to accommodate your family for a meal and provide ample room for laying out maps. We can arrange for a catered meal or employ one of your family members to cater the event—whichever option suits you best. Additionally, each family member who participates will receive an honorarium to show our appreciation for their time and input. The focus groups are expected to last approximately 3-4 hours.
We want to listen to the concerns and ideas for how to tackle some of the largest challenges we face as W̱SÁNEĆ people. Below is an idea of some of the questions we will be asking in a facilitated discussion. The session will be participatory, inclusive of everyone, confidential, and transparent.
Key Questions for discussion:
- If you were to imagine a future where W̱SÁNEĆ communities establish a strong economic base for members into the future, please use 1-3 descriptive words (If you want to write SENĆOŦEN words, please describe in English the meaning as best you can) to describe that future.
- In your opinion, are there any economic developments W̱SÁNEĆ should AVOID pursuing? Why?
- What does land back mean to you?
- How has colonialism (land development, industry, etc.) impacted your relationship to land?
- How do we care together for the land, and take a shared responsibility for it?
- If you were to imagine our territory 100 years from now, please describe what you envision that future to look like? (please use descriptive words and phrases)
- What are some ways we can cultivate and nurture future leaders? Youth are the future, so how can we support them in becoming good leaders?
- What types of alternative energy would you like to see more of in our community?
To set up a focus group for your family, please reach out to Shauna Johnson by email at shauna.johnson@wsanec.com or call 778-788-8545. Shauna will assist in making the necessary arrangements and provide you with further details.
We appreciate your time and commitment to shaping the future of our community. Your input is crucial in ensuring W̱SÁNEĆ people thrive in the years to come. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council
