The following media release was originally published on the Tŝilhqot’in National Government’s website on March 15, 2023.
Tŝilhqot’in National Government Increases Office Space in Williams Lake
Williams Lake, B.C.: The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has purchased property at 925 2nd Ave north, formerly known as the Tolko Industries Ltd. office. The property consists of a large building and secure parking lot that will start being utilized by TNG in April.
The TNG has experienced substantial growth over the past 5 years as the organization pursues priorities within areas such as housing and infrastructure, jurisdiction for Tŝilhqot’in children and families, and land management. Williams Lake is located on the unceded territory of the Secwepmec Nation and is a valuable centre of business for the Tŝilhqot’in.
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).
Quotes:
Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
“The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is growing and becoming a large employer in the Williams Lake and Chilcotin region. While our offices are growing in Williams Lake, our focus remains on the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tolko building comes with a works yard that will be used for storage that is necessary to serve our people and complete projects in the territory. I would like to thank Tolko for supporting us on this purchase.”
Kevin Jewett, Tolko’s Vice-President, Woodlands
“Our Williams Lake Woodlands staff who were previously in the building are in the process of relocating to Tolko’s Lakeview divisional office,” says Kevin Jewett, Tolko’s Vice-President, Woodlands. “As Tolko no longer needed the space, we were happy to be able to sell it to a valuable community partner like the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, and we look forward to continuing our close relationship.”
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Media Contact:
Myanna Desaulniers
Communications Manager
Tŝilhqot’in National Government
(p) (250) 302-3731 (e) myanna@tsilhqotin.ca
