Sts’ailes Xaselmethox (Self-Determination)

This webpage is intended to help prepare Sts'ailes Eligible Voters  (18+ years registered members) to vote on upcoming governing documents. It also serves to share information with Xwlemexw te Sts'ailes (people of Sts'ailes) of all ages to prepare for sharing their voice as we work to create these governing documents. 

We Are Sts’ailes

Sts’ailes People have lived in the Harrison Watershed since time – immemorial and have thrived because of the ancient laws and practices that govern interactions with one another, land, waters, plants, and animals. 

Snowoyelh (Oral Laws) have been passed down generation after generation for millennia, ensuring respect and sustainable interactions in Sts’ailes Xa xa temexw (sacred lands). Our strong teachings and care for our lands allowed us to proper for thousands of years, as an independent and respected Coast-Salish tribal group.

Today, after over a century of historic disruptions, Sts’ailes continues to posses an unbroken inherent right and responsibility to care for our children, families, ancestors and those who are yet to come according to our Snowoyelh.

Lets’emo:t Sts’ailes - The Team Approach

At Sts'ailes we value a team approach to our work. Lets’emó:t Sts'ailes - one heart, one mind, one spirit.

Our contribution to Sts'ailes Xaselmethox (self-determination) falls with two main teams: the Negotiation Team and the Sts'ailes Swōqw’elh Working + Advisory Group (SSWAG).

The Negotiation Team sits at the table with government (in this case, the Government of Canada) to map out our progress and to have our inherent rights recognized by Government through a Self-Government Agreement (SGA).

The Negotiation Team's mandate comes from Chief and Council, who rely on the Community Vision 2070, the Sts'ailes CCP (Comprehensive Community Plan), and Staff and Community Engagement to identify Sts'ailes needs and priorities.

The purpose of the SSWAG is to draw from the working group members’ thoughts, experience and knowledge for nation-building with the primary focus of drafting the Sts’ailes Constitution and the Sts’ailes Citizenship Code, and to assist in engaging with Sts'ailes on the drafts. It is not a decision-making body, but rather a technical writing group.

Who We Are

Stephanie Adams
Self-Determination Analyst

Ey Swayel, my name is Stephanie, I am from Sts'ailes. My traditional name is Selesiya. My husband and our two kids live here in Sts'ailes. I recently moved into a new role as Self-Determination Analyst back onto the negotiation team. 

My primary duties support the following:

  • Coordinating the Reconciliation Agreement (RA) work with Canada and BC

  • Coordinating for the writing of the Citizenship Code, Constitution & Self Governance Agreement with the Working group and lawyers.

  • Being the liaison between Sts'ailes & BC for the implementation of the BCRA

  • Applying for funds, monitoring & reporting for Canada RA work that includes the Citizenship Code, Constitution & Self-Governance Agreement

  • Provide support for engagement with the community, DMOs and Chief & Council

Michaela James
Self Governance Technician

My Name is Michaela James, my traditional name is Qwèkixiya. I am from Sts'ailes, Kitsegukla, and Nooksack. My job position is Self-Governance Technician on the negotiation team.

My primary roles on the negotiation team include:

  • Organizing meetings with Canada, BC, Lawyers, Realtors, etc.

  • Technical support for meetings & events

  • Restocking give aways, door prizes for the Open House, community mailouts, and other community events

  • Support to the CEO, DMOs and Chief & Council

  • Financial data entry for Xyntax

  • Carry out planning sessions collectively with Secretariat

The Negotiation Team

The Negotiation Team is responsible for negotiating the Reconciliation Agreement with BC (RA BC), the Reconciliation Agreement with Canada(CAN RA) and tripartite opportunities (Sts’ailes, BC and Canada).

Chaquawet | Willie Charlie
Chief Administrative Officer + Chief Negotiator 

Xoyet thet | Boyd Peters
Xwilexmet Director (Rights + Title) 

Selesiya | Stephanie Adams
Self-Governance Technician

Qwèkixiya | Michaela James
Self-Governance Technician

Vacant Position
Self Governance Community Engagement Coordinator

Documents

Sts’ailes Referendum Vote
Our Sts’ailes Referendum Vote is coming up March 2024! Please take the time to read this document on why we are moving forward on this journey for Sts’ailes.

Guide to the Citizenship Code
This document is intended to help you navigate the Sts’ailes Citizenship Code.

Introduction to the Citizenship Code
Learn what Sts’ailes has planned and why we are moving forward writing a Sts’ailes Citizenship Code.


Draft Constitution Document
Please take the time to read and provide your valuable feedback.


Draft Citizenship Code Document
Please take the time to read and provide your valuable feedback.


Sts’ailes Referendum Regulation Document
Please take the time to read and provide your valuable feedback.

XASELMETHOX STAFF

Stephanie Adams
Self-Determination Analyst
T: 604.796.2116

Michaela James
Self-Governance Technician
T: 604.796.2116

Make Your Vote March 20th!

Citizenship & the Constitution