EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY

The Stó:lō Nation Society today evolved from organizations formed in response to the 1969 Liberal Indian Policy, known as the White Paper, which aimed to end benefits for Status Indians and assimilate Aboriginal people according to government policies. If passed, The Department of Indian Affairs (DIA) would have ceased to exist.

In the 1960s, DIA Indian Agencies became known as District Councils, and were intended to facilitate DIA benefits and services. The East Fraser District Council (EFDC) a grouping of twenty-four Stó:lō communities between Fort Langley and Yale, was formed.

The Chilliwack Area Indian Council (CAIC) was formed in 1970 when the local DIA office was closed. Initially representing 21 communities, by 1975 there were 14 member communities and Chief Richard Malloway (Yakweakwioose), Chief Sam Douglas (Cheam) and Chief Andrew Alex (Union Bar) formed the executive team. CAIC was solely concerned with the provision of services and was the first Stó:lō authority delegated to administer benefits under the DIA's health, social assistance, and education programs.

Between the early 1970s and 1994, a number of Stó:lō political and service delivery organizations grew out of the EFDC and the CAIC. These included the Stó:lō Forum, Stó:lō Nation Canada, Stó:lō Political Branch, and Stó:lō Tribal Council. As early as 1980, Chief Steven Point proposed the amalgamation of all Stó:lō service agencies.

In 1994, Stó:lō Nation Canada (SNC) and the Stó:lō Tribal Council (STC) agreed to form a single organization under Chief Steven Point's leadership. In 1995, the Stó:lō Nation submitted a Statement of Intent to the British Columbia Treaty Commission asserting their collective aboriginal rights and title, extending from the Dry Rack Fishery above Yale to the Salt Water resources of the Salish Sea. Twenty-one communities, led by Chiefs Charles Douglas, Michelle Douglas, Marilyn Gabriel, Ken Malloway, Lester Ned, Steven Point, and Bruce Sam, formed the first Board of Directors known as the Special Chiefs Council.

The Society's Constitution, signed on June 30th, 1995, outlines the purposes of the Society, including the revival of Stó:lō cultural values, self-government, and maintaining healthy Stó:lō communities, as well as supporting the growth of Stó:lō identity in children and improving public understanding of Stó:lō culture, traditions, and spirituality. The Annual Report for 1995-96 includes reports from various departments and a total budget of $18,174,722.00.

In April 1995, Shxwt'a:selhawtxw was officially opened to house the Longhouse Extension Program. The staff worked towards implementing the mission statement of creating a better world for the Stó:lō people, with milestones including: the opening of Shxwt'a:selhawtxw (Longhouse Extension Program) on April 16, 1995, and the grand opening of Government House on September 10, 1999.

In March 2001, child welfare responsibility transferred from the Ministry of Children and Families to Stó:lō Nation. The new facility for the Head Start Program and the Day Care Program was completed on 28 November 2003.

By Fiscal Year 2003-2004, SN's structure had changed significantly. Chief Executive Officer Joe Hall oversaw several programs and services, while individual directors managed Financial Services, Administrative Services, Child and Family Services, Health Services, and Community Development. Portfolio holders included Chief Lydia Archie, Councilor Ken Malloway, Chief Doug Kelly, Stó:lō Siyá:m Tyrone McNeil, and Stó:lō Yewal Siyá:m Clarence Pennier.

In 2004, the unified SN had to adjust to the withdrawal of 8 member communites, resulting in changes to its departments. Efforts were made to minimize disruption to Stó:lō community members. The Health Facility opened in 2004, with other developments occurring in subsequent years.