This year’s open house at W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) brought community members and WLC staff together for a whole afternoon of learning, fun, and reflection on WLC’s work uplifting W̱SÁNEĆ in 2024.

The 2025 open house took place at W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Office on Thursday, February 13th. WLC warmly welcomed community members with snacks and door prizes, setting a celebratory tone for the afternoon.

With snacks in hand, community members and WLC staff met, chatted, and connected. Those interested in an in-depth look at WLC’s work enhancing recognition of and respect for W̱SÁNEĆ rights, title, and culture also enjoyed presentations detailing ÁLI SĆȺ (all the good work).

Presentation topics included W̱SÁNEĆ Referrals Program, Goldstream, and the Archaeology Committee by Referrals Manager Laurie Whitehead, the Indigenous Management Board by Policy and Negotiation Analyst Eryn Rogers, W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust by Policy Analyst Jackie Ohayon and Lands Trust Manager Katie Blake, the board, staff, bylaws, and governance by Director of Operations Gordon Elliott, Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self Determination and nation building by Policy/Negotiations Manager Joni Olsen, local government by Local Government Program Manager Ned Taylor, land and marine planning by Marine Use Planner Shauna Johnson, and QENTOL, YEN by SRKW Monitoring Program Senior Manager David Dick. Each presenter offered vibrant trifold displays or digital presentations and encouraged attendees to ask questions.

After the presentations, attendees left with a copy of WLC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) report, a beautifully written document chronicling WLC’s work over the last year.

WLC is grateful to all the staff and community members who made this year’s open house a success and looks forward to another productive year of work on behalf of W̱SÁNEĆ. Those interested in staying up to date on future open house invitations, opportunities to get involved, and WLC’s work are encouraged to sign up for the Newsletter.